Gateway's Shuman to play soccer at Carlow University

Malak Shuman didn't want her soccer-playing experience to end after high school or when her cup eligibility runs out.

She had her sights set on playing in college, and, she said, she has found that right fit at Carlow University.

“I want to keep playing soccer until I have to stop,” Shuman said. “This is a nice step for me. I am excited.”

A cup soccer teammate, Riley Walker, a defenseman from Thomas Jefferson, completed her freshman season at Carlow in the fall.

Shuman said Walker was a big influence on getting her to Carlow.

“I saw pictures and read stories about Carlow's women's soccer team,” Shuman said. “They have a strong midfield, and their forwards can really shoot the ball. Coach said I would fit somewhere in the center midfield. I think the program is a good fit for me.”

Head coach Marcus Pollidore has assembled a team at Carlow consisting primarily of WPIAL talent.

He guided the squad to an 8-13 overall record in 2015 and a 3-6 mark in the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

The team suffered a tough 1-0 overtime loss to Rio Grande in the first round of the KIAC playoffs.

Shuman said the campus' close Pittsburgh location and her early childhood education course of study also were big factors in her decision.

Shuman enjoyed a strong career at Gateway with multiple varsity letters earned.

She scored four goals and added four assists as a senior, and the four goals were tied for second on the team behind fellow senior Kayla Trozzi's 18.

Gateway finished the 2015 season 6-8 in Section 3-AAA and 6-12 overall. The Gators placed fifth in the section and out of the running for a WPIAL playoff spot.

Michael Love is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 412-388-5825 or at mlove@tribweb.com.