WEST CHESTER, Pa. – West Chester University field hockey head coach Kathy Krannebitter announced her 2010 recruiting class this week. The six newcomers to the program include one goalkeeper, two defenders and four players with the versatility to play almost anywhere on the field.
“This class may be small in numbers as compared to last year’s class,” Krannebitter said. “But, they will figure to play a large role because of their athleticism, experience and field hockey knowledge.”
Spanning across three states and all positions, this class brings a vast array of field hockey experiences and accomplishments to the Golden Rams. West Chester is coming off a promising season last year, after tying for fourth place in the Atlantic 10 Conference and losing out on the tie-breaker for the final playoff spot. However, Krannebitter must fill a few holes left from graduation. The coaching staff’s hope is that this class can continue that building process into a playoff contender come fall.
Caitlin Dempsey (Fallston, Md./Fallston) is a speedy forward with an eye for the goal and the desire to finish rushes. A product out of one of the top programs in the state of Maryland, Dempsey has earned a great deal of success playing for Fallston as well as the Strikers Field Hockey Club. As a three-year starter for Fallston, the team enjoyed three straight regional and Class 3A Maryland state championships.
Dempsey earned all-county honors three years in a row, was second team all-state pick her senior year as well as a Metro first team selection and a Maryland senior all-star. She was also named team captain and has been in the U.S. Futures Program for three years.
“Caitlin only knows one speed when on the field and that is 100 miles per hour,” Krannebitter said. “Her motor never stops, and her style of play and work ethic urges others to play at that same pace and level of passion.”
Julie Kolmer (Lititz, Pa./Warwick), hails from one of the premier high school programs in the state. A goalkeeper, Kolmer comes from a long line of highly productive and successful goalkeepers at Warwick. She has enjoyed a solid career as a two-year starter, guiding her teams to the district and state playoffs each year. In 2009, Warwick was a semifinalist in their league championships and a quarterfinalist in the District 3 championships. Kolmer has participated in the national indoor tournament for her club team, Sutter’s Brigade, and has played in both the Keystone Winter Games and Summer Games. In 2009, Kolmer was also a Lancaster-Lebanon all-star.
“Julie is a solid goalkeeper with very good skills,” Krannebitter said. “She is a very good shot blocker, has a multitude of skills and shows great confidence in the cage. We are fortunate to have her and look forward to her contributions to the Golden Rams.”
Kelsi Lykens (Mohrsville, Pa./Schuylkill) is another great player to come from the Berks County region. A three-sport athlete, Lykens is a dynamic player that can play multiple positions. Her versatility made her an asset not only to her high school team, but her club team (High Styx) as well.
Lykens has enjoyed a great deal of success over the years with field hockey including a National Futures Championship in 2007, and a Junior Olympics appearance in 2007. Also in 2007, she was named an alternate to the Junior National Camp Trials. Lykens has played in multiple national indoor tournaments with her club team, has appeared in the Keystone State Games three years straight, was a Berks County all-star in 2008 and 2009 and a two-time all-state selection as well.
“Kelsi is an extraordinary athlete with extraordinary talent,” Krannebitter said. “She has a strong field hockey background, yet has the experiences from other sports where she has also excelled. This diversity in sport not only makes her a better athlete, but it adds to her ability to draw experiences from other athletic situations to enhance her play as a field hockey player.”
Stef Pirri (Downingtown, Pa./Downingtown West), another great local product for the Golden Rams, was an outstanding player for the Whippets for three years, Pirri helped lead her team to three Ches-Mont League championships. She played for former WCU star Liz Morrow and also earned all-area team honors, including first team offense (3 times), all-area player of the Year (2008), and all-area first team (2009).
While playing club hockey, Pirri’s teams were pool champions at the Hockey Festival in 2007 and 2008. Last winter, her team won the top pool of the National Indoor Championships.
“Stef is an outstanding athlete with outstanding credentials,” Krannebitter said. “She can play attack or defense, and excels at both positions. She has a toughness we were looking for. Her focus and determination are very high, and we will be counting on that as she enters into our program.”
Brittani Scalia (Hockessin, Del./Charter School of Wilmington) is another great local player from just across the border. Scalia is another multi-sport athlete, who played lacrosse and ran indoor track as well as field hockey.
Scalia is a product of the First State Diamonds Club in Delaware and is also in the Futures Elite program. Scalia was a team captain in 2009, named first team all-conference in both 2008 and 2009, and first team all-state in 2009.
“Brit is an all-around excellent athlete. She has speed, power, and strength,” Krannebitter said. “Brit plays with passion and shows determination when on the field. She can play many positions and should prove to be an asset to our team. We look forward to her talents and skills as she transitions over to Golden Rams field hockey.”
Nancy Stehman (Lancaster, Pa./Penn Manor) had a great career while at Penn Manor. A versatile midfielder with great vision, she led Penn Manor to the state finals in 2007 and then won the state title one year later in 2008. A three-year varsity letterwinner, Stehman was recognized with the Lebanon-Lancaster first team all-star and academic teeam awards, was second team all-state.
“Nancy will provide for us the vision on the field, a sense of purpose when with the ball, and the patience and focus to help see the team through,” Krannebitter said. “She is a strong leader and is used to playing in stressful situations. She can perform when the game is on the line, and we look forward to having Nancy bring those skills help us achieve our goals.”
West Chester opens its 52nd season of field hockey on Aug. 28 when the Golden Rams host Fairfield University at Vonnie Gros Field.
| Name |
Pos. |
Hometown/HS |
| Caitlin Dempsey |
F |
Fallston, Md./Fallston |
| Jolie Kolmer |
GK |
Lititz, Pa./Warwick |
| Kelsi Lyken |
F/M |
Mohrsville, Pa./Schuylkill |
| Stef Pirri |
D |
Downingtown, Pa./Downingtown West |
| Brittani Scalia |
F/M |
Hockessin, Del./Charter School of Wilmington |
| Nancy Stehman |
M |
Lancaster, Pa. Penn Manor |
