College athletic programs welcomed new members on Wed., Feb. 4 as part of National Signing Day.

Pace in particular saw a flurry of players being signed, particularly for the football and soccer teams.

Football welcomed in nine new players; eight from the NY/NJ area, along with a transfer from Orange Coast College.

Both sides of the ball are represented with the new recruits, as noted by head coach Andrew Rondeau.

“This was the first week that we were allowed to sign players and I think we got a lot of good ones,” Rondeau said. “We got a couple of guys who will provide some depth in the quarterback position, we have a couple of linebackers and safeties. It’s a good starting point but there is still work to be done.”

Anthony Abbondanza (QB, Mount Sinai, NY), Jasheem Banks (CB, Central Islip, NY), Matthew Ferrara (LB/K/P, Cresskill, NJ), Jason Hellwig (QB, Medina, NY), Kadeem Langhorne (LB, Baldwin, NY), Thomas Leech (S, Brick Township, NJ), Jeffrey Mansfield (OL, La Mirada, CA), Robert Planter (LB, Manchester, NJ), and Brennan Walsh (OL, Great River, NY) will all be joining the team.

Rondeau noted that more emphasis was placed on finding recruits in the NY/NJ area, with Rondeau stating that he and his staff wanted to “do well in our own backyard.”

The head coach placed emphasis on wanting the players’ families to be able to come and watch the games, which helps develop a sense of community within the team.

Women’s soccer’s signed 13 new recruits on National Signing Day.

Marrissa Ruland (Club: Tampa Bay United), Cydney Borner (World Class), Leah Krinker (Orlando City), Noreen Carlin (ISA), Sydney Rynn-Mason (SAC United), Tiffany Brewer (Jersey United Spartans), Sarah Bresnan (South Jersey Elite Barons), Ariana Bresa (World Class), Robyn Seward (NY Rush), Danielle May (Nirvana), Reena Boruck (Sunrise Sting), Morgan Jones (CFC United), and Sophia Deleon (NY Rush) are joining the team as part of the Setters 2019 class.