Feb. 20, 2006

HAMILTON, N.Y. - Colgate head field hockey coach Cathy Foto has announced the addition of eight players to her team as part of the class of 2010. The class includes two defender, four midfielders, one forward, and one goalkeeper. All eight players hail from different states, including one from Trinidad.

"The class of 2010 is one of the most diverse that we have ever had," Foto said. "They come from seven states and one foreign country. They are a diverse group of student athletes who were all top students in their respective high schools. They bring to Colgate a wide variety of accomplishments that will assist them in their transition to Division I field hockey. We are excited about what they as a class will bring to our program."

At forward, the Raiders will welcome Courtney Kundtz (Chagrin Falls, Ohio). Kundtz was named all-midwest after leading her team with 37 points. She also led Hathaway Brown to the state final four in 2003, 2004, and 2005 after winning the state championship as a freshman.

The Raiders' group of midfielders includes Katelyn Nerbonne (Bow, N.H.), Erin Clark (Newtown, Conn.), Jenna Knoll (Basking Ridge, N.J.), and Mary Anderson (Louisville, Ky.). Nerbonne was named the New Hampshire Player of the Year while leading her team to the 2005 state championship. Clark was named her team's best midfield player as a senior as well as being named to the all-state first team. Knoll was named to the all-state second team and all-county first team, as well as being the recipient of her team's coach's award. Anderson was also named to the all-state first team and received her team's MVP award as a senior.

"This class will add depth at every position on the field," Foto said. "There is no doubt that they will arrive ready to compete and make a difference as a class. The experience they bring from their high school programs, to the USFHA Futures program and their club involvement is exceptional. They have all experienced a great deal of individual success, and a number of their teams have advanced in state tournament play."

At the other end of the field Colgate brings in Jackie Brown (Oxford, N.Y.) and Mika Ella-Tang (Port-of-Spain, Trinidad) at defense, and Sarah Pederson (State College, Pa.) in goal. Brown was a Section IV all-star in 2004 and 2005 and playing on the U-19 National Indoor Team in 2006. Ella-Tang was named the Club U-21 MVP and played on the Club Magnolias championship team. Pederson was named to the 2005 Tri-Valley first team and led State College High School to the 2004 and 2006 district championships.

"These girls are winners in the classroom and on the field, and we are thrilled to welcome them to Colgate," Foto says. "There is no doubt that we have recruited an exciting class of talented student-athletes who are smart, competitive and have succeeded wherever they have been."

The 2005 Raiders completed their season with a 6-11 overall record. Colgate's class of 2010 and the rest of their teammates take to the field to start the 2006 season on Aug. 27 when they host Radford at Tyler's Field.