UAlbany Field Hockey Signs Four Student-Athletes for 2008 Season

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – The University at Albany has signed four student-athletes for the 2008 field hockey season, as announced by head coach Phil Sykes on Thursday afternoon. Erin Crosson, Christine Patrick, Megan Springmeyer and Ashley Carr have all signed National Letters of Intent to play for the Great Danes next fall.

Crosson was a four-year letterwinner and team captain at Shrewsbury High School in Shrewsbury, Mass. She was a two-time Mid-Wachusett A League and Worcester Telegram & Gazette All-Star. A three-year starter, Crosson led the Colonials to three league championships in four seasons, including a district championship and state final appearance as a senior. She was also a member of the Cape Ann Coalition, participating at the USFHA National Hockey Festival in 2006 and 2007 and competing in two Bay State Games. Crosson, a MIAA Outstanding Sportsmanship Award recipient, has been a high honor roll member for four years, and ranks in the top 22 percent of her graduating class. She has also participated in ice hockey, softball and indoor track.

“Erin is a very calm player who makes good decisions on the ball,” said Sykes. “Her speed and decision-making will add to our strong midfield.”

Patrick, a native of Reading, Pa., was named to the Berks All-County Team in 2007 as a senior for Reading Catholic. She was a three-time All-Division IV team member and was team MVP after recording 20 goals and four assists as a senior. With the High Styx club team, Patrick attended five USFHA National Hockey Indoor and Outdoor Festivals, and participated in four Keystone State Games. She competed at the National Futures Championships from 2004-2007, and was a member of the U-19 team that finished first in Scranton, Pa. last fall. Patrick, who was also an all-division softball player at Reading Catholic, has been a high honor roll student for her entire high school career.

“We are very excited to have Christina coming on board for next year,” offered Sykes. Her attacking skills, speed and goal-scoring ability will add to our already experienced offense.”

Springmeyer was a four-year letterwinner at Warren Hills High School in Washington, N.J. Springmeyer, who holds her school’s records for goals (55), points (126) and game-winning goals (22), was a two-time high school All-American by the NFHCA for the Mid-Atlantic Region. She was a two-time Newark Star-Ledger All-West Jersey first-team selection and earned second-team all-state honors as a senior. Springmeyer was a New Jersey Field Hockey Coaches Association first-team selection in 2006 and 2007, and was also an all-area first team choice by the Easton Express-Times during those seasons. A captain and team MVP, Springmeyer was a three-time Skyland Conference Delaware Division first-team pick. She was named the 2006 Warren Reporter Player of the Year. A five-year member of the Edge Field Hockey Club and was a two-time National AAU Junior Olympics participant, Springmeyer was also a Futures Elite selection in 2007 and participated in the Futures program from 2004-07.

“Megan is quick and feisty and very determined,” said Sykes. “She has very good finishing skills and is very much a team player.”

Carr, a native of Hilderstone, England, was a member of the 2006 North of England Regional U-21 team that earned a national championship. She also played for the Doncaster Ladies Hockey Club of the English National Premier League and was a member of the Sutton Coldfield Ladies Hockey Club that competed in the English National Indoor Premier League and the National Division One Outdoor League. Carr was the captain of the Newcastle-Under-Lyme School and led her squads to three National Schools championships.

“Ashley is a very seasoned central defender,” said Sykes. “She will add a great deal of experience to our defensive line and her distributing skills will benefit us greatly.”

UAlbany finished the 2007 season at 15-5 overall after falling to conference champion Boston University in the America East Championship on Nov. 4. The Great Danes finished No. 19 in the final NFHCA national rankings.

“We are very excited about our incoming class,” Sykes offered. “They will add to the team in many ways. We will have some dynamic goal scorers, solid defending and our overall team speed will be largely enhanced.”

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2008 University at Albany Field Hockey Signings

Name, Pos., Hometown (High School)

Erin Crosson, M, Shrewsbury, Mass. (Shrewsbury)

Christine Patrick, F, Reading, Pa. (Reading Catholic)

Megan Springmeyer, F, Washington, N.J. (Warren Hills)

Ashley Carr, D, Hilderstone, England (Newcastle-Under-Lyme)