Two incoming freshmen signees to the Penn State women’s soccer team were named Gatorade High School Player of the Year in their respective states Tuesday afternoon. Defender Molly Martin won the award in Massachusetts, while forward Amelia White earned the distinction in Indiana.

Gatorade annually distributes the award to the top soccer player in each American state, with similar awards for other major high school sports.

As a senior defender, Martin scored six goals and recorded nine assists on the year. Martin was instrumental in Buckingham, Browne & Nichols School’s undefeated 21-0 season. The squad’s defense only allowed two goals over the entire year.

Martin recently participated in the High School All-American Game and was invited to a virtual camp with the U-18 United States Women’s National Team in April 2021.

“I am humbled and grateful to be named the Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year for the Fall 2021 high school soccer season,” Martin said. “However, behind every individual award, there is a story of countless individuals that help you earn this. This award is a testament to the strength of the village around me… Despite my name being on the award, we all share a piece of it. I am infinitely proud to close a great chapter in my career with this award, but even more excited about the next chapter.”

In her senior season, White, forward and midfield hybrid, totaled 25 goals and 15 assists. Her shot creation for herself and her teammates was significant to her Homestead High School team’s perfect 22-0 season, which was capped off by a state championship victory.

White finished her high school career with 52 goals and 31 assists, on her way to becoming the No. 2 overall-ranked recruit in the country for the Class of 2022, according to Top Drawer Soccer.

“I feel really honored to win this award because I worked really hard this season and made a lot of sacrifices,” White said. “I’m looking forward to playing at such a high level with some of the best players in the country. I hope to learn from them and gain new friendships this season.”

Martin and White are cornerstone members of Penn State women’s soccer’s Class of 2022. After securing three recent transfers in May, the Nittany Lions’ class now ranks No. 1 nationally, according to Top Drawer Soccer.