Franklin Regional soccer standout Abby Paterline taking talents to Edinboro

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, October 5, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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Just like when she helps to create offensive opportunities for Franklin Regional, Abby Paterline was methodical with the college recruiting process.

The soccer standout is going to continue her playing career at Edinboro, an NCAA Division II program that plays in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.

“Honestly, I took my time with my college process,” Paterline said. “A month or two ago, I really was down to St. Francis (Pa.) and Edinboro. Overall, Edinboro checked more boxes for me. Also, I might run track at Edinboro. I still haven’t made a decision about that yet.”

A central midfielder, Paterline is often a catalyst in creating or scoring goals for the Panthers.

“My daughter Emily played at Slippery Rock, so I am very familiar with the PSAC,” Franklin Regional coach Scott Arnold said. “I think that Edinboro is getting an absolute steal with Abby. I am happy for her. I expect her to have a great career there.

“Abby already has excellent attributes that will translate to college soccer. She is obviously tall and athletic, as well as excellent in the air, both defensively and attacking the goal. She has excellent feet and controls the ball well, too. Her decision-making has been great; she’s really developing into a clever playmaker as a center midfielder.”

Paterline hopes to continue to play in the midfield and be able to attack more in the final third.

“However, I would be happy with any position they put me in.,” she said.

Arnold has been impressed with Paterline’s ability to listen, learn and train. She is a team captain in large part because of her ability to calm the team during adverse situations.

“She is a player who comes to the field on her days off to work on her skills,” Arnold said. “As she adds more muscle at the college level, she will become a dominant physical player whatever position she plays. With her versatility to play any position down the center of the field, she should be able to help Edinboro sooner than later. She hasn’t reached her peak yet, so I am excited to see her play in college.”

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Franklin Regional