April 7, 2009

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Head women's soccer coach Sue Ryan announced today that seven student-athletes have signed National Letters of Intent to play soccer for Stony Brook in the fall of 2009.

"We are very excited about this incoming class, which we feel is one of the best we've ever signed," Ryan said. "They bring us size, strength and skill and we think several of them can make an immediate impact. We believe this class, along with our last two classes, gives us the foundation for sustained success."

Sa'sha Kershaw arrives at Stony Brook from Baltimore, Md. where she was a two-time all-state, all-county, all-metro and all-conference selection as a central midfielder at Loch Raven High School. A two-time captain and team MVP as well as a three-time All-Academic honoree at Loch Raven, Kershaw registered 15 goals and 12 assists as a senior after tallying 12 goals and 10 assists as a junior. Kershaw was a six year member of the Maryland Olympic Development program and was part of the Region I pool in 2008, while also playing for the Freestate Shooters club team. Kershaw and the Shooters won the state title in 2004 and then again in 2008 when they were the #3 ranked club team in the country.

"Sasha is a gifted athlete, who is an extremely versatile player," Ryan said. "She has the opportunity to make an immediate impact."

A 2008 all-state and NSCAA Regional All-American as a junior, Meghan Gilley comes to the Seawolves from Emmaus High School in Macungie, Pa. where she scored 28 goals as a junior. A two-time Allentown Morning Call all-area first team and All-Lehigh Valley Conference selection as well, Gilley scored 15 goals and registered nine assists as a sophomore. Gilley was selected to play at the 2008 Super Y ODP National Camp and plays for Vincent United, coached by Rob Rooney.

"Meghan gives us legitimate size, strength and speed," Ryan said. "She also has a knack for scoring goals and is very good in the air."

Alana Fitzpatrick arrives at Stony Brook from Cheshire, Conn., where she played four years of varsity soccer at Holy Cross High School. A 5-10 center back, Fitzpatrick was a two-time all-conference selection at Holy Cross and tallied eight goals and 17 assists as a senior. She played her club soccer for the Connecticut Football Club and was a member of the Connecticut ODP team in 2007 and 2008.

"Alana is another player with size and strength," Ryan said. "She has been a little under the radar due to a couple of injuries but we feel she has a solid upside."

A 5-8 goalkeeper from Wyoming, Del., Holly Thompson comes to Stony Brook from Caesar Rodney High School. Thompson was a first team all-conference and second team all-state selection as a sophomore for the Riders as she set the state record for most shutouts in a season (16). As a junior she was a first team all-state and all-conference selection as she posted shutouts in 15 of the team's 20 games. A member of the National Honor Society, Thompson is a captain for the Riders this season. She has helped her DE United club team to eight consecutive state titles as well as the regional semifinals in 2007 and 2008. Thompson also was a two-year member of the Delaware State ODP team, mostly recently in 2008.

"Holly has a great frame and has tremendous potential as a goalkeeper," Ryan said. "She possesses the ability to make the big save and has the opportunity to develop into a top level goalkeeper."

Jamie Warner arrives at Stony Brook from New Castle, Del. and has played three years of varsity soccer at Saint Elizabeth High School. A 2008 second team all-state selection as a junior and a third team all-state selection in 2006 and 2007, Warner has 41 goals and 33 assists over her first three seasons with Saint Elizabeth. She is a member of the DE United Club team that has won eight consecutive state titles and advanced to the Regional Semifinals in 2007 and 2008. Warner was also a member of the 2008 Region I pool and played for the Delaware State ODP team in 2007 and 2008.

"Jamie is another pillar of strength for us," Ryan said. "She is versatile in defense and attack, brings a lot of grit and determination to the field and is not afraid to throw her 5-9 frame around."

Taryn Schoenbeck comes to the Seawolves from Newark, Del., and has played the last three seasons at Padua Academy. A first all-conference and second team all-state selection last season, Schoenbeck tallied 16 goals and seven assists. As a sophomore she was a first team all-conference and third team all-state pick as she helped Padua to a No. 5 national ranking. She was a teammate of Thompson and Warner on the DE United Club team that has won eight consecutive state titles and advanced to the regional semifinals in 2007 and 2008. Schoenbeck was also a member of the Delaware State ODP team in 2004, 2005 and 2008.

"Taryn possesses quick feet and great acceleration," Ryan said. "She also has the ability to play in the middle or out wide as a midfielder, which will add versatility to our offense.

A 5-7 goalkeeper from Mahopac, N.Y., Kristen Reiche was a two-time all-league and all-section honoree at Lakeland High School. Named a captain for Lakeland as a senior, she posted a 1.20 goals against average and was named the 2008 League MVP and Section I Player of the Year. Reiche led her club team, Quickstrike FC, to the New York State Finals in 2007 and 2008.

"Kristen is a fearless goalkeeper with tons of potential," Ryan said. "Her work ethic is second to none and we look forward to her contributions."

The Seawolves are coming off their most successful season ever, winning their most games, 11, since 1994 in addition to advancing to the in the America East title game for the first time since 2002. SBU returns eight of its 11 starters from that squad including freshman Colleen McKenna (Manorville, N.Y.), the 2008 America East Rookie of the Year, and junior goalkeeper Marisa Viola (Cutchogue, N.Y.), the 2008 America East Goalkeeper of the Year.