University of Richmond Athletics
Spider Hockey Inks Five In Early Signing Period
11/21/2014 | Field Hockey
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond head coach Gina Lucido announced the signing of five student-athletes who will join Spider hockey next year. Emily Bowe, Emily Braunewell, Nealy Henderson, Olivia Hubert and Thalia Williamson will enroll at Richmond for the fall 2015 semester.
“This class is rich in talent and character,” commented Lucido. “I am confident that the sum of their gifts will impact our program immediately as they are competitors and women of ambition.”
Emily Bowe – Forward/Midfield – Richmond, Va./Trinity Episcopal School 
A four-year letterwinner and three-year starter, Bowe captained her squad for two seasons at Trinity Episcopal School. Bowe led Trinity to the 2014 LIS Championship and was placed on the All-LIS team. The 2013 Trinity Invitational Tournament MVP was placed on the Trinity Invitational All-Tournament Team her senior season. Throughout her career at Trinity, Bowe tallied 57 goals to help her squad to three-straight State Semi-Finals. The 2013 Disney Showcase Medal winner played in two-straight National Futures Championships in 2014 and 2013.
Bowe is no stranger to the Spider community as her grandfather John F. Carroll III was a member of the 1961 Richmond football team as well as her great-grandfather John F. Carroll, Jr. played Spider football from 1932-33. Her great-uncle Stephen N. Carroll was a member of the track and field squad in 1969.
Coach Lucido on Bowe: Emily possesses a variety of skills that will augment our attacking threat. I have hopeful anticipation that her creative play-making and attacking flare will spice up our forward line. A woman with a firm foundation beneath her and is ready to make her mark.
Emily Braunewell – Goalkeeper – Horsham, Pa./Hatboro-Horsham
Braunewell was a three-year starter on the varsity squad at Hatboro-Horsham. The senior captain led her team to the 2013 Pennsylvania Play-offs and finished fifth in the state. She was named to the 2013 Suburban One League All-League and Pennsylvania All-State First Teams. Braunewell also led her club squad to the 2014 National Futures Championship and played on the USA Junior Indoor National Team for three-straight seasons. She was also on the 2012 and 2013 United Sports Winter Series, 2013 NIT Pool and 2012 Festival Championship squads.
Coach Lucido on Braunewell: Emily is wired with overflowing optimism and fiery mentality in one of the most demanding positions. Her ability to focus on team chemistry while relentlessly refining her expertise is a sign of great maturity. I am so eager for her to add to our team culture on and off the field.
Nealy Henderson – Midfield/Forward – Chesapeake, Va. / Bishop Sullivan Catholic
Henderson, a two-time team captain, finished her high school career with 36 goals and 46 assists at Bishop Sullivan. The Chesapeake, Va., native ranked No. 1 in the TCIS Conference in assists her junior season. A two-time TCIS First Team All-Conference honoree, Henderson was named the 2014 Varsity MVP and the 2013 Defensive MVP. She was named to the 2013 All-VISAA DI Conference Honorable Mention team and earned they 2013 Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Student Athlete Achievement Finalist Award for Athletics, Academics and Community Service.
Coach Lucido on Henderson: I believe Nealy is going to compliment and inspire our program to her maximum potential. Her determination, endurance, and tactical IQ have equipped her to impact the next level. It will be a privilege coaching a player with such depth and determination.
Olivia Hubert – Midfield – Stafford, Va./Mountain View
Hubert was a four-year starter and senior captain at Mountain View High School. During her junior campaign, Hubert was placed on the All-State First Team, First Team All-Area Free Lance Star and was named Conference 15 and Region 5A North Player of the Year and Mountain View High School MVP as she led her squad to a State Championship. As a freshman, the Stafford, Va., native was named Rookie of the Year when Mountain View made it all the way to the AAA Virginia State Quarterfinals. Her U-19 National Indoor squad were named 2013 Pool K Champions, while being named the Pool G's runner-up in 2012.
Her older sister Bailee is currently a redshirt-sophomore on James Madison's field hockey squad and her father, John, was a wrestler at James Madison (1980-84).
Coach Lucido on Hubert: Olivia has such fluid skill and quiet strength. I know she will add strong depth to our midfield line and push our momentum in the attacking third. I believe Olivia's maturity and team-focused spirit will foster a quick transition into our system and successful play.
Thalia Williamson – Back – Oley, Pa./Oley Valley 
Williamson was a four-year starter and senior captain at Oley Valley High School and led her squad to three-straight Berks County Division III Championships in 2012, 2013 and 2014. The two-time All-Berks County honoree, was placed on the All-Pennsylvania First Team her junior campaign after receiving honorable mention honors in 2012. Williamson was a member of the 2014 Futures Level 1 squad, played in the 2013 Junior Olympics and is a two-time Festival Gold U-16 winner.
Her father Joby played baseball at Bucknell University from 1985-89.
Coach Lucido on Williamson: Thalia is gifted in all the core areas of play. Her tactical, technical, and physical presence is noted to be an elite level. She will impact the strength of our squad significantly as passion and professionalism shine from her.
