Penn State women’s soccer head coach Erica Dambach announced on April 29 the addition of Belgian youth national team forward Marthe Hens to the Nittany Lions’ 2026 roster.
The signing brings an international talent with significant experience at both club and national levels to Penn State. The move is seen as part of the program’s ongoing efforts to attract elite attacking players from around the world.
Dambach said, “Our Penn State women’s soccer family is so happy to welcome Marthe to Happy Valley. Through the first few years of her youth national team career in Belgium, Marthe has showcased incredible versatility and effectiveness, both in her attacking and in her ability to generate opportunities for her teammates. Penn State has a long tradition of developing elite attacking players from many different walks of life, and we are ecstatic about bringing Marthe in to continue that storied history while she continues to elevate her game.”
Hens arrives at Penn State after playing for Club Brugge K.V., where she was a two-time national champion at both U21 and U16 levels. She also made appearances in the Belgian Cup with Club Brugge’s U18 and U16 teams. Internationally, Hens played for Belgium’s U19, U17, and U16 teams, earning 13 caps during the current season with four goals and one assist.
Born in Antwerp in summer 2008, Hens is planning to study criminology at Penn State College of Liberal Arts while continuing her athletic career. She expressed confidence in choosing Penn State because it “immediately felt like the right fit,” citing trust built with coaching staff as important for her as an international student. “In addition, Penn State stands out for its high standards in both athletics and academics,” Hens said.
Looking ahead, Hens hopes to pursue professional soccer after graduation before seeking a career related to criminology.
