Feb. 17, 2009

EASTON, Pa. - Head coach Mick Statham has announced an incoming class of seven commitments that are set to join the Lafayette women's soccer program in August. The class hails from five states and is comprised of two goalkeepers, two defenders, two midfielders and one forward.

Statham is excited for his latest additions to not only join the program, but also the Lafayette community later this summer.

"I am really happy with our class," Statham said. "It is very exciting for me as a coach to know we have these fantastic young women to add to the great student athletes we already have. All of the class adds quality to the needs we have as a team. Not only will they give our program a boost from a soccer stand point, but they will have a positive impact on the Lafayette community. They are all very self-motivated and ambitious and the whole team is looking forward to their arrival on College Hill in August."

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Signees: (in alphabetical order)

Bridget Becker
Defender
Weston, Fla./Archbishop McCarthy
Team Boca

Information: Named to first honors all four academic years at McCarthy, member of the National Honor Society, selected as a student ambassador Team captain and varsity starter all four years at McCarthy, helped team to district championships in 2006 and 2007...named to the First-Team All-County Miami Herald in 2007 and 2008 and Sun-Sentinel in 2008...won the most consistent player award in 2008...club team won the Disney Soccer Showcase in 2008.

Why Lafayette?: "Lafayette is a perfect fit because it will challenge me not only on the soccer field, but in the classroom as well. When I visited the campus I fell in love with the people and the atmosphere. I realized that it was like a home away from home and a college that I would be happy to spend the next four years attending."

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Nicole Brownell
Midfielder
Hainersport, N.J./Rancocas Valley
Mount Laurel Fire

Information: Member of the National Honor Society and high honor roll, captain and four year starter at Rancocas Valley, named to the first team Burlington County, first team all-south Jersey, mentioned as New Jersey all-state player...granted the most defensive award and coach's award for Rancocas Valley, six-year captain for club team...helped club team to Region I finals in 2005 and were crowned N.J. state champions in 2008.
Why Lafayette?: "I chose Lafayette because of its competitive, academic reputation, along with its small teacher to student ratio. The chance to improve as a soccer player on a Division I team will be a wonderful addition to my college experience as well."

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Elizabeth Cole
Defender
Farmington, Conn./Westminster Prep
CFC Wolves

Information: Captain at Westminster Prep...named to the Western New England Prep School All-Star team....captain to a state finalist squad for her CFC Wolves club team...2008 regional finalist for Connecticut 1991 State ODP team...captain of lacrosse team at Westminster...named to the honor roll every semester...member of the Student Government Board and President of the John Hay Society.
Why Lafayette?: "I chose Lafayette because it has everything I wanted in a school: great academics, competitive and growing athletics, small size, good location, and everything about it to me is ideal. I've been on campus many times since my first visit and every time I've liked Lafayette more and more."

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Jill Dozier
Forward
Fallston, Md./Fallston
Baltimore Shakedowns

Information: Member of the National and Spanish Honor Societies, AP Scholar, member of the honor roll and Minds in Motion...served as captain for Fallston where she led a state finalist squad in 2008 following a regional finalist appearance in her junior year...honored to the Maryland All-State Second Team, Harford County first team and UCBAC first team in 2008...part of state finalist club team in 2006...team's leading scorer at the Gothia Cup in Gotenburg, Sweden (eight goals in four games)...holds two school records on track and field team (long jump and 100 meter dash).

Why Lafayette?: "I chose Lafayette because of its campus atmosphere, dedication to academics, and a chance to play Division I soccer. It's a great fit for me academically and athletically."

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Caroline Shiel
Goalkeeper
Wyckoff, N.J./Ramapo
SPA Nirvana

Information: Captain and two year starter in goal for Ramapo...named to the first team all-NBIL and first team All-Bergen County squads...selected to the Super Y League ODP national camp in 2007...Super Y League Mid-Atlantic champions past two years with New York Magic...also a member of the Ramapo lacrosse team...selected for the West Point Leadership Conference...sports editor for school newspaper.

Why Lafayette?: I chose Lafayette College because of the beautiful campus, outstanding academics, and strong Division 1 Women's soccer program. I really felt at home on the campus, and I look forward to the next four years.

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Lauren Smedley
Goalkeeper
Hamilton, N.J./The Peddie School
Montclair Aristocats

Information: Captain of Peddie School squad...named to the all-state and all-prep team...honored to the Mercer 33 all-star squad...played for New Jersey state ODP teams that were 2007 ODP national champions, as well as 2006 regional champs.

Why Lafayette?: "I chose Lafayette College because of their great academics, close location, soccer team. When I visited, the people were kind and welcoming making me feel right at home."

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Allison Stone
Midfielder
Rockville, Md./Georgetown Visitation Prep
Bethesda Sharks

Information: Named to the Washington Post first-team All-Met in 2008 and honorable mention in 2007...squad's most valuable player in 2006 and 2007...ISL First-Team All-League from 2006-2008...honored by the Washington Post to all-district team from 2006-2008...Visitation ISL League champions in 2007 and 2008 and tournament champions in 2008...played for Maryland state ODP team...2007 State Cup finalist for the Bethesda Sharks...Maryland State Cup champions from 2003-06...U.S. Region I finals in 2004 and 2006...granted the 2007 Eugene Rubacky 3-E Award for enthusiasm and effort in learning.
Why Lafayette?: "I chose Lafayette because it matches what I am looking for in a college. It has a beautiful campus, which is the perfect distance from home, excellent academics, and a competitive Division I soccer program in the Patriot League."

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