The Bobcats didn't have a large recruiting class this year, but the two players that they did sign are expected to step into large roles.
Coach Stacy Strauss filled the vacant holes on her roster by signing two recruits, Jackie Hanson and Sarah Brown, that should push for playing time immediately.
For these two specifically
I think there is going to be room to step in right away Strauss said. We do have a veteran group but we don't have a lot of depth
so I think we are going to need a couple of players to come in and give some quality minutes.
Associate head coach Jim Welch was responsible for most of the recruiting and said that there are advantages to having a small class.
We did feel like we got to know them very well because we weren't recruiting a large number of people
Welch said. We were able to focus on really quality players
and for us
we were able to make sure their personalities matched with our returning players.
Both Brown and Hanson have also gained a lot of experience playing for high-level club teams during their offseasons, which should help them adjust to playing against collegiate competition.
I think it gives them a lot of confidence when they have competed against the best already and have been successful in that arena
Welch said.
Hanson is a midfielder/forward who tallied 32 goals and 34 assists in three varsity seasons at Lyons Township High School in LaGrange, Ill. She was named all-conference in all three of her varsity seasons so far and received all-section honors in 2006.
(Hanson)'s a pretty special player. She attacks very well. She can connect
she can score goals
so she is pretty versatile
Welch said. I think we are looking forward to her ability to run at people and create opportunities.
Brown has also received a lot of postseason accolades. She was named to the All-Pioneer Conference First Team in her final three seasons at North Royalton High School in North Royalton, Ohio, where she racked up five goals and eight assists as a defender. She was named team captain twice and lettered in track four times.
Sarah is a very steady defender. She's fast
