NEWBERRY — Newberry College head field hockey coach Catherine Somits has announced the 2016-17 recruiting class.
This is the largest recruiting class in the brief history of the Newberry College field hockey program. Ten girls have signed this week to play for Somits next fall.
Jessica Cooke, from Williamsburg, Va., went to the state championship in her freshman season at Warhill HS under coach Shannon Myer. In her junior year, she was First Team All-Conference and Second Team All-Region.
Kayla Cooke, from Williamsburg, Va., played four years of field hockey at Warhill HS where she set the school record for assists with 14 in her sophomore season. She was first team all-conference as a junior and a senior, earning conference player of the year honors as a senior. She also earned second team all-region honors as a junior and first team all-region honors as a senior.
Anabelle Distefano, from Reading, Pa., has played field hockey all four years in high school as a forward. Distefano was team captain her junior and senior years along with making the First Team All-County. Distefano is also a starter on the lacrosse team.
Meghan Jolikko, from Middletown, Del., has played four years of field hockey under Stefany Krygier and also played four years of soccer under Brian Derrickson. Jolikko was Honorable Mention All-Conference in 2013 for field hockey. In 2014 Jolikko was named to the first team All-Conference, Offensive MVP and led her team in goals and assists. In 2015 she was first team All-Conference and was nominated for the Blue and Gold All-Star game. She surpassed both season and high school record for goals and assists and was named Delaware Athlete of the Week.
Brady Keeler, from Bridgeville, Del., is a dual-sport athlete at Woodbridge HS, where she plays field hockey and softball. Keeler was first team All-Conference her sophomore, junior and senior years along with making the All-State team her junior year as a forward. She also made the All-Conference team her freshman and junior years as a second baseman for the softball team.
Alyssa Kessler, from Annapolis, Md., plays field hockey, tennis and also swims at St. Mary’s High School. Kessler plays defense for head coach Shannon Dickey.
Maia Lee, from Port Penn, Del., played varsity all four years at Padua Academy. She switched from forward to defense her senior year and anchored a defense that was only scored on eight times in the regular season. Lee was named team captain her last two years and was named to the All-Catholic Team for two years.
Mariah Lee, from Seaford, Del., played three years of varsity field hockey at Sussex HS under Kathleen Fluharty. Lee Was named Academic All-Conference for four years, was awarded Most Coachable Award two years, was named First Team All-Conference, played in the Blue and Gold All Star Game and was named captain for one year.
Courtney Ray, from York Town, Va., she was named first team All-Conference, All-Region and All-State her senior year.
Gabrielle Somerville, from Chesapeake, Va., plays field hockey and soccer at Oscar F. Smith HS. She was chosen as team captain her senior year and earned first team All-Conference honors her sophomore, junior and senior years.
Elise Utne, from York Town, Va., has been playing field hockey since age eight. She has been USA Field Hockey Club member since 2009, has been given multiple awards including team captain, MVP award and Giving 100% award. She has played all positions over her career.
Kristyna Oyola, from Virginia Beach, Va., played four years of field hockey at Salem HS. She has played two years as a forward under Van Oekel. She earned first team All-Atlantic Conference her junior year and was awarded the Coaches Award from Head Coach Szilassy. She also made first team All-Atlantic Conference her senior year.