Simmons Field Hockey welcomes first-year Head Coach Kate Leonard as the program nears the start of the 2008 season. In 2007, the Sharks ended the season with a record of 4-4 in the North Atlantic Conference, and 7-11 overall. The team accomplished this despite some setbacks, including the lack of a true goalkeeper and a young team.

Leonard has her sights set on an improved outcome in 2008. The Sharks will begin with a dramatically different roster. Returning senior Katie Bonney (Auburn, ME) will provide leadership on the front line, and juniors Maggie Weeks (Melvin Village, NH), Emily Sypher (Orono, ME) and Jen Szkolt (Bondsville, MA) will make an immediate impact in the back and midfield. Szkolt, who played goalie for much of last season, will see much more field time in the defensive end. All returners will take on the guidance and modeling of new, first-year players, who in turn will also see some field time right away.

Among the new faces, the Sharks welcome defender Nicole Morrison (Stoughton, MA) and goalie Mary Simeoli (Westfield, MA) to the roster. Leonard believes Simeoli's arrival will boost the team to a winning mindset. "With a true goalie in net, we should have more confidence on defense that will carry all the way up the field," said Leonard.

"With a small contingent of returning players and a huge group of newcomers, it is tough to tell what the season has in store for us," said Leonard. "If we can create a positive, competitive atmosphere, then I see great things happening."

The Sharks are set to play their first Field Hockey match of the season against Wheaton on Tuesday, September 2, 7pm at home.