HAMILTON - The McMaster women's soccer program has announced that five student-athletes - Mea Martel, Nikki Pourgoutzidis, Julia Hesmer, Ravina Braich and Annie Paladino - have committed to join the program in 2023-24. 

MEA MARTEL | RIGHT WINGER | OTTAWA, ONT. | WEST OTTAWA SC
Mea attended high school at All Saints Catholic High School and played her club soccer with West Ottawa Soccer Club. The right winger will major in environmental sciences at McMaster.

"I chose McMaster for its recognized academics and overall welcoming environment. I think committing to McMaster will challenge me to grow as a person academically and will help me improve as a soccer player. I'm so excited to start playing with the team and to have a great first year!"
 

NIKKI POURGOUTZIDIS | MIDFIELDER | TORONTO, ONT. | RUSH ACADEMY
Nikki, an experienced midfielder, has been a constant threat on the field for both her high school and club teams. Outside of being a leading scorer for Rush Academy, she also received the 2021/22 All Rush Award, awarded to one female player from each team that demonstrates the academy's values and outstanding soccer abilities. Pourgoutzidis was also named the Senior Female Athlete of the Year at Ursula Franklin Academy. She will study integrated biomedical engineering and health sciences beginning in September.

"I am excited to join a wonderful group of players and become a Marauder!"   
 

JULIA HESMER | STRIKER | BRANTFORD, ONT. | HAMILTON UNITED
Julia, a member of local club Hamilton United, stays close to home as she will wear the maroon and grey this September. A captain of the St. John's College varsity soccer team, Hesmer was named the 2022 St. John's College Senior Female Athlete of the Year, a finalist for the 2022 Phyllis Gretzky Memorial Award for Female Youth Leadership (Brantford Sports Council) and won the 2022 AABHN High School Soccer Championship with her team. She will study life sciences in the fall.

"I am very excited to embrace this new opportunity at McMaster University. From the innovative and cutting-edge academic research to the passion and excellence within athletics, McMaster has always felt like home. I am so privileged to have this opportunity and I am excited to continue my growth as a player while surrounded by such an encouraging and experienced group of athletes. My soccer goals are to focus on individual development in order to help contribute to the success of the team. I plan to work hard and build connections with my teammates, and I look forward to all the amazing memories to come."
 

RAVINA BRAICH | MIDFIELDER | OAKVILLE, ONT. | NORTH MISSISSAUGA SC
Ravina, from Oakville, played high school soccer for Iroquois Ridge High School. She will major in integrated biomedical engineering and health sciences at McMaster. The midfielder plays club soccer for North Mississauga and was ranked 7th in First Touch Football (FTF) Canada's Class of 2023.

"I chose McMaster because it is one of the top schools in Canada for engineering and health sciences. I am equally thrilled and looking forward to varsity soccer with an amazing group of players that have been so welcoming and supportive. I believe McMaster is my gateway to success, both academically and athletically, and I can't wait to embrace the challenges that lie ahead."
 

ANNIE PALADINO | CENTRE BACK | TORONTO, ONT. | NORTH TORONTO NITROS 
Annie comes to McMaster by the way of Toronto. In high school, Paladino attended Humberside Collegiate Institute and played club for North Toronto Nitros. The centre back will major in engineering at McMaster.

"I chose McMaster because it's a great place for me to grow as a player and a person. It is a fantastic school with an excellent engineering program and a strong soccer team. I am so excited to be starting in September!"
 

For the latest news and updates on the McMaster Marauders, follow @mcmastersports on social media or visit www.marauders.ca.