Saint Francis University is a small, close-knit Catholic liberal arts college located in rural western Pennsylvania, with approximately 1,700 undergraduate students. The university offers an intimate academic environment with personalized attention and strong community connections.
Location & Setting Rural setting in Loretto, Pennsylvania, situated in a small town within the Allegheny Mountain region. The campus is nestled in a scenic, wooded area approximately 90 miles east of Pittsburgh, characterized by a quiet, tight-knit community atmosphere with limited immediate urban amenities.
Campus Life Small campus with a tight student community, emphasizing personal relationships and engagement. On-campus housing is readily available, with most students living in residence halls or nearby campus housing. Limited Greek life, with social activities primarily centered around campus events, athletic programs, and campus organizations.
Student Body Predominantly regional student population, with most students coming from Pennsylvania and surrounding mid-Atlantic states. Majority are first-generation college students, with a strong Catholic and community-oriented background. Typically collaborative and service-minded student culture.
Academics Strong emphasis on health sciences, engineering, and professional preparation programs. Known for small class sizes, personalized faculty mentorship, and hands-on learning experiences. Notable strengths in nursing, healthcare, and STEM disciplines with a practical, career-focused academic approach.
Athletics & Sports NCAA Division III athletic program with competitive teams across multiple sports. Strong emphasis on student-athlete academic performance and community involvement. Robust athletic culture with significant campus spirit, particularly in basketball, soccer, and volleyball.
Lifestyle & Weather Typical Appalachian mountain climate with cold winters and moderate summers. Four distinct seasons with significant snowfall. A car is recommended due to rural location, though campus is walkable. Outdoor recreational opportunities include hiking, skiing, and exploring nearby state parks and natural areas.
| High | Low | |
|---|---|---|
| January | 33° | 16° |
| April | 58° | 34° |
| July | 79° | 56° |
| October | 60° | 38° |
| Name | Position | Contact | Bio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mackenzie Allessie | Head Coach | mallessie@francis.edu | View Bio |
| Haley Connor | Graduate Assistant | — | View Bio |
| # | Name | Position | Year | Height | Hometown | High School |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Madison Waldspurger | D | Sr. | 5-6 | Hatfield, Pa. | North Penn |
| 2 | Anna Commero | F | So. | 5-3 | Ephrata, Pa. | Ephrata |
| 3 | Madilyn Donmoyer | D | So. | 5-2 | Harrisburg, Pa. | Bishop McDevitt |
| 4 | Emilee Myers | D | Sr. | 5-6 | York, Pa. | Central York |
| 7 | Grace Reed | F | Sr. | 5-7 | Nanticoke, Pa. | Greater Nanticoke Area |
| 8 | Brooklyn Widdess | M | Jr. | 5-4 | Kelowna, British Columbia | Kelowna Secondary School |
| 9 | Chloe Butz | D/M | Sr. | 5-2 | Stroudsburg, Pa. | Stroudsburg |
| 10 | Cruz Cánepa | M | So. | 5-3 | Barcelona, Spain | Colegio Santo Angel |
| 11 | Morgan Smeltz | M | Fr. | 5-4 | Carlisle, Pa. | Cumberland Valley |
| 12 | Avery Bradburn | D | So. | 5-2 | Lancaster, Pa. | Penn Manor |
| 13 | Hailee Adams | D | Fr. | 5-2 | Lititz, Pa. | Warwick |
| 14 | Josefina Sayal Aguirre | D | So. | 5-7 | Buenos Aires, Argentina | Escuela Secundaria Padre José Dardi |
| 15 | Hannah Capo | F | So. | 5-8 | Fountainville, Pa. | Pennridge |
| 16 | Julia Barto | D | Jr. | 5-7 | Lititz, Pa. | Warwick |
| 19 | Ryan Engleman | F | Fr. | 5-0 | York, Pa. | Central York |
| 21 | Sofia Marciano | M | So. | 5-6 | Buenos Aires, Argentina | Del Viso Day School |
| 22 | T Ciaccia | F | Jr. | 5-3 | Lehman, Pa. | Lake Lehman |
| 24 | Addie Sholly | M | So. | 5-3 | Palmyra, Pa. | Palmyra |
| 25 | Gianna Lambert | F | Fr. | 5-4 | Gap, Pa. | Octorara Area |
| 26 | Kylee Hager | F | So. | 5-4 | Holland, Pa. | Council Rock South |
| 28 | Delaney Amole | D | Fr. | 5-1 | Gap, Pa. | Octorara Area |
| 30 | Piper Almy | GK | Fr. | 5-11 | Trumbull, Conn. | Trumbell |
| 44 | Mia DiGenova | GK | Jr. | 5-4 | King of Prussia, Pa. | Bishop Shanahan |