Knoch senior Macrina Robb, flanked by parents Angela and Mike Robb of Cabot, signs a letter of intent to continue her academic and soccer career at Robert Morris University. Submitted Photo

JEFFERSON TWP — After recruiting Knoch senior Macrina Robb to the Robert Morris University women’s soccer program, Colonials coach Chris Shaw accepted the head coaching position at Temple shortly thereafter.

Robb’s destination remains the same.

The Knoch midfielder signed a letter of intent in November to extend her academic and soccer career to RMU.

She plans to major in mechanical engineering.

“I was disappointed when I found out he was leaving,” Robb said. “But I like where the program is at right now, the direction it’s going.

“Hopefully, the new coach will keep it going that way.”

Robert Morris is coming off a 12-5-3 season — the 12 wins marking a program, record. The Colonials were 5-4-1 in the Horizon League.

“Sometimes a coaching change can benefit incoming freshmen,” Knoch girls soccer coach Greg Hess said. “There is no previous bias toward returning players.

“In most cases, a new coach is going to judge the talent as her sees it. Macrina has a great chance to play there as a freshman.’

Robb scored 12 goals and had 11 assists for the Knights this past fall. She had 12 goals and nine assists her junior year.

She scored 46 goals and amassed 30 assists in her high school career.

Robb considered Bucknell for soccer, Pitt and Penn State strictly for academics before choosing RMU.

“I’ve been playing soccer since I was 4,” Robb said. “It’s always been my No. 1 sport. The Robert Morris campus isn’t too big and isn’t too small, and it’s close enough to home that my parents can see a lot of games.

“My goal is to play as a freshman. I know I’m gonna have to earn that playing time.”

The Colonials have three junior, three sophomore and three freshmen midfielders on the roster right now.

Robb also runs track at Knoch, having done the 400 meters, triple jump and 100-meter hurdles.

“The Robert Morris soccer team is competitive and it’s on the upswing,” she said. “I’m looking forward to contributing to the success of the program.”

Hess described Robb as a “selfless player with outstanding footwork who can score goals and set up her teammates.

“She’s very good at both ends of the field, just a well-rounded player,” he added. “She’s also one of the tops in her class academically, just a great kid.”

Robb is one of four Knoch senior girls soccer players expected to play college ball next year, joining Brooke Galcik, Lauren Hull and Izabella Oskin.