Forward Aubrey Kulpa (16) runs towards the ball during the Penn State women’s soccer game against Virginia at Jeffrey Field on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024 in University Park, Pa. The Cavaliers beat the Nittany Lions 2-1. 
Forwards Aubrey Kulpa (left) and Jolie Farmer (right) do a handshake on their way out of the tunnel before the Penn State women’s soccer game against Northwestern at Jeffrey Field on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024 in University Park, Pa. Penn State defeated Northwestern 1-0.
The Nittany Lions huddle before the Penn State women’s soccer game against Rutgers at Jeffrey Field on Thursday, Oct. 4, 2024 in University Park, Pa. The Nittany Lions and the Scarlet Knights tied 1-1. 
Forward Aubrey Kulpa (16) runs towards the ball during the Penn State women’s soccer game against Virginia at Jeffrey Field on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024 in University Park, Pa. The Cavaliers beat the Nittany Lions 2-1. 
Stepping onto the collegiate soccer stage is like diving into uncharted waters. It’s an exhilarating yet intimidating leap.
For most freshmen, the adjustment is riddled with nerves, uncertainty and the daunting task of proving themselves among seasoned upperclassmen.
Yet, from the moment Aubrey Kulpa laced up her cleats for Penn State, she defied the script.
In the Sweet 16 against Vanderbilt, Kulpa’s mindset was clear. The team needed a goal, and she was determined to be the one to deliver. 
“When we went down, my first thought was, ‘OK, we need a goal.’ And then I went in, I was like, ‘OK, I’m gonna do this,’ and I said to myself, ‘We’re gonna do this right now,’” Kulpa said. 
Even as a true freshman, that’s the kind of teammate Kulpa is. Her tenacity and focus under pressure were on full display when she scored the equalizer in that pivotal match — a goal that wasn’t just about scoring, but about proving to herself and her teammates that she could rise to the occasion.
Kulpa’s ability to remain poised, even in the most high-stakes moments, has become a hallmark of her playing style, earning her respect and admiration from teammates and coaches alike.
The freshman’s soccer journey began without the intention of playing at the collegiate level. Her love for the sport began at a young age, playing in a local recreational league.
“I first started playing when I was doing just local stuff, rec, and then I was pretty good when I was playing,” Kulpa said. “So I moved to a club, but the whole time (I was) just having fun.”
Her natural talent was evident early on, but it wasn’t until she joined a more competitive club that her vision for the future started to take shape.
“When I went to a more serious club, I knew I could pursue playing in college,” Kulpa said. “So that was something I was going to work toward and chase.”
Forwards Aubrey Kulpa (left) and Jolie Farmer (right) do a handshake on their way out of the tunnel before the Penn State women’s soccer game against Northwestern at Jeffrey Field on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024 in University Park, Pa. Penn State defeated Northwestern 1-0.
This transition from playing for fun to chasing a dream marked a pivotal moment in her development. It was no longer just about enjoying the game; it was about pushing herself to reach the next level, setting her sights on collegiate soccer and everything that would come with it. 
Working hard for her success has followed Kulpa to Penn State. As a freshman, she immediately made her presence felt, not just with her ability to score goals but with her overall determination.
Kulpa showcased not only athleticism, but also a maturity and composure that coach Erica Dambach noticed right away.
“Aubrey is a competitor, and she’s fiercely competitive,” Dambach said. “She knows how to score goals and also carries herself like such a winner.”
Kulpa’s teammates echoed that sentiment. In a roster filled with experienced veterans and wide-eyed newcomers, Kulpa’s already carved out a niche as a steady presence.
Sixth-year midfielder Rowan Lapi described Kulpa as an “old soul” for the team.
“Off the field, as a person, she’s super caring, genuine, empathetic and just overall a super good human,” Lapi said. “She ‘s kind of a grind-in-silence type of person where she’s always gonna put in 110% effort.”
Kulpa credited her parents for instilling those values in her, saying they never pressured her to perform. 
“My parents have always asked me after games, ‘Did you have fun?’ and ‘That’s all that matters,’” Kulpa said. “The support from them to just chase the dream and do it in a way that’s fun has been super, super valuable to me.”
But beneath Kulpa’s calm demeanor is determination. Whether it’s staying after practice to refine her skills or finding areas for improvement, her work ethic is unparalleled.
The Nittany Lions huddle before the Penn State women’s soccer game against Rutgers at Jeffrey Field on Thursday, Oct. 4, 2024 in University Park, Pa. The Nittany Lions and the Scarlet Knights tied 1-1. 
“We told her that she needed to get better with her heading,” Dambach said. “And every day after practice, she grabbed our assistant and she did 10 minutes of heading.” 
Kulpa said she knew that was what the team needed.
“I want my strengths to contribute and to be part of why we win,” Kulpa said. “And I think doing it for other people is so much more valuable, and it keeps me going so much longer than I would for myself.”
Beyond her contributions on the pitch, Kulpa has quickly become a glue player for the Nittany Lions. During a road trip, she spent hours on the team bus chatting with upperclassmen about everything and anything. 
“I think the crazy thing is speaking to her as a person, she could probably do that with anybody on the team, and they would probably come away feeling the same way I did,” Lapi said. “Feeling like they had a genuine conversation with a genuine human that actually cares what you had to say.”
For Kulpa, it’s all part of the journey. She’s grateful for the opportunities Penn State has afforded her and has focused on growing as both a player and a person.
While Kulpa’s ultimate goal is to win a national championship, she said she simply wants to enjoy the sport.
“I just want to play for fun as long as I can and as long as my body allows me to,” Kulpa said.
She’s already thought of what she wants to bring to the table for next season, both technically and leadership-wise.
“I hope to also grow as a teammate on the field and just be a good teammate to the rest of the people around me,”Kulpa said. “Because there’s so much I’ve got this freshman season, but I think in the rest of my career I want to give more.”
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