Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1467458
J U N E / J U L Y 2 0 2 2 6 3 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M games. Hopefully, eventually I'll get what I deserve moving forward." Describing himself as "not a contro- versy guy," Gesicki said he definitely plans to take part in the Dolphins' oblig- atory team activities in the leadup to the season. He showed up for Miami's optional Organized Team Activities in April. Whereas some players may elect to hold themselves out in similar circum- stances, Gesicki made it clear he has no such intention. About a possible extension in the fu- ture? Well, Gesicki said he's listening. "That's up to them, honestly. I have a good relationship with [general manager Chris Grier and senior vice president Brandon Shore], and this new coaching staff — maybe that has something to do with it," Gesicki said. "I'm not sure. I don't really have all the answers. "I just kind of go with the flow. If they reach out, my agent will be listening." Christian Campbell, Shareef Miller Land In Revived USFL The inaugural season of the United States Football League kicked off on April 16, and two former Penn State players were involved. The first was defensive back Chris- tian Campbell, who plays for the Tampa Bay Bandits. He was joined by Shareef Miller, a defensive end for the New Or- leans Breakers. "It's great for a lot of those bubble guys to have the opportunity to continue to play and have a chance to be developed," PSU head coach James Franklin told the Big Ten Network. "And some of those guys are going to have great stories where they're going to make it to the NFL and have great careers, and these other op- portunities played a part in that." Campbell played for Penn State from 2014 to 2017, earning a starting spot at cornerback in his final season. He re- ceived an honorable mention All-Big Ten nod that year, when the Nittany Lions posted an 11-2 record culminating in a Fiesta Bowl victory. The Arizona Cardinals drafted Camp- bell in the sixth round in 2018 but waived him before the start of the season. He spent the next year floating around with the Saints and 49ers, but never broke through. Now, he's getting his chance in the USFL with the Bandits. Through three games, the Bandits were 2-1, and Campbell had 11 total tack- les. Campbell's former teammate Miller arrived in Happy Valley in 2015. A two- time member of the All-Big Ten third team, Miller compiled 14.5 sacks and 31.5 tackles for loss over the course of his Penn State career. The Philadelphia Eagles selected Miller in the fourth round of the 2019 draft. He made one appearance for Philly that season, but, after the Carolina Panthers claimed him off waivers, he bounced around to four different orga- nizations without seeing the field. The Breakers were also off to a 2-1 start through three contests, and Miller had 1.5 sacks and 12 tackles. ■ Former Penn Staters Are Plentiful In The NWSL The women's soccer program has been one of Penn State's best through the years, with 20 Big Ten regular- season championships and an NCAA title in 2015. Given the Nittany Lions' continual success, it's no surprise that they are well represented in the National Women's Soccer League, which began its season on April 29. Here's a look at the 10 Penn State alumnae who saw action on the NWSL's opening weekend: CHICAGO RED STARS: Alyssa Naeher is one of Penn State's best-known former players because of her ap- pearances in goal for the U.S. National Team. She's started for two Women's World Cup champions, and she won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics last year. Naeher has been with the Red Stars since 2016 and was one of the heroes of their season opener, totaling five saves in a 2-1 victory over Racing Louisville FC. KANSAS CITY CURRENT: Three former Lions are on Kansas City's roster — defenders Elizabeth Ball and Mallory Weber, and midfielder Maddie Nolf. Ball started and played the full game on defense while We- ber was injured in the team's 3-0 season-opening loss at Portland. Nolf wasn't available to play in the opener. NY/NJ GOTHAM FC: Defender Ali Krieger is another U.S. National Team veteran. She's been with Gotham FC since 2021 and started this year's opener, finishing with 12 clearances in a 3-0 shutout of her former team, the Orlando Pride. Ellie Jean, who wrapped up her PSU career in 2019, is a reserve defender with Gotham. ORLANDO PRIDE: Erin McLeod started in goal for Orlando's opener and made one save in the loss to Gotham. Defender Kerry Abello started and played 72 minutes in her NWSL debut. Abello was drafted 24th overall in 2021 but opted to play another season at Penn State, delaying her entry into the league. PORTLAND THORNS FC: Last year's regular-season champs have two Penn Staters on their 2022 roster — midfielders Raquel Rodriguez and Sam Coffey. Rodriguez, the star of PSU's national championship team, has been in the league since she was chosen No. 2 overall in the 2016 draft. She's been with Portland since 2020 when she was traded to the Thorns by Sky Blue FC. Coffey is a newcomer, having been drafted in the second round (12th overall) by the Thorns in January. She and Rodriguez were both in the starting lineup for the opener, which was played before 13,672 fans in Portland. SAN DIEGO WAVE FC: Defender Kaleigh Riehl played all 90 minutes in the first game in franchise history, finishing with six clearances, two blocks and two interceptions in a 1-0 shutout of the Houston Dash. — Matt Herb Midfielder Raquel Rodriguez has been in the league since 2016 and has played for Portland since the 2020 season. PHOTO COURTESY PORTLAND THORNS