PITTSBURGH (April 2, 2025) — A pair of players with international roots and local college ties are joining the Pittsburgh Riveters for their inaugural season with the addition of forward Holly Pascoe and defender Gillianne Stewardson.
Both players came through the Riveters’ open tryout process that began last December, progressing from that first stage to the team’s invitational tryout and onto the 2025 roster, pending USL and U.S. Soccer approval.
“The open tryouts in December were a way to provide an opportunity to players locally to come and earn a roster spot on the team. That tryout was the beginning of a long journey and both Holly and Gillianne caught the eye of our staff right away,” Riveters head coach Scott Gibson said.
Pascoe, 26, is a native of Christchurch, New Zealand, who wrapped up her college career with two outstanding seasons at Point Park University. The River States Conference Player of the Year in 2023 and a two-time First Team All-RSC selection, Pascoe scored 30 goals and had 13 assists in two seasons for the Pioneers while playing as a graduate student.
Prior to Point Park, Pascoe began her career at Division II Mississippi College. Though injury interrupted her time with the Choctaws, the team reached the NCAA Tournament four times during Pascoe’s stay, and she closed out her tenure with a five-goal, seven-assist season in 2021.
“Holly is an extremely hard-working center forward who showed an eye for goal, good pace and a hunger to lead the line. Her off-the-ball defending and pressing are the traits that we look for in our players, and she will give the group nothing but 100 percent effort in each training session and game,” Gibson said.
Stewardson, 20, hails from Campbell River, British Columbia, and she just completed her junior season at Point Park, where she has helped lead the team in its transition from the NAIA ranks to NCAA Division II play.
A mainstay for the Pioneers, Stewardson has started 54 of 55 matches over her three years, leading the team in minutes played for the past two. Primarily a defensive presence, Stewardson added a pair of goals for Point Park in its first season in Division II. She has also suited up for semi-pro club Harbourside FC of League1 BC in her native Canada.
“Gillianne impressed us at the tryouts as a center back and instantly showed great leadership qualities. She is very intelligent as a player, good in the air and very comfortable in possession of the ball. Gillianne also showed her strength in 1v1 battles and will provide us with excellent covering speed in our defensive unit,” Gibson said.
The Riveters start their USL W League season Friday, May 16, when they host the Cleveland Force at Highmark Stadium. Season tickets are on sale now, and single-game tickets go on sale this Thursday at riveterssc.com/tickets.
