Last season did not end the way Aurelia Solomon envisioned.

After recording 14 assists, the Penn-Trafford midfielder suffered a knee injury during the Warriors’ playoff loss to Upper St. Clair. The injury required ACL surgery and interrupted both her soccer career and college recruitment.

“It was definitely a stressful time,” Solomon said. “I give a lot of credit to my physical therapist and everyone at FSQ (Sports Training) for getting me back to the athlete I was before.”

Following months of rehabilitation, Solomon has been cleared to return for her senior season. She will also enter the year with her college future settled after committing to Clarion.

“It’s definitely a weight off my chest,” Solomon said. “I just feel better going into the season having a plan and knowing what I’m doing after.”

Solomon was attracted to Clarion by the program’s welcoming atmosphere and close-knit team.

“It was definitely the team atmosphere and the coaches,” she said. “It really made me feel like I was at home, and it was a good fit for me.”

Her older sister, Rease, also helped her navigate the recruiting process. A former Penn-Trafford goalkeeper, Rease began her college career at Robert Morris before transferring to Binghamton.

“She was definitely a big part of my recruiting,” Aurelia said. “She helped keep me calm because she knows everything can be stressful.”

With her commitment complete, Solomon can focus on helping Penn-Trafford pursue a WPIAL championship. She has also embraced being a leader for the Warriors’ younger players.

“It’s good to know that they trust me as a player and a person,” she said.

Although Solomon still has goals to accomplish on the field, she hopes her Penn-Trafford legacy extends beyond soccer.

“I want people to remember that I was a leader and to work as hard as me,” Solomon said. “Always do well in school and keep up with your academics. It’s a big part of where it leads you in your future.”