Field Hockey Announces 2005 Recruiting Class
3/14/2005 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
DeVries once again has traveled the globe in search of the best student-athletes possible, and looks to have landed one of her best recruiting classes yet. DeVries brought in players from four different U.S. states (Illinois, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Michigan) and two from Holland and one Scotland native.
The recruiting class includes Stephanie Bernthal (River Forest, Ill./Oak Park River Forest), Gina Uguccioni (South Deerfield, Mass./Frontier Regional), MaryKate Hanosek (Macungie, Pa./Emmaus), Natalie Barrett (Glasgow, Scotland/Craigholme School), Melanie Bierens de Haan (Bilthoven, Holland), Britt van Pelt (Den Haag, Holland) and Sarah Nolan (Ann Arbor, Mich./Pioneer).
Uguccioni was a three-year starter for her varsity team at Frontier Regional and was named Most Valuable Defensive Player in 2003. She was captain of her squad in 2004, leading her team to a league championship, the UMASS championship and the state finals. Uguccioni was a member of the 2004 National Futures Tournament team in Atlanta and Futures Elite in 2005.
Gina is an exceptionally well-rounded athlete, DeVries said. She has the versatility to play any field position. Ginas biggest asset is her competitive edge and her desire to be the best. Gina will provide confidence and a swagger in this freshman class.
Bernthal was an impact player on the 2003 Illinois State Championship team. At the conclusion of the 2003 season, Stephanie was selected to the Illinois High School Field Hockey Association All-State First Team. During the 2002 season, the Oak Park River Huskies finished third in the state. Stephanie was selected to lead her team as co-captain as a senior in 2004.
Stephanie is a solid defender with poise and game awareness, DeVries said. She will provide strength and leadership from the back position in the future for our team. Stephanie is a mature, balanced individual from a wonderful family. We look forward to seeing Stephanie in blue and gold.
Barrett was the captain of her high school team during the 2004 season. She is currently a member of the Scottish Under-18 hockey team and also has played for the Scottish Under-16 team. She was selected and played for the Under-15, 16 and 18 District squads and plays for the Glasgow Western Ladies Hockey Club.
Natalie is a talented forward with great experience, DeVries said. She is energetic, outgoing and following in the footsteps of Helen Jerdan and Stephanie Mirner from Craigholme School in Scotland. We are thrilled to get another Scottish gem.
Hanosek has been a member of the USFHA Futures Program in 2003 and 2004. She was a member of the Team Firestyx that was the Pool B runner-up at the National Hockey Festival in 2003 and the Pool C Champions in 2002.
MaryKate is quick and skillful, DeVries said. She has grown in a field hockey tradition from Emmaus, Pa. that has been a mainstay in our tradition at Kent State. Emmaus players are taught exceptionally well and they understand the dedication necessary to have success at our level. Mary Kate is a very special athlete who I predict will have great success at Kent State.
Bierens de Haan was a district B and A selection for three years along with fellow recruit Sarah Nolan. De Hann played one year on the Holland Under-16 team and a half year on the Under-18 squad and led her club B1 team to the championships of Holland in 2000 and 2001, losing in the championship one year later.
Melanie is a midfield/back who plays with a confident saavy, DeVries said. She will provide stability and game sense to our team as well as a great deal of humor! Melanie needs to be an impact player for us and I expect that she will be.
Sarah is an outstanding student-athlete who will join other Pioneer alumni. She is smart, motivated and enthusiastic.
Britt is quick, tricky and talented. She has great attacking ability with superb ball distribution skills. Britt will be an important part of our attack immediately. Britt has a personality that will lead this program in the future to new heights.
