As the pressure of choosing a school mounted, Kim Cohen made a decision. Turning away the soccer powerhouse of NCAA Division I No. 2 George Mason University, she decided to come to Penn State -- because she loves a challenge.

Cohen, the first high school player to commit to Penn State, is one of four recruits Coach Patrick Farmer has secured to help build women's soccer as a varsity sport.

"It's extra special to be the first to sign," Cohen said. "I've always dreamed of playing college soccer, and my goal is to be a starter on next year's team, and eventually make All-American."

Cohen, a native of Richboro, is eagerly anticipating her senior season this spring at Council Rock High School. Since her freshman year, Cohen has played on the varsity squad, considered by many to be the top women's program in southeastern Pennsylvania.

"Kim is an outstanding player and a talented playmaker," Council Rock Coach Jim Dunn said. "She's definitely a student of the game and a person who can meet the challenges put to her."

Cohen has met those challenges throughout her career, which was widely noticed by the collegiate soccer community. Besides George Mason and Penn State, Cohen was recruited by Rutgers, New Hampshire, and several other prolific soccer programs.

Cohen has compiled an impressive array of achievements, which include three consecutive all-League selections and two consecutive offensive MVP seasons. Cohen has played on various all-star teams including the prestigious UN Kickers, widely considered to be the best East Coast club team.

"Kim is an offensive-oriented midfielder, who can be counted on immediately," Farmer said. "She may be young in age but not in experience."

Jodi Huckabee, a teammate of Cohen's on the UN Kickers, is also heading to Happy Valley. A native of Reading, she played soccer at Wilson High School, where she helped lead the team to a state-finals birth last year. Huckabee is a defensive-oriented midfielder, who was an all-State selection following her junior season.

"Jodi goes out there and runs the whole show for 90 minutes," Wilson Coach Mike Moyer said. "She has a great work ethic and because she has been exposed to the highest level of competition on the East Coast, I think she can be a starter and impact player right away."

The senior was pursued by Michigan, Villanova, Vermont, and New Hampshire, but Penn State offered several possibilities for choosing a major, which factored into her decision.

Farmer sees Huckabee as a potential defensive midfielder or stopper who will compete for a starting position right away. The coach is especially impressed with her hard-working nature and winning attitude, both keys to building a successful program.

Huckabee's high school teammate and longtime friend, Darcie Hite, will also become a Lady Lion. Hite is an attacking player known for scoring goals, and is a favorite to lead the district in scoring this season.

"Darcie has the strongest left-footed shot in Pennsylvania," Moyer said. "She is an excellent goal scorer and will be an asset to the program at Penn State."

Hite has been named to the all-county team since her sophomore season. She turned down offers from the Air Force Academy, Towson State, Villanova, and Delaware to attend Penn State. Farmer anticipates using her as forward, preferably playing in the center of the field.

"Penn State definitely has a winning atmosphere," Hite said. "It seems like everyone wants to excel at what they do, and I really like that kind of pressure."

The final recruit is Lauren Miller, a versitale player from Glen Rock, N.J. Farmer is impressed with her competitive, hard-nosed nature.