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Courtesy of Kim LaRosa

Gage, Kim, Chloe, MaKenna, and Jeremy LaRosa

Tyrone senior soccer standout Chloe LaRosa will continue her academic and athletic career at Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA in the fall.

LaRosa, Tyrone’s all-time leading goal scorer, came back from a season-ending knee injury that sidelined her for the bulk of her junior year to post a successful senior season in which she set the career mark for goals and was a first-team area all-star.

LaRosa was recently honored by the Altoona Mirror with the 2023 Erin Johnson Inspiration Award for Overcoming Adversity for her senior year comeback.

LaRosa considered several other schools, including California University of PA, UPJ, and Concord, but Westminster’s close proximity to home, solid academics, and competitive soccer team made it LaRosa’s first choice.

“Westminster fits my academic and athletic needs perfectly. I love the campus, the head coach, the athletic facilities, and the training they provide,” said LaRosa.

LaRosa’s parents couldn’t be happier about her decision.

“Westminster is a perfect fit for her. She will feel right at home there and it’s not too far away,” said her mother Kim LaRosa.

“I’m very happy she stayed in-state out of all the schools she could’ve picked. I should be able to make all the games now,” said her father Jeremy LaRosa.

Tyrone Head girls soccer coach Mike Sparacino is also excited to see what the Tyrone standout can do at the next level.

“She took her time with her college choice. She had many offers and weighed the pros and cons of each. We have no doubt that Westminster is the right school for her. They are getting a hardworking and dedicated player. We look forward to following her career in the coming years,” said Sparacino.

LaRosa says that she will play forward or midfield at Westminster, and plans to keep putting the ball in the back of the net for her new team.

“She smashed the school’s career goals record, despite missing half a year with injury, and helped lead the team to three straight playoff appearances,” said Sparacino.

The Westminster Women’s Soccer team competes in the Division III Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC).

Last year, they went 14-4-2 and were 9-1 in their conference. They are looking to add to their team after losing four of their starters to graduation.

The team also includes sixteen freshmen, so LaRosa will have to work to earn her playing time. However, this should not be a problem for LaRosa, due to her strong work ethic on and off the field.

“Chloe has always been one to work towards her goals. She always knows what she wants and achieves it. Her injury during her junior year has only made her work ethic stronger. I’m excited to see what she can accomplish in college,” said teammate and fellow senior Eliza Vance.