April 26, 2006
FAIRFIELD, Conn. - Head Field Hockey Coach Jackie Kane completed her recruiting class announcing the addition of six student athletes for the upcoming 2006 season. The six players hail from five different states, including Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Virginia.
"I am very happy our incoming freshmen class," Coach Kane said. "This class has both the experience and talent to make an impact next season. Their ability to step in next year will certainly be beneficial for our program."
Paxton Delany (Charlottesville, Va.) tallied 126 total points during her career at The Covenant School. She tallied a career-high 44 points as a senior, registering 15 goals and 14 assists. She earned All-State and All-League honors last season, and capped her campaign by receiving the Central Virginia player of the year. She participated in the National Futures tournament in 2004 and 2005. Paxton has spent the last year working as a counselor at Waikato Diocesan School in New Zealand and playing hockey for Te Awamutu Sports Club.
"Paxton is a versatile player who can make things happen," Coach Kane said. "I first noticed her two years ago at the National Futures Tournament. I was impressed with her play at that time. I am thrilled that she has decided to come to Fairfield."
Ashton DiDonato (Upper Arlington, Ohio) comes to Fairfield after earning All-Ohio honors as a midfielder. At Upper Arlington High School, she received the varsity field hockey most valuable player as a sophomore, junior, and senior. DiDonato captured All-League first team honors three times, and second time accolades once. She played in the National Futures tournament, and qualified for the Futures Elite. Off the field, DiDonato was named an Academic All-America as well as to the National Honor Society.
"Ashton is our first player from Ohio and we are very excited to have her," Coach Kane said. "She has great field vision and will help us develop our passing game."
Katherine Donovan (Branford, Conn.) joins the Fairfield University program after a successful career at Branford High School. During her four-year stay, Donovan earned the best defense award four times, received two most valuable player awards, and was All-League, All-Area, and All-State in her senior season. She established a school record for most varsity games played (77). She helped Branford High School to two state championships (2002, 2004). Donovan also played lacrosse at Branford High School, and earned the team's most improved player as a sophomore and best defensive player as a junior.
"Katherine is a fierce competitor who leaves it on the field," Coach Kane said. "She is from a winning program and has what it takes to play at the next level."
Carly McCullough (Queensbury, N.Y.) played four seasons at Queensbury High School, where she helped the field hockey team post a 23-1 overall record and a 12-0 league slate. She earned All-State honors as a senior, and was a first-team All-Star. She was named the team's most valuable player, as well as the team's captain. McCullough participated in the National Futures tournament in 2004 and 2005. With her help Queensbury went undefeated in league play for three straight seasons. She earned a Presidential Scholarship from Fairfield University.
"Carly has the potential to be an immediate impact player for our team," Coach Kane said. "She not only has great skills but is an intelligent player who can read the opponents very well."
Meg Okuniewicz (Toms River, N.J.) was a three-sport athlete at Toms River North High School, donning the uniform for swimming and diving, lacrosse, and field hockey. She helped the team post an 11-5-6 overall record as a senior and finished second on the team with seven goals and eight assists. She earned the freshman most valuable player award in 2002, and followed up with the varsity most valuable player last season. She garnered All-Shore second team accolades as a captain of the 2005 squad.
"Megan came to camp at Fairfield University and I was immediately impressed with her passion for hockey and her determination to improve," Coach Kane said. "Her enthusiasm is contagious!"
Brittany Smith (Granby, Conn.) earned four varsity letters at Granby Memorial High School as a field hockey player. She earned co-most valuable player awards in 2005, as well as All-Conference and All-State first team honors. During her time at Granby Memorial, Smith helped the team capture three conference championships, and two state titles. She participated in the National Futures Tournament. She also played four years with the varsity softball team. Off the field, Smith was a member of the National Honor Society.
"I believe that Brittany is one of the best players in the state and we are excited to have the opportunity to work with her," Coach Kane said. "She is a very skilled forward who knows how to get the ball into the circle and capitalize on scoring opportunities. We will look to her to continue this role this fall."
The Fairfield University field hockey team posted a 6-13 overall record and a 4-4 Northeast Conference slate. The Stags advanced to the Northeast Conference tournament for the second straight season in 2005.
