Nearly 400 miles away from State College lies Longmeadow, Mass. Nestled just two hours outside of busy Boston, it's a fairly small town, home to roughly 15,000 people. The site is rich in colonial history, and the members of the town still gather together each year at an Annual Town Meeting.

In many ways, it's the typical New England suburb. But for Penn State women's soccer player Bianca D'Agostino, that small rural town is better described in one word -- home.

D'Agostino has been playing soccer ever since she could remember. Growing up in a star-studded soccer family, Bianca was introduced to the sport at a young age. The third youngest in a family of four children, both of D'Agostino's older brothers played soccer at the collegiate level, and it was clear that Bianca wanted to continue the trend.

"It was actually mostly my decision," she said. "I didn't want to go too far away, because I wanted my parents and brothers to come and see me play."

Although State College may not be a light year from Longmeadow, the idea of leaving a town with only 15,000 people for a college campus filled with more than 40,000 may not seem too inviting. But that vast size increase didn't scare off D'Agostino, who selected Penn State over some of the top women's soccer programs in the nation.

Powerhouses such as UCLA, Virginia and Connecticut were all on the mind of D'Agostino, but the thought of becoming a Nittany Lion was too good to pass up.

"It was a hard decision because all of the schools were awesome," D'Agostino said. "Overall it was the atmosphere of Penn State, and the spirit that everyone at the school had. I liked the girls on the team and the coaching staff, and I thought that Penn State would help me become most successful."

Not that Penn State is a slouch in the sport, however. Throughout the past decade, the Lions have dominated the Big Ten, capturing nine consecutive conference championships, while continually bringing in top recruits -- such as D'Agostino.

"Obviously the athletics were a big part of my decision," D'Agostino said. "Academics were too, but I also like the big-school atmosphere. I went to a little prep school, and I wanted to try something different."

While her high school may have been just a little prep school, D'Agostino was busy making a big name for herself. During her run at Loomis Chaffee, the forward helped lead the Pelicans to three consecutive New England Class A titles, as well as four Prep School League Championships.

Scoring an astonishing 76 goals in her prep career, D'Agostino was named Connecticut's National Soccer Coaches Association of America and Gatorade State Player of the Year her senior season after she led her team to an undefeated season.

Although unaccustomed to losing -- as the Lions have done twice this season -- D'Agostino is just happy to be seeing time on the field and is appreciative for each minute she is helping her team.

"All of the freshmen come into the team not knowing what to expect," D'Agostino said. "You're going to go out there and work hard no matter what, and if you get playing time, then thank God."

So far this season, the presence of youngsters has been prevalent.

Penn State freshmen have accounted for several minutes of playing time, as well as posting 17 shots and one goal.

And although the soccer season is just underway, D'Agostino is already feeling like she's right at home.

"Definitely. I know I made the right choice," D'Agostino said with a smile. "I'm really enjoying it here so far."