VCU FIELD HOCKEY ADDS SEVEN FOR 2009 SEASON
3-4-09

RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia Commonwealth University Field Hockey Coach Kelly McQuade announced the Rams’ seven-player, 2009 recruiting class Wednesday.

“I am very excited about our incoming class,” McQuade said. “We believe they have the ability to spark our team and provide us with the skill and depth that we need to challenge the hockey world. These young ladies will provide a healthy level of inner squad competition, which is necessary to progress and improve in our league.” 

Kelsey Scherrer is a midfielder out of Cape Henry Collegiate School in Virginia Beach. Scherrer filled up her trophy case at Cape Henry, earning two Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) All-State First Team awards. Additionally, Scherrer was named Second Team All-America by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) after her senior season.

A product of Chancellor High School in Fredericksburg, Va., Meaghan Neylon will join the Rams’ defensive corps. A two-year captain at Chancellor, Neylon was named the Battlefield District’s Player of the Year. She was also selected to the 2008 Penn Monto/NFHCA High School All-Region South team.

Goalkeeper Megan Botteri was a standout at Bangor Area High School in Bangor, Pa. A four-year starter, Botteri piled up 29 shutouts and posted a 63-14-5 record. As a senior, Botteri recorded a save percentage of .910 with seven shutouts. For her efforts, she was named Pennsylvania AAA All-State First Team. Additionally, Botteri was a member of the United States’ Women’s National Indoor Team in 2008 and 2009.

Chelsea Hill is an All-State midfielder out of Princess Anne High School in Virginia Beach. Hill, who was named the All-Tidewater Player of the Year as a senior, led the Lady Cavs to a AAA State Tournament runner-up finish in 2008, as well as well as a semi-final appearance in 2007.

Defender Autumn Dea starred for Twin Valley High School in Elverson, Pa. Dea was named All-Division I First Team, as well as the top defensive player of the 2008 Berks County All-Star Game. She also earned the 2008 Berks County Scholar-Athlete Award, as well as the 2008 Twin Valley Field Hockey Coaches Award.

Melanie Marotta was a two-time Group AA All-State defender at Lafayette High School in Williamsburg. Marotta has also been part of the USFHA Futures program since 2006, playing in the national tournament in 2007 and 2008, and was a Futures Elite pick in 2009. She helped lead Lafayette to district championships her sophomore and junior seasons.

A midfielder, Haley McBee will look to help power the VCU attack for years to come. A product of Brooke Point High School in Stafford, Va., McBee was named All-Region as a senior and All-District as a sophomore.

The Rams, under the direction of third-year coach McQuade, will return 12 letterwinners in 2009, including All-Colonial Athletic Association Second Team selection Marle van Dessel.

COACH MCQUADE ON:
Chelsea Hill:  “Chelsea is going to be a tremendous addition to our team and will look to make an immediate impact. She has the ability to take a game into her hands and is a natural leader. Chelsea's vision, as well as speed, make her a perfect fit for midfield.”

Kelsey Scherrer:  “Kelsey is a speedy midfielder that we are looking to transform into a forward. She has a drive and desire to win that you can’t teach. Kelsey has been able to change the momentum of games with an outstanding play. She will fit in well with our returning forward line.”

Meaghan Neylon:  “Meaghan is a born defender. Her height gives her a great reach advantage, and her presence on the field is second to none. Meaghan will become an asset for our defensive unit.” 

Megan Botteri:  “Megan is currently the goal keeper for the US National Indoor Team. Her passion for the game is contagious and she is anxious to wear black & gold. Megan is a great keeper who is always looking to better her game. We are very excited to have her become a Ram!”

Melanie Marotta:  “Melanie will be another speedy forward for our incoming class. She has the ability to score goals and is very coachable. Melanie will look to spark our forward line.” 

Haley McBee:  “Haley will be an attacking midfielder for us. Her skills and speed will help her to challenge for playing time. Haley will complete the offensive side of our recruiting class nicely.”

Autumn Dea:  “Autumn is truly a diamond in the rough. She has the height and stature to be a phenomenal defender. Autumn will join Meaghan Neylon in challenging to impact the defensive unit immediately.”