On Feb. 2, 2025, Sadie Shapiro announced her commitment to Duquesne University for women’s soccer, pursuing her ten-year athletic career at the Division 1 level. Shapiro was attracted to the school’s staff and setting along with the strong contenders amongst the division.
“I chose to play at Duquesne because I really like the coach and the team has a really great atmosphere to be around,” Shapiro told The Fanscotian. “They are in a conference with great competition so it will push me to play at my best.”
Located in the heart of Pittsburgh, student-athletes like Shapiro are encouraged to engage in the lively community while sharpening their skills on and off the field.
“The school is in a great location, so I am surrounded by tons of opportunities and things to enjoy,” Shapiro said.
Founded in 1878, the private Catholic research university emphasizes students building connections within a major city. The Dukes compete at the highest collegiate level in the NCAA and in the Atlantic 10 (A-10) Conference.
“I am most looking forward to playing in the college environment as it is a step up from anything I have experienced before,” Shapiro said.
The Duquesne women’s soccer team won their first A-10 championship on Nov. 8, 2015, striking twice in the second half to shut out Fordham 2-0. The program has fared well since appointing former Slippery Rock head coach Jessica Giegucz on Dec. 20, 2024. Looking to reclaim that superior status, the Dukes are off to a hot start to their new campaign with a record of 5-2 (3-0 on home turf), out-scoring their opponents 20 goals to seven.
“I am excited to meet many new people and create a bond with a brand new team,” Shapiro said.
The midfield maestro is in her third and final year as a part of the varsity squad. In the two previous seasons, the current captain was nominated as a 2024 Union County Team Honorable Mention and received a Sectional award at the NJ Girls Soccer Coaches Association (NJGSCA) banquet.
“[This opportunity at SPF] is definitely something that I have learned not to take for granted—these years have flown by and I get to play my senior season with a great team,” Shapiro said. “Playing soccer in this town does come with some added pressure, but I have learned to embrace that and use it to push myself.”
A centerpiece of the SPF offense, Shapiro contributed four goals and six assists before heading into this season, including the set up of both goals in the 2-0 win against Newark East Side in the first round of the sectional tournament last year. The Raiders are undefeated in their first three games in 2025, recording an impressive nine goals—four of which Shapiro has fabricated.
“Playing soccer for SPF has been such a fun experience to be a part of,” Shapiro said. “I am lucky to have been teammates with so many great girls and enjoy playing soccer with them.”
Outside of town, the senior was exposed to different ranks of talent and given the chance to elevate her game year-round within the Cedar Stars Academy based in Bergen County.
“Cedar Stars has helped me improve as a player as the club level which I play at is higher in competition than high school,” Shapiro said. “Playing at this level pushed me to improve in all ways whether that be my fitness or technicality.”
Shapiro has set individual and collective goals for the remainder of the fall, eager to optimize the time she has left at the high school by collecting hardware along the way.
“Personally, I hope to improve in-game before I leave for college and work out any kinks,” Shapiro said. “As a team, we hope to have a winning season and win [the] county and state [tournaments].”
