University of Massachusets Athletics
UMass Field Hockey Signs Six For 2009
March 06, 2009 | Field Hockey
March 6, 2009
AMHERST, Mass. - UMass field hockey head coach Justine Sowry has announced the signings of six players to National Letters of Intent for the 2009 season. The class of 2013 is comprised of four forwards, one midfielder, and one defender. They will join a Minutewomen squad that went 17-5 last season, won its second-straight Atlantic 10 Championship (11th all-time), made its second-straight NCAA Tournament appearance (21st all-time), and finished the season ranked 17th in the country.
"I am excited for the future of the UMass field hockey program," Sowry said. "This quality class is one that will give us the speed, skill and drive that will further enhance the potential for future Championships. Each athlete brings a different set of skills and abilities that compliment our current squad."
 |
|
"I am honored to be part of the UMass field hockey program and to have the chance to learn from and play for the coaching staff there," Charochak said. "It is a great privilege to be a member of a team that competes at such a high level and holds a strong winning tradition."
"Kara is a typical tough, competitive and physical athlete who hails from Massachusetts," Sowry said. "I expect Kara to compete for playing time in her first competitive season. She is a determined individual who takes pride in her individual performance."
Nicole Cordero is a 5-5 forward from Oak Park, Ill., where she played for Oak Park River Forest High School. A three-year varsity performer, she was team captain her senior year. Cordero was named All-State as both a junior and a senior. Her freshman season she won the team's Most Improved Award. Also, a member of the varsity lacrosse team, Cordero was All-State in 2008.
"I am incredibly excited and grateful to be able to be a part of the UMass field hockey team," Cordero said. "I also look forward to the improving my skills as well as having the opportunity to attend such a great academic institution."
"Nicole is a multi-sport athlete who is incredibly athletic and possesses a speed that can hurt opponents," Sowry said. "I knew immediately that with Nicole's personality and spunk, that she would be a great member of the UMass field hockey team. Nicole has a strong work ethic and desire to put the ball in the back of the net."
Kate Heineman is a 5-6 forward from Ellicott City, Md. where she played at Centennial High School. A four-year varsity starter, she was team captain as a senior. Her awards include being named First Team All-County for three years and Second Team All-Met in 2008. A member of the US Field Hockey Futures program since 2007, Heineman is part of the US U-19 International Tour Squad for 2009 and has been on the Olympic Development Select team since 2007. She competed at the Futures Championship in 2007 and 2008 was on the U-16 Holland International Tour Squad in 2008. Heineman played in indoor tournaments in Barbados and Germany and has competed at the National Indoor Tournament with the East Coast Lightning the last two years.
"I am looking forward to being part of a growing dynamic athletic program with a strong academic reputation," Heineman said.
"Kate did a lot of research in deciding on a college and I am thrilled that she felt passionate in choosing to attend UMass," Sowry said. "Kate comes from a strong club program and has had experience in touring overseas to many countries. Possessing a strong work ethic, Kate is athletic, smart and has a solid sense of the game. I have no doubt that she will contribute on and off the field in her first year."
|
|
Elizabeth Karns is a 5-5 midfielder/defender from Dillsburg, Pa. where she played for Northern York County High School. In 2008, Karns was named Mid-Penn Keystone Division All-Star, Sentinel First Team All-Star, Pennsylvania All-Academic Squad, and won her team's Unsung Hero Award. She wasnamed to the Patriot News Big 11 Honorable Mention in 2007 and 2008, while being named her team's Offensive Player of the Year. Karns has also competed at the US Field Hockey Futures in 2007 and the Keystone State Games in 2006.
"The University of Massachusetts is an outstanding institution and I am extremely proud to be attending," Karns said. "I am excited and honored to be a member of the UMass field hockey program. Go Minutewomen!"
"Elizabeth was late in the recruiting process but the second the connection was established, I knew that she would be a future Minutewoman," Sowry said. "Elizabeth has strong basic skills and has a presence and toughness that will be most needed in our backfield in the coming season."
|
|
Sarah Schlosstein is a 5-9 defender from West Brookfield, Mass. and played her high school field hockey at Notre Dame Academy in Worcester. A four-year varsity performer and three-year starter, Schlosstein was team captain as a senior in 2008. She helped lead Notre Dame to a State Championship in 2005 and to the state finals in 2006 and 2008. Schlosstein was a Central Massachusetts Conference All-Star in 2007 and 2008 and a Telegram and Gazette All-Star in 2008. A US Field Hockey Futures participant since 2005, she competed at the National Futures Tournament in 2006-08. Schlosstein has played at the National Outdoor Festival the last three years as well.
|
|
"Being here means a lot to me because I never thought that I'd have the opportunity to get to play on a Division I team that not only has talented coaches and players, but also has the desire and drive to do what it takes to win," Young said.
"Being able to attend UMass and get a spring under her belt has tremendous benefits for both Kim and the program," Sowry said. "She is an explosive athlete and has exceptional skills for her age. Kim will gain the confidence and composure needed to make an immediate impact in her first fall season."
