University of Richmond Athletics
Spider Field Hockey Announces Signees
02/01/2012 | Field Hockey
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. - The defending Atlantic 10 Champion Richmond field hockey team announced the signing of five student-athletes to National Letters of Intent on Signing Day.
Head coach Gina Lucido announced the signing of Taylor Deitrick (Harrisburg, Pa.), Allison Haas (Wescosville, Pa.), Caroline McCabe (Harding Township, N.J.), Avery Safford (Malvern, Pa.) and Kimberly Sportack (Scituate, Mass.).
"The young women that comprise the 2012 recruiting class embody great leadership and passion for the sport," Lucido said. "The collective success of their high school careers demonstrates the strength of the class and the significant impact they will have on our program. Each member was recruited for their unique talent and character that fits into the Richmond team culture. I believe the 2012 class will add another excellent layer to the uncommon standards and vision that shapes the success of Richmond Field Hockey."
Taylor Deitrick is a 5-foot-3 forward from Harrisburg, Pa. who was a 2011 First-Team All-State selection at Central Dauphin High for coach Janelle Burger. Deitrick was a First-Team Academic All-State pick and Mid-Penn Commonwealth Division Player of the Year after scoring 23 goals and handing out nine assists as a senior. The three-year starter was a Patriot-News Big 11 First-Team All-Star and Mid-Penn Commonwealth Division First-Team All-Star as a senior as she led Central Dauphin to the state semifinals, Mid-Penn Conference title and the Mid-Penn Commonwealth Division crown.
"Taylor Deitrick will quickly transition to the collegiate game and impact our team success," Lucido said. "I am excited about Taylor's ability to be a key player in our attacking line. She possesses the skills to threaten opponents with excellent stick handling and timely passes to open teammates. Her ability to finish in the attacking circle is fueled by a focused competitive spirit. Her individual accolades are praiseworthy, but her determination to use her gifts to compliment our team play is most valuable."
Allison Haas is a 5-foot-7 back from Wescosville, Pa. where she was a four-year starter on four league and district championship winning teams at Emmaus High for coach Sue Butz-Stavin. Haas was an Honorable Mention All-State selection as a junior when she helped lead Emmaus to the Pennsylvania State Championship. A team captain as a senior, she helped Emmaus to a 97-4-1 overall record during her four-year career.
"Allison Haas comes to Richmond with a winning tradition well established in her background," Lucido said. "Her character and discipline have made her the model student athlete as well as pave the way for a promising collegiate career. Allison's deceptive passing is quickly noticed and will broaden our tactical build-up from the defensive circle. I know her consistent defensive presence and competitive spirit will contribute to the Spider program significantly."
Caroline McCabe is a 5-foot-1 goalkeeper from Harding Township, N.J. where she was a two-year starter and letterwinner for coach Ann Marie Davies at Madison High. McCabe led the state of New Jersey in save percentage as a senior with an .8814 save percentage, making 171 saves and allowing just 23 goals. She was a Second-Team Star Ledger All-State Group II selection as a senior, along with being named First-Team All-Morris County by the Daily Record and Star Ledger.
"Caroline McCabe joins the Richmond Field Hockey program as a young goalie on the rise," Lucido said. "Her relentless commitment to development year round is one of Caroline's many strengths. Caroline will spur a healthy dimension of competition and camaraderie to our goalie family next fall. Although a standout goalie at the high school level, I believe her sincere desire to maximize her potential, will push her excellence to new benchmarks. She brings significant depth to our elite goal-keeping standard."
Avery Safford is a 5-foot-8 midfielder/back from Malvern, Pa. where she was a four-year starter and two-time team MVP at The Shipley School for coach Katie Whelan. Safford was a four-time First-Team All-Friends League and a four-time All-Mainline pick, including three years on the First-Team. A two-time Philadelphia All-Star Team honoree, Safford is The Shipley School's all-time leading goal scorer. She led The Shipley School to four Friends League title and an undefeated 36-0 record in league play.
"Avery Safford compliments our midfield line-up well with athleticism and creative play-making," Lucido said. "She has a strong foundation and multi-sport background that will add depth to our playing style. Avery's enthusiasm and love of the game will immediately impact our program for good. Her passion to be a Spider was contagious and will infect her teammates immediately. I am excited to mentor Avery and build on her natural talent in the collegiate game."
Kimberly Sportack is a 5-foot-1 forward from Scitaute, Mass. where she was three-year starter at Thayer Academy for coach Erin Cash. She helped lead Thayer to back-to-back New England Preparatory School Athletic Council Championships and Independent School League titles, earning First-Team All-Independent School League honors as a senior and honorable mention as a junior. Sportack was named Boston Glober All-Scholastic and Patriot Ledger All-Scholastic as a senior and was the NEPSAC Class B All-Tournament Team pick as a senior. She also was a four-year letterwinner in ice hockey at Thayer.
"Kim Sportack brings a unique skill set and aggression to our forward unit," Lucido said. "Her dual sport participation in field hockey and ice hockey make her a new threat in our attacking circle. Kim exudes a fearless outlook and determination in game play which will be exciting to see at the next level. I am confident Kim will make her mark on our attack and hopeful she will ignite the team with game changing play."
