Pothos’ production has made her one of the state’s leading talents. She has recorded 19 goals and nine assists for Old Tappan this season, including the 50th goal of her career in a 4-2 win over Fair Lawn on October 14.
Her biggest single-game return came roughly a month earlier, when she scored four times in a 7-1 victory against Demarest. Those performances underline the attacking threat Rutgers appears to be bringing into its program.
Pothos was also selected to the first team of the All-Bergen County squad, adding individual recognition to her goal-scoring record.
The commitment fits a clear regional strategy. The projected 2026 Rutgers roster is expected to include 16 players who competed in New Jersey high school soccer, keeping the Scarlet Knights closely connected to the state’s talent pool.
Pothos’ background also includes important tournament moments. As a freshman, she scored twice in the Bergen County Tournament, including the winning goal in a 5-4 result against Northern Highlands. Last season, Old Tappan finished with 17 wins and four defeats before reaching the North 1, Group 3 semifinal.
Rutgers has appeared in the NCAA Tournament 18 times since 1987, although its most recent appearance came in 2023. Adding a local attacker with sustained production could help the program build toward another postseason push.
Pothos’ next storyline is the completion of her Old Tappan career before the move to college soccer. Rutgers will then be watching how quickly her finishing and tournament experience translate to the next level.