BOSTON, Mass. -- Simmons Field Hockey will look to build upon the success of last season and the team's third consecutive trip to the North Atlantic Conference tournament as their 2013 season kicks off on Tuesday, Sept 3. The Sharks tied for 6th place in the preseason poll by the NAC field hockey coaches announced Wednesday and are eager to get their season underway.
With a solid group of returners, including 2012 NAC All-Conference Second Team goaltender Renna Smith (Belfast, Maine) and midfielder Seneca Martensson (East Longmeadow, Mass.), Simmons welcomes 12 new faces to the roster, many of whom will make an immediate impact on the field.
Leading the offensive line is junior Kelly Williamson (Natick, Mass.), who scored a team-high 12 goals last season and Amy Cronin (Georgetown, Mass.), who led the team in assists. Adding to the Sharks offensive threat are newcomers Jenna Gagnon (Waterville, Maine), Mary Neidhardt (Middlefield, Conn.), Jillian Mercer (Dartmouth, Mass.) and Hailey Bruno-Moulton (South Berwick, Maine), who will each add strong stick skills, speed and depth for the Sharks.
Joining Martensson in the midfield are first years Amy Wilson (Falmouth, Mass.), Robin Powell (Richmond, Vt.) and Maddie Koufos (Needham, Mass.), and anchoring the defense is junior Avery Hines (Newburyport, Mass.), whose composure will be key for the Sharks in their own end. First Year Gabrielle Henderson (Dover-Foxcroft, Maine) and returners Caroline Bishop (Natick, Mass.) and Alexia Malone Oliver (Bristol, R.I.) will also contribute on defense. Alyssa Conley (Mendon, Mass.), Samantha Fudge (Everett, Mass.) and Nicole Coolbrith (Uxbridge, Mass.) will add strength in a variety of positions on the field.
The Sharks have a strong presence in goal this fall with Smith, sophomore Carolyn Baremore (East Lyme, Conn.), Brianna Rastello (Salem, N.H.) and Hope McDonald (Hingham, Mass.) all competing for time in the net.
"We are very excited for the upcoming season. We have a roster of 21 and we expect each person on the roster to contribute on a daily basis. With 11 first year's joining the program, we are looking for them to make an immediate impact. Our 10 returners are doing an excellent job leading the team and we are eager to see success this fall," said head coach Amanda Maxwell.