Emma LoPinto Transfers to Boston College, Makes U20 Training Team

SPARKS, Md. — After leaping to snag a lofted pass in front of the cage during a Saturday night scrimmage, Emma LoPinto balanced on one leg, wound up and unleashed a powerful effort, scorching the opposing net.

Minutes later, as she trotted over to the sideline, the attacker was all smiles, catching her breath alongside her fellow U20 hopefuls. While she would’ve aged out of next year’s games with the U19 system, LoPinto said she’s “super grateful” for the chance to represent the country.

“It’s something that not a lot of people get to experience,” LoPinto said. “Getting to come here for three days and just meet these people is really special.”

LoPinto was named to the 42-player training roster on Sunday after an impressive tryout.

Scoring goals has become second nature to LoPinto in college. She found the back of the net 125 times in 43 games at Florida while adding 62 assists.

But after the Gators’ season concluded in a 16-15 NCAA tournament defeat versus Notre Dame, the Manhasset, New York, native decided to test the waters and enter the transfer portal at her sophomore season’s conclusion.

Teams across the nation jumped at the chance to add a 187-point player to their attack, but an opportunity to play for coach Acacia Walker-Weinstein at Boston College proved too enticing to turn down.

LoPinto made her move official in late June, adding significant scoring ammunition to a squad that has made six consecutive NCAA championship game appearances.

“It was a tough decision,” LoPinto said. “Their culture is awesome; the play at BC is amazing, and the academics are awesome. I’m super happy and super excited.”

With the burden of finding the right fit officially lifted off her shoulders, LoPinto said she’s simply enjoying every moment of the opportunity to play with talent from across the country with a U.S. team seeking to win its second consecutive gold medal.

While she’s already good friends with Boston College goalkeeper Shea Dolce, the weekend presented plenty of time for LoPinto to play with the 10 Eagle commits and current players in the 98-player tryout pool.

“I’ve got to meet all of them, get to know their faces, play with them and create friendships,” LoPinto said.

Once she arrives in Chestnut Hill, Mass., LoPinto hopes to hit the ground running with the 2023 national finalists. But right now, the scoring sensation is appreciating the magnitude of the moment in front of her.