June 11, 2010

FARMVILLE, Va. - Longwood University field hockey head coach Iain Byers has announced his 2010 recruiting class. Joining the Lancers are freshmen Stacey de Grandhomme/Cape Town, South Africa (Table View HS), Morgan McCaw/Suffolk (Lakeland), Anne Pishko/Norfolk (Maury), Caitlin Smith/Hampton (Kecoughton) and Allison Solan/Emmaus, Pa. (Emmaus).

“We have added a really strong class this year,” said Byers. “We had a very competitive nature and desire to win this spring and the newcomers already exhibit these traits. Everyone will be focused when preseason gets here.

deGrandhomme has played extensively in South Africa. “We're excited to add the international experience of Stacey,” said Byers. “She's played at a high level in South Africa and will bring a lot to the front line.”

McCaw, a defender, won a district championship with Lakeland HS as a senior and is a Futures participant and National Futures Championship participant. “Morgan is a smaller defender with a big bite. Her tenacity and speed will allow her to make huge strides on the field and we expect to see her contributing to the defensive and midfield lines.”

Pishko, a midfielder, earned All-District, All-Region and All-State honors and was named the Eastern District Player of the Year. She played on the squad that received bronze at the National Futures Championship and also earned a runner-up finish at the Junior Olympics. “Anne is a natural athlete and a natural competitor. Her strength and speed will have her competing for playing time in the forward and midfield lines.”

Smith, a defender, earned First-Team All-District and Second-Team All-Region honors as a junior and senior. She was a futures participant, including the Futures Elite during 2009-10. She helped Kecoughton HS to the 2009 Peninsula District Tournament Championship. “Caitlin is a well-rounded athlete and a forward's worst nightmare. We expect her to adapt quickly to our style of play and contribute to our back line.”

Solan, a defender, helped Emmaus HS to the 2007 Pennsylvania State Championship. She participated in Futures from 2004-09. “Allison comes from one of the most disciplined and successful programs in the country. Her work ethic and experience are qualities that will help her compete for playing time in the midfield position.”