Valpo soccer head coach John Marovich announced today that three members of the high school Class of 2022 — Sarah Epstein, Molly O’Rear and Kate Sheridan — have signed National Letters of Intent and will join the Beacons’ program as freshmen for the 2022 season.

“We are excited to welcome Kate, Sarah and Molly to our program,” Marovich said. “Each one of these ladies brings a skill set that fits into our game model and will enhance our effectiveness in our building out of the back and accessing the space between lines.”

Sarah Epstein – 5’3” – D – Oswego, Ill. – Oswego H.S. – Team Chicago

Epstein is a four-year varsity starter for the Panthers. She has received All-Area and All-Conference recognition during her career at Oswego, and last season paced the team in assists and was second on the squad in goals. On the club side, Epstein was a member of the Illinois ODP State Team in 2017 and 2018. She helped lead her club team to US Club Nationals in 2021 and to the USYS Midwest Conference Premier 1 title in 2019. Epstein plans to study bioengineering at Valpo.

Epstein on why she chose Valpo: “I knew Valpo was the perfect fit for me from the very beginning. Throughout my recruiting process, no other school compared to Valpo. From the family-like team environment to the high-quality engineering program, I knew I couldn’t pass up this opportunity. Valpo aligned perfectly with what I was looking for in a school, as well having the very competitive soccer program I was looking for. I’m excited to grow as a student-athlete surrounded by such a driven team!”

Marovich on Epstein: “Sarah will be joining our group of defenders which has been growing as a very stingy unit.  She is naturally an outside back who gets forward and technically plays in combination. Her attacking mentality will add another player that can help our team progress and access the space between lines, both with a pass and on the dribble. Sarah getting forward creates another attacking presence for us in the wide channels, but also in the half spaces. Her skill set fits the expectations we have for our outside backs and her attacking mentality makes her a great fit in our system.”

Molly O’Rear – 5’4” – MF – Naperville, Ill. – Naperville Central H.S. – Eclipse Select

O’Rear has earned All-Area, All-Sectional and All-Conference honors during her time playing with the Redhawks. She earned the DuPage Valley Conference Silver Boot last season, tying the Naperville Central single-season record with 18 goals to go with six assists as she helped the Redhawks to a conference championship and a sectional final appearance. O’Rear plans to study business at Valpo.

O’Rear on why she chose Valpo: “I chose Valpo because of the competitive atmosphere of the team and the amazing academics!”

Marovich on O’Rear: “Molly can play either in the midfield or up front as an attacking player. She has the ability to break lines with her passing, which gives us another player that can help us in the creation phase from the space in front of the opponent's back line. Her vision in the creative space to get the ball behind the back line will enhance our team’s ability to create more chances on goal. Molly plays with a great spirit which is infectious to her teammates. She gets as much satisfaction from giving an assist as she gets from scoring goals.”

Kate Sheridan – 5’7” – GK – Grand Rapids, Mich. – East Grand Rapids H.S. – Midwest United

Sheridan focused on her club career with Midwest United, which competes in the ECNL, opting not to play high school soccer. Sheridan did play four years of basketball for the Pioneers. She is undecided on her field of study at Valpo.

Sheridan on why she chose Valpo: “I chose Valpo because of its strong academic reputation and its commitment to every student’s success. I also chose Valpo to be part of an outstanding soccer program which supports every player to be the best student-athlete that they can be.”

Marovich on Sheridan: “Kate will deepen a very competitive and talented goalkeeping group in 2022. Kate stands out with her ability to manage crosses and her decision making. She reads the game well, which provides the time needed to get out and meet the ball on services in the box. Kate holds onto crosses without giving up many second-chance opportunities. Her distribution is solid with both her hands and feet, which fits perfectly into our playing style.”