Fall sports preview: All eyes on championships and rising stars

Rowan University’s athletic programs are gearing up this fall for another season of high-level competition, with championship aspirations and promising talent across the board.

Here’s a taste of what’s to come:

Football strong, with a new look on defense

After a solid 6-4 campaign in 2024, and undefeated at home, Rowan football enters its second season under Head Coach Pat Ruley, a former two-time All-New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Profs linebacker.

Ruley who instilled a new sense of enthusiasm in the program his first year, guides a team with a strong offensive foundation but a defense in transition.

Key offensive returners include wide receiver Michael Zarfati and running backs Nunes Bukula IV and Tyshawn Bookman, who are all expected to play pivotal roles in the Profs’ attack. On defense, standout lineman Giani Derameaux and versatile nickelback A.J. Ryker will anchor a largely rebuilt unit.

Among the newcomers, wide receivers Jamir Rowe (St. Joe’s Prep) and Shakur Taylor (East Orange High School), along with linebacker Xavier McBride (Millville High School), turned heads in preseason.

“If we play fast, confident, and physical on both sides of the ball we have the ability to compete with anyone on our schedule,” Ruley said.

Men’s cross country eyes fourth straight NJAC title

As men’s cross country gears up to earn the NJAC title for a fourth consecutive year, Head Coach Dustin Dimit is optimistic about the squad’s potential, even as it transitions from a senior-heavy roster to a younger, emerging squad.

“We’re optimistic that our young team is ready to fill the shoes of the great group that graduated last year and contend to win titles in the NJAC and NCAA Metro region,” Dimit said.

Among returning standouts is Matt Conway, an NCAA Championships qualifier and All-NJAC performer who enters his final season before departing for a prestigious Fulbright scholarship. Conway, who is also a Goldwater recipient and an Eagle Scout, leads a talented core that includes fellow All-NJAC runners Scott Hubbard and Colin Patterson.

The team will feel the absence of last year’s senior class, which included NJAC Champion and NCAA Regional runner-up Josh Cason, along with NCAA qualifiers Miles Voenell, Caleb Clevenger, and Giancarlo Vega.

Still, Dimit is excited about the incoming freshman class, which features promising athletes like Elijah Whitaker, Giovanni LaPietra and Garrett Walters.

“There is a lot of talent in that group,” Dimit said.

Women’s cross country builds on historic season

After a terrific 2024, women’s cross country is back with high hopes and renewed purpose. Under Head Coach Shedrick Elliott III, the Profs captured their first NJAC championship since 2019, won the NCAA Metro Regional for the first time in program history, and earned a berth to the national championships.

“Last year was a dream season,” Elliott said. “There wasn’t any pressure—we were free to simply go out and compete. Now expectations could add some extra weight.”

Leading the charge is senior Gabriella “Ellie” Pagano, fresh off NJAC titles in the 5K and 1500m. Junior Ally Wernik returns healthy and ready to build on her top finish from last season. Juniors Emily Zanni, Shannon Stakelbeck, and sophomore Zoey Doelling also return after strong performances in last year’s championship meets.

The team welcomes transfer Jezena Aponte and rising talent Jenna Spadaro, who placed sixth in the 10K at the outdoor NJAC championships.

While the team will miss the leadership of graduates Anna Sasse and Mia Guerra, Elliott is optimistic.

“We’re not just focused on the top seven – we’re building a foundation for everyone on the roster to grow into future leaders and competitors.”

Women’s soccer poised for strong season under Leacott

With a deep roster of returning talent and a promising group of newcomers, women’s soccer is primed for a high-level 2025 campaign.

In fact, said Head Coach Scott Leacott, the Profs have the tools to win championships.

“With a ton of returners and quality incoming players, we should be competing well into November if things go well for us,” Leacott said. “We have quality all over the field, and if we find the right chemistry, we should be a dangerous team to play against.”

Key returners include Olivia Giordano, Lianna SanFelice, Sara Wiedeman, Julianna Giordano, MaKala Baker and Cali Sloan – and each is expected to play a pivotal role this season.

While the team faces the usual adversity and the loss of key graduates, Leacott emphasizes the importance of leadership and commitment.

“The idea of competing every single day is the most exciting part,” he said. “The players are thrilled to be back together and back on the field.”

Men’s Soccer: strong returning core, talented newcomers

Men’s soccer Head Coach Scott Baker enters the season with high expectations and deep optimism. The team returns its core roster from last year and welcomes eight impactful newcomers – seven Division I transfers and one graduate student—adding depth and experience across the field.

Leading the charge is All-American and Academic All-American Johnny Troiano, who is poised to break program goal-scoring records. Alongside Troiano, standout players Greg Ferreira, Ryan Cleary, Davi Caputo and Jake Homowitz impressed in preseason.

While the team has graduated some key players, Baker is confident in the potential of two new goalkeepers – Travis Holiday and C.J. Norton – and is especially energized by the leadership of the senior class.

For now, Baker said, he’s simply excited about what may be.

“This time of year is always special,” he said. “The ’25 Team has proven during preseason that they can be one of the top programs in the last decade.”

Field Hockey driven by renewed sense of excitement and unity

Field Hockey Head Coach Michelle Andre enters 2025 energized by the depth and experience of her roster. With a strong returning core and standout players like Tess Herman, Jenna Gray, Mariah Juliano, Alexa Ronning and Gracie Merrick, the team is poised to build on recent success.

Despite the loss of a regional player-of-the-year Allie Palumbo, Andre is confident in the team’s ability and said the preseason brought a renewed sense of excitement and unity.

“It’s fresh and new and we just get to be together and play field hockey,” she said.

That camaraderie will be key as the team pursues its fifth consecutive NJAC title and aims to return to the national semifinals.

Andre emphasizes the importance of staying connected through the highs and lows of the season.

“We get to do this. We get to be together and play field hockey,” she said. “And we will look to stick together through the season through ups and downs to reach our goal.”

Volleyball primed to score under Jespersen’s leadership

As Rowan volleyball gears up for the fall season, Head Coach Deana Jespersen enters her 12^th year with a team bursting with energy, athleticism and ambition.

“This group is electric,” Jespersen says. “Their drive is contagious—on and off the court.”

Despite graduating five impactful seniors, the team isn’t slowing down and Jespersen is confident in the ability of her incoming freshmen.

“The team has huge shoes to fill, but this freshman class is full of talent and during preseason have shown they can compete,” she said. “The biggest challenge will be the on-court chemistry and trust as we blend new faces and new systems.”

Leading the charge are two standout seniors: outside hitter Jena Kaul and libero Vanessa Hutchinson, both of whom are poised to lead a chase for the NJAC title and set the tone for a season of promise.

Beyond the court, Jespersen is excited about the team’s culture and camaraderie.

“We work hard to be great teammates. I love seeing their relationships grow and their successes—on and off the court,” she said.

Jespersen noted that the season also promises meaningful moments beyond straight competition, from the Hope Venture Breast Cancer game to a Halloween Costume Night and a mental health awareness match.

With a fresh roster, a strong culture, and a packed calendar of special events, Rowan volleyball is ready to light up the court—and the community.

Learn more – and see some games! 

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