With the women’s college season approaching, we are thinking about some players who might be making a bigger contribution to the fortunes of their respective teams. It’s not a top 10 list, just some musing on a hot summer day about players who might be rising in prominence in the collegiate game. 

1. Jonelle Filigno, Rutgers – She’ll be at the Olympics playing for Canada at the beginning of the season, but is eager to get back to the Rutgers campus and make the impact she’s hinted at prior to injuries or international duties. Coach Glenn Crooks is looking forward to having a fully fit Filigno, including her superlative work and training ethic, back in the fold.

2. Carlie Davis, Baylor – The senior from Solar SC started every game in 2011, but she will be asked by coach Marci Jobson to take an expanded role in leading the Bears’ defensive effort, which yielded less than a goal per game last season.

3. Jami Kranich, Villanova – We liked her as a club player in Connecticut, but Kranich has been quite involved with the preparations of the U20 Women’s National Team prior to the FIFA World Cup to be played in Japan next month. While being selected would keep her out of the lineup for the opening weeks of the season, it’s also a sign that Kranich is approaching a very top level in the college game.

4.  Sarah Senoyuit & Meghan Scharer, Dayton – Coach Mike Tucker has some holes to fill in the defensive line due to graduation, and these two are being called upon to step up. He credited both with a good work ethic and coachability. Senoyuit is a junior from FC Bucks and Scharer a junior from the Greater Toledo Futbol Club. Players who can fulfill the requirements of these kinds of roles usually end up making a big difference to their team’s on-field fortunes.

5. Shannon Mayrose, Virginia Tech – Shannon is a target player who played club soccer with the Montclair Aristocrats in New Jersey. She missed most of her freshman and sophomore years with knee injuries, but last season got back into the action and scored nine goals, all as a substitute. Her coach, Chugger Adair, thinks that with increased fitness she will have an even bigger role to play for the Hokies this season.

Tomorrow: Five More Players To Watch