Tavana, Pucci Invited To Gotham FC Preseason Training - Seton Hall University Athletics
Gotham FC announced Wednesday that Seton Hall women's soccer seniors Chiara Pucci and Natalie Tavana are one of nine non-rostered invitees that will join the...
HARRISON, N.J. -- Gotham FC announced Wednesday that Seton Hall women's soccer seniors Chiara Pucci and Natalie Tavana are one of nine non-rostered invitees that will join the club for preseason training. Following the team's return from Spain on Saturday, Gotham FC will train for a few days in New Jersey before departing for IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, on Sunday.
Pucci and Tavana will train alongside U.S. Women's National Team mainstays Rose Lavelle, Emily Sonnett and Tierna Davidson as they begin their professional careers.
Pucci finished her Seton Hall career as a two-time All-BIG EAST selection, one of just seven Pirates in program history to accomplish that feat. A two-time team captain, Pucci led the Pirates in minutes in BIG EAST play as a senior with 810 and she scored the game-winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Providence on Oct. 6. She's tied for eighth in Seton Hall history in career games played with 72 and all three of her career goals were scored this season. Along with her game-winner over the Friars, Pucci scored the go-ahead goal on a penalty kick in The Hall's season-opening win over Hofstra. Pucci was a third team all-conference pick last season and a two-time CSC Academic All-District selection.
Tavana leaves South Orange as one of the most decorated players in program history. She ranks fourth all-time at The Hall in career goals (19) and points (49). Her 11 career assists ranks sixth in the school's annals. Tavana's historic 2023 campaign finished with her being named BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Year and All-BIG EAST First Team. Tavana was the first Pirate to be named BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Year since SHU Athletics Hall of Famer Kelly Smith won the award in 1999. She finished as the BIG EAST's goal scoring champion, pacing the conference with 12 goals overall and five goals in conference play. Her 26 points (12 goals, two assists) ranked second in the BIG EAST. In the Seton Hall record books, Tavana's 12 goals and 26 points were the most in a single season since Smith's 1999 campaign.
