Liberty Field Hockey Announces 8 Additions in 2024 Signing Class
1/18/2024 10:56:00 AM | Field Hockey
LYNCHBURG, Va. – The Liberty field hockey program and head coach Nikki Parsley-Blocker have announced the addition of eight student-athletes.
Four players - Malena Magnano, Avery Pollock, Maddie Stevens and Josefina Tomasi - will join the program for the spring 2024 semester. The other four student-athletes – Mary Hazel Davis, Ava Murphy, Olivia Petrie and Riley Welsch – will join the Lady Flames starting next fall. The eight players hail from Argentina (two), Pennsylvania (three), Massachusetts, Virginia and Kentucky.
Mary Hazel Davis (M – Midlothian, Va./Powhatan HS)
Davis is a midfielder from Midlothian, Va. She finished her senior season with 38 goals, 34 assists and 110 points in leading Powhatan High School to an 18-3 record, its best season in school history. Davis and the Indians claimed the region title and went to the state semifinals for the first time in program history. She earned all-state, first team all-region 4B and all-Metro honors during her senior campaign. Davis earned all-state and all-league honors during her junior and sophomore seasons as well.
"I could not be more excited to join the Liberty team and continue to accomplish my goals and make my hockey dreams come true," Davis stated. "I believe God has called me to be a part of this program because he has a plan for me to grow not just as an athlete but in my faith and as a person."
Davis has competed at the club level for Panthers United (2018-23). Her accomplishments with Panthers United include: 2019 Region 8 MVP, fourth place at 2021 National Club Championship, 2022 MaxPreps Top 50 and 2021 MaxPreps Top 100.
"Mary Hazel has been the ultimate team players. To say she has been a difference maker in taking our team to a higher level is an understatement. She puts others before herself, works hard, leads by example and is talented on both offense and defense. We will miss her greatly at PHS but know she will be an outstanding addition to your program. Liberty FH is extremely lucky to have her, and we look forward to watching her play!"
Stephanie Tyson, Powhatan High School Field Hockey Head Coach.
Malena Magnano (F/M – Necochea, Argentina/Virginia Beach, Va./Kellam HS)
A forward/midfielder, Magnano has played for Kellam High School in Virginia Beach, Va. for the past three seasons after moving from Necochea, Argentina. Magnano finished her senior season with 34 goals, seven assists and 75 points in 17 games while helping Kellam to regionals. She was named an NFHCA High School All-American third team honoree, NFHCA High School All-South Region team selection and an All-Tidewater second team recipient. At the state level, she earned VHSL Class 5 All-State first team and VHSL Region 5B first team recognition. Magnano was also selected to play in the CoVA Sports Senior Field Hockey All-Star Game.
As a sophomore, Magnano tallied 20 goals, seven assists and 47 points while helping the Kellam Knights to a region title and spot in the state tournament. She was named first team all-state and first team all-region.
"I'm so excited to join this beautiful family. I look forward to learning from all my new teammates and creating the best version of myself," Magnano said.
Magnano competed for Club Del Valle in Argentina from 2009-21 and is currently playing for TCOYO Hockey Club. With TCOYO, Magnano has earned numerous awards, including gold medals at the 2023 U18 USA Nexus Championship and the 2022 U16/Rise USA Nexus Championship.
Ava Murphy (M/F – Boston, Mass./Phillips Academy – Andover)
Murphy, a midfielder/forward, hails from Boston, Mass. A MAX Field Hockey Top 100 player each of her last three years, Murphy and Phillips Academy reached the state title game this fall and posted a 17-2 overall record. She was named NFHCA High School all-region for her efforts this year. Last fall, Murphy and Phillips Academy posted a 16-1-1 mark, and she was named NEPSAC all-region while also earning 2022 Under Armour Select Game MVP honors.
"I feel honored and grateful to join the Liberty field hockey program where I will be able to achieve my goals athletically, academically and spiritually," Murphy said. "I knew Liberty would be a perfect fit the fist moment I stepped foot on campus and experienced the team culture. The love for God, our country and field hockey is an unbelievable experience."
As both a sophomore and freshman with Phillips Academy, Murphy was a NEPSAC honorable mention selection. At the club level, she has competed for Northeast Elite (2022-23), helping the team to a pair of fifth place finishes at the 2022 and 2023 U19 USA Club National Tournaments. Murphy has been a four-year three-sport athlete in high school, also playing varsity ice hockey for four years and competing on the varsity track & field squad. She has earned a pair off All-NEPSAC track & field honors.
"Ava has an incomparable passion for field hockey. She loves the game and more importantly, she is a student of the game and driven to improving her game. Offensively and defensively, she strives to learn and grow as a competitor. On the field, she always brings energy and enthusiasm that uplifts her teammates."
Kate Dolan, Phillips Academy – Andover Field Hockey Head Coach
Olivia Petrie (F/M – Louisville, Ky./Highlands Latin School)
Petrie is a forward/midfielder who hails from Louisville, Ky. In four seasons at Highlands Latin School, she totaled 97 goals, 32 assists and 129 points. During her senior campaign, Petrie notched a career-best 31 goals, third most in the state, and added 10 assists for 72 points (also third in state) while serving as a team captain for a 13-8 squad that earned a pool title at the Gateway Classic. She earned several awards, including: first team all-state, 2023 MAX Field Hockey West/Midwest Region Player to Watch, Apple Tournament All-Tournament team and Region 3 All-Tournament team.
In 20 games as a junior, Petrie finished with 25 goals, eight assists and 58 points. She was named first team all-state, Region 3 All-Tournament team and 2022 MAX Field Hockey West/Midwest Region Player to Watch while helping her team to a 14-7 record, Apple Tournament Pool B title and a Gateway Classic title.
"Liberty is a program like no other, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to be surrounded by coaches and teammates who seek to glorify God through field hockey," Petrie stated.
Petrie scored a combined 41 goals to go with 14 assists and 96 points in her first two seasons with the Highlands Latin School Highlanders. As a sophomore, she was the NFHCA August Scholastic Player of the Month, Apple Tournament MVP, first team all-state selection and Region 3 All-Tournament team member. Petrie and the Highlanders won the Apple Tournament Pool B crown.
Petrie, who also played basketball (one year) and softball (one year) in high school, has competed at the club level for IFHCK Field Hockey. Her list of accomplishments include: MAX Field Hockey 2024 Top 100, Stealth U14 NCC eighth place, 2022 U19 National Select Team NCC sixth place, 2023 U19 National Select Team NCC seventh place and 2022 National Field Hockey Festival U19 National Select Team pool champion.
"Olivia is equal parts of grit and grace, which can be seen every time she takes the field. The way she plays elevates everyone around her, challenging them to bring their best to the field. Most importantly, it is her faith that is the fuel behind everything she does. She plays only for His glory, and that is why she shines so bright."
Meribeth Szwed, Highlands Latin School Field Hockey Head Coach
"Liv is one of the hardest working and most passionate players I have coached. She is constantly striving to be the best and has put herself in the position of being of our most threatening attackers both defensively holding down the front line of the press and with her ability to create attacking opportunities. I know Liv is going to continue to get better and better playing at the highest level at Liberty. I can't wait to see all the great things she will accomplish!"
Jess Giesel, IFHCK Field Hockey Club Coach
Avery Pollock (F – Hummelstown, Pa./Lower Dauphin HS)
Pollock, a forward, guided Lower Dauphin High School to the state title during her junior year (fall 2022). Pollock and the Falcons posted a 22-3-1 mark, while she notched 29 goals, 17 assists and 75 points. Pollock was named first team all-state, a Mid Penn first team all-star, an NFHCA second team All-American and the NFHCA November National Player of the Month.
A team captain as a senior, Pollock and Lower Dauphins finished 20-4 this past fall. During her sophomore campaign (2021), Pollock finished with 24 goals, seven assists and 55 points while helping the Falcons to a Mid Penn Conference title, district crown and state runner-up finish. For her efforts, she was named a first team all-state honoree, Mid Penn first team all-star and MAX Field Hockey PA regional team selection.
"Having the chance to join LUFH in January is an amazing opportunity that I am super excited about. I'm thrilled to be a part of a program that is building a legacy and excited for all that LUFH has to offer," Pollock stated.
Pollock has competed at the club level for PA Revolution for the last eight years. Pollock and PA Revolution are five-time Shooting Star champions and won the U14 NIT title. Pollock has also competed in lacrosse (ninth and 11th grade) and unified bocce (10th and 11th grade) in high school.
"Field hockey is a sport that requires the execution of difficult stick skills, physical fitness, quick decision making and strategic teamwork. Avery excel in all aspects of the game, and she is known for her offensive creativity and powerful shot. Avery is a fierce competitor with the ability to perform under pressure."
Linda Kreiser, Lower Dauphin High School Field Hockey Head Coach
Maddie Stevens (GK – Morgantown, Pa./Twin Valley HS)
Stevens is a goalkeeper from Morgantown, Pa. who has attended Twin Valley High School. She has extensive experience with the junior national team, as she is a current member of the USA Junior Women's National Team. Her other junior national experience includes: 2023 USAFH Nexus Championship, 2022 U16 Outdoor Junior National Team, U16 USA Field Hockey Selection Camp, USAFH Nexus Stars and Stripes Elite (2022), USAFH Nexus Championship (2022), USAFH Regional Selection Camp (2022), AAU Junior Olympics Field Hockey Team (2021), USAFH Nexus Stars and Stripes Elite (2021), USAFH Nexus National Futures Championship (2021) and USAFH Regional Selection Camp (2021).
Stevens has totaled a school-record 827 saves at Twin Valley High School, including 277 saves this past fall. She boasted a .890 saver percentage this year and ended her career with 35 shutouts while also setting the school's single-game save record with 37 saves against Downington West. As a senior, Stevens earned BCIAA Goalie of the Year honors along with: BCIAA All-Conference team, BCIAAA Defensive Player of the Year, MAX Field Hockey High School Regional Players to Watch, NFHCA All-Region first team, NFHCA All-American third team, PIAA All-State first team, Reading Eagles Berks Top Athlete Performer of the Week and Twin Valley Field Hockey Team MVP.
"I feel like stepping in, I have such a strong coaching staff. I have so much support in academics and athletics," Stevens said. "There is something at Liberty that's so strong right now that they're building that I didn't see at other schools. I can't be more excited to get on campus."
Stevens made 280 saves with a .940 percentage as a junior while notching nine shutouts for Twin Valley. Some of the awards she earned included: NFHCA Pennsylvania second team, MAX Field Hockey All-Pennsylvania Region second team, PIAA first team all-state, BCIAA All-conference team and BCIAA Goalie of the Year. As a sophomore, Stevens totaled 280 saves and nine shutouts while saving 91 percent of the shots she saw. She was named BCIAA Goalie of the Year, BCIAA All-Conference team and PIAA first team all-state while leading her squad to the PIAA AA state title. Stevens and her squad claimed division, county and district titles as well.
As a freshman, she started in goal and was the BCIAA Goalie of the Year and earned BCIAA All-Conference team and PIAA second team all-state recognition. She notched 10 shutouts while making 106 saves with a .920 save percentage. Stevens, who played lacrosse for a year in high school, competed at the club level for X-Calibur (2019-21) and Powerhouse Field Hockey (2022-23). Accomplishments with her club teams include: 2022 Junior Premier Outdoor League Harrow Sports Most Valuable Player Region 5, 2022 U16 NIT pool winner, 2022 Powerhouse NIT team, 2022 Powerhouse U19 NIT, X-Calibur U16 NIT pool champ, X-Calibur U14 National Festival team and X-Calibur U14 NIT Pool winner.
"She communicates and sees the entire field. She's able to able the defenders know where they need to be, and she's quick. She can save four, five, six shots in a row. She's all over the place. She allows us to be in any game."
Kim Walsh, Twin Valley High School Field Hockey Head Coach
Josefina Tomasi (M/F – Cañada de Gómez, Argentina/ Instituto José Razetto)
Tomasi is a midfielder/forward who hails from Cañada de Gómez, Argentina. She has played for two clubs during her prep career – Club Atlético Fisherton (2017-23) and Sport Club Cañadense (2012-16). In 2023, Tomasi played in the national tournament when she was 17 years old with the Asociación del Litoral all-state team. With Club Atlético Fisherton, Tomasi scored eight goals in 11 games in the first phase of a tournament. In 2022, Tomasi and the Asociación del Litoral all-state team finished in third place. Also a team captain for her Club Atlético Fisherton team in 2022, Tomasi guided her squad to a title in the AHL Relocation "A" Tournament.
"Having the chance to study and play field hockey at Liberty is a dream of mine," Tomasi said. "My main goal is to grow as a person and as a player, and I think Liberty is the right place to do that."
With Club Atlético Fisherton in 2021, Tomasi won titles at the U16 and U18 levels in the AHL Relocation "A" Tournament. She won three championships in 2019 with her club and was chosen as the top player on the squad.
Riley Welsch (F/M – Hummelstown, Pa./Hershey HS)
Welsch is a forward/midfielder who hails Hummelstown, Pa. Welsch totaled 56 goals, 32 assists and 144 points during his prep career for Hersey High School. A two-year varsity captain, she finished with 23 goals, four assists and 50 points during her senior season while leading her squad to the state semifinals. She earned numerous honors, including: Pennsylvania All-State first team, Mid-Penn Conference first team, Keystone Division first team, MAX Field Hockey Pennsylvania All-Region second team and Pennsylvania All-State Academic Team & GPA Award.
"I am beyond blessed and excited to be a part of such as special program that is Christ driven, passionate and plays such highly competitive field hockey," Welsch said. "You can't find another team like Liberty in the NCAA. They truly are one of a kind. I'm thrilled for what the future holds for LUFH."
As a junior, Welsch finished with seven goals, 15 assists and 29 points while helping her team finish with a 15-4-1 record and a Keystone Division title. Welsch and the Trojans were also the District 3 2A runners-up and reached the state quarterfinals while being ranked third in the state and ninth in the nation by MAX Field Hockey. Welsch was a Mid Penn all-star selection, along with several other accolades: all-state honorable mention, all-state academic team, PennLive second team, FAN second team, NFHCA National Academic Squad, NFHCA Scholar of Distinction and 2024 MAXFH Top 100 player. As a sophomore, she tallied 10 goals, seven assists and 27 points for a 12-win Hersey team while earning Mid Penn second team and Mid Penn Postseason Player to Watch honors. As a freshman, Welsch was a varsity starter for an 11-5 Trojans squad and ended the year with six goals, six assists and 18 points.
Welsch has competed for three different clubs during her prep career: PA Revolution FHC (2022-present), Central Penn FH (2019-22) and Field Hockey Life Club – Ohio (2017-19). She competed in the NIT and RCC for numerous years. Some team accomplishments include: JPOL regular season champions, JPOL and JPIL Championship finalist, numerous Shooting Star titles, 2020 Club of the Year and numerous local tournament titles. Welsch competed for one year on her high school's track & field team as well.
Four players - Malena Magnano, Avery Pollock, Maddie Stevens and Josefina Tomasi - will join the program for the spring 2024 semester. The other four student-athletes – Mary Hazel Davis, Ava Murphy, Olivia Petrie and Riley Welsch – will join the Lady Flames starting next fall. The eight players hail from Argentina (two), Pennsylvania (three), Massachusetts, Virginia and Kentucky.
Mary Hazel Davis (M – Midlothian, Va./Powhatan HS)
Davis is a midfielder from Midlothian, Va. She finished her senior season with 38 goals, 34 assists and 110 points in leading Powhatan High School to an 18-3 record, its best season in school history. Davis and the Indians claimed the region title and went to the state semifinals for the first time in program history. She earned all-state, first team all-region 4B and all-Metro honors during her senior campaign. Davis earned all-state and all-league honors during her junior and sophomore seasons as well.
"I could not be more excited to join the Liberty team and continue to accomplish my goals and make my hockey dreams come true," Davis stated. "I believe God has called me to be a part of this program because he has a plan for me to grow not just as an athlete but in my faith and as a person."
Davis has competed at the club level for Panthers United (2018-23). Her accomplishments with Panthers United include: 2019 Region 8 MVP, fourth place at 2021 National Club Championship, 2022 MaxPreps Top 50 and 2021 MaxPreps Top 100.
"Mary Hazel has been the ultimate team players. To say she has been a difference maker in taking our team to a higher level is an understatement. She puts others before herself, works hard, leads by example and is talented on both offense and defense. We will miss her greatly at PHS but know she will be an outstanding addition to your program. Liberty FH is extremely lucky to have her, and we look forward to watching her play!"
Stephanie Tyson, Powhatan High School Field Hockey Head Coach.
Malena Magnano (F/M – Necochea, Argentina/Virginia Beach, Va./Kellam HS)
A forward/midfielder, Magnano has played for Kellam High School in Virginia Beach, Va. for the past three seasons after moving from Necochea, Argentina. Magnano finished her senior season with 34 goals, seven assists and 75 points in 17 games while helping Kellam to regionals. She was named an NFHCA High School All-American third team honoree, NFHCA High School All-South Region team selection and an All-Tidewater second team recipient. At the state level, she earned VHSL Class 5 All-State first team and VHSL Region 5B first team recognition. Magnano was also selected to play in the CoVA Sports Senior Field Hockey All-Star Game.
As a sophomore, Magnano tallied 20 goals, seven assists and 47 points while helping the Kellam Knights to a region title and spot in the state tournament. She was named first team all-state and first team all-region.
"I'm so excited to join this beautiful family. I look forward to learning from all my new teammates and creating the best version of myself," Magnano said.
Magnano competed for Club Del Valle in Argentina from 2009-21 and is currently playing for TCOYO Hockey Club. With TCOYO, Magnano has earned numerous awards, including gold medals at the 2023 U18 USA Nexus Championship and the 2022 U16/Rise USA Nexus Championship.
Ava Murphy (M/F – Boston, Mass./Phillips Academy – Andover)
Murphy, a midfielder/forward, hails from Boston, Mass. A MAX Field Hockey Top 100 player each of her last three years, Murphy and Phillips Academy reached the state title game this fall and posted a 17-2 overall record. She was named NFHCA High School all-region for her efforts this year. Last fall, Murphy and Phillips Academy posted a 16-1-1 mark, and she was named NEPSAC all-region while also earning 2022 Under Armour Select Game MVP honors.
"I feel honored and grateful to join the Liberty field hockey program where I will be able to achieve my goals athletically, academically and spiritually," Murphy said. "I knew Liberty would be a perfect fit the fist moment I stepped foot on campus and experienced the team culture. The love for God, our country and field hockey is an unbelievable experience."
As both a sophomore and freshman with Phillips Academy, Murphy was a NEPSAC honorable mention selection. At the club level, she has competed for Northeast Elite (2022-23), helping the team to a pair of fifth place finishes at the 2022 and 2023 U19 USA Club National Tournaments. Murphy has been a four-year three-sport athlete in high school, also playing varsity ice hockey for four years and competing on the varsity track & field squad. She has earned a pair off All-NEPSAC track & field honors.
"Ava has an incomparable passion for field hockey. She loves the game and more importantly, she is a student of the game and driven to improving her game. Offensively and defensively, she strives to learn and grow as a competitor. On the field, she always brings energy and enthusiasm that uplifts her teammates."
Kate Dolan, Phillips Academy – Andover Field Hockey Head Coach
Olivia Petrie (F/M – Louisville, Ky./Highlands Latin School)
Petrie is a forward/midfielder who hails from Louisville, Ky. In four seasons at Highlands Latin School, she totaled 97 goals, 32 assists and 129 points. During her senior campaign, Petrie notched a career-best 31 goals, third most in the state, and added 10 assists for 72 points (also third in state) while serving as a team captain for a 13-8 squad that earned a pool title at the Gateway Classic. She earned several awards, including: first team all-state, 2023 MAX Field Hockey West/Midwest Region Player to Watch, Apple Tournament All-Tournament team and Region 3 All-Tournament team.
In 20 games as a junior, Petrie finished with 25 goals, eight assists and 58 points. She was named first team all-state, Region 3 All-Tournament team and 2022 MAX Field Hockey West/Midwest Region Player to Watch while helping her team to a 14-7 record, Apple Tournament Pool B title and a Gateway Classic title.
"Liberty is a program like no other, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to be surrounded by coaches and teammates who seek to glorify God through field hockey," Petrie stated.
Petrie scored a combined 41 goals to go with 14 assists and 96 points in her first two seasons with the Highlands Latin School Highlanders. As a sophomore, she was the NFHCA August Scholastic Player of the Month, Apple Tournament MVP, first team all-state selection and Region 3 All-Tournament team member. Petrie and the Highlanders won the Apple Tournament Pool B crown.
Petrie, who also played basketball (one year) and softball (one year) in high school, has competed at the club level for IFHCK Field Hockey. Her list of accomplishments include: MAX Field Hockey 2024 Top 100, Stealth U14 NCC eighth place, 2022 U19 National Select Team NCC sixth place, 2023 U19 National Select Team NCC seventh place and 2022 National Field Hockey Festival U19 National Select Team pool champion.
"Olivia is equal parts of grit and grace, which can be seen every time she takes the field. The way she plays elevates everyone around her, challenging them to bring their best to the field. Most importantly, it is her faith that is the fuel behind everything she does. She plays only for His glory, and that is why she shines so bright."
Meribeth Szwed, Highlands Latin School Field Hockey Head Coach
"Liv is one of the hardest working and most passionate players I have coached. She is constantly striving to be the best and has put herself in the position of being of our most threatening attackers both defensively holding down the front line of the press and with her ability to create attacking opportunities. I know Liv is going to continue to get better and better playing at the highest level at Liberty. I can't wait to see all the great things she will accomplish!"
Jess Giesel, IFHCK Field Hockey Club Coach
Avery Pollock (F – Hummelstown, Pa./Lower Dauphin HS)
Pollock, a forward, guided Lower Dauphin High School to the state title during her junior year (fall 2022). Pollock and the Falcons posted a 22-3-1 mark, while she notched 29 goals, 17 assists and 75 points. Pollock was named first team all-state, a Mid Penn first team all-star, an NFHCA second team All-American and the NFHCA November National Player of the Month.
A team captain as a senior, Pollock and Lower Dauphins finished 20-4 this past fall. During her sophomore campaign (2021), Pollock finished with 24 goals, seven assists and 55 points while helping the Falcons to a Mid Penn Conference title, district crown and state runner-up finish. For her efforts, she was named a first team all-state honoree, Mid Penn first team all-star and MAX Field Hockey PA regional team selection.
"Having the chance to join LUFH in January is an amazing opportunity that I am super excited about. I'm thrilled to be a part of a program that is building a legacy and excited for all that LUFH has to offer," Pollock stated.
Pollock has competed at the club level for PA Revolution for the last eight years. Pollock and PA Revolution are five-time Shooting Star champions and won the U14 NIT title. Pollock has also competed in lacrosse (ninth and 11th grade) and unified bocce (10th and 11th grade) in high school.
"Field hockey is a sport that requires the execution of difficult stick skills, physical fitness, quick decision making and strategic teamwork. Avery excel in all aspects of the game, and she is known for her offensive creativity and powerful shot. Avery is a fierce competitor with the ability to perform under pressure."
Linda Kreiser, Lower Dauphin High School Field Hockey Head Coach
Maddie Stevens (GK – Morgantown, Pa./Twin Valley HS)
Stevens is a goalkeeper from Morgantown, Pa. who has attended Twin Valley High School. She has extensive experience with the junior national team, as she is a current member of the USA Junior Women's National Team. Her other junior national experience includes: 2023 USAFH Nexus Championship, 2022 U16 Outdoor Junior National Team, U16 USA Field Hockey Selection Camp, USAFH Nexus Stars and Stripes Elite (2022), USAFH Nexus Championship (2022), USAFH Regional Selection Camp (2022), AAU Junior Olympics Field Hockey Team (2021), USAFH Nexus Stars and Stripes Elite (2021), USAFH Nexus National Futures Championship (2021) and USAFH Regional Selection Camp (2021).
Stevens has totaled a school-record 827 saves at Twin Valley High School, including 277 saves this past fall. She boasted a .890 saver percentage this year and ended her career with 35 shutouts while also setting the school's single-game save record with 37 saves against Downington West. As a senior, Stevens earned BCIAA Goalie of the Year honors along with: BCIAA All-Conference team, BCIAAA Defensive Player of the Year, MAX Field Hockey High School Regional Players to Watch, NFHCA All-Region first team, NFHCA All-American third team, PIAA All-State first team, Reading Eagles Berks Top Athlete Performer of the Week and Twin Valley Field Hockey Team MVP.
"I feel like stepping in, I have such a strong coaching staff. I have so much support in academics and athletics," Stevens said. "There is something at Liberty that's so strong right now that they're building that I didn't see at other schools. I can't be more excited to get on campus."
Stevens made 280 saves with a .940 percentage as a junior while notching nine shutouts for Twin Valley. Some of the awards she earned included: NFHCA Pennsylvania second team, MAX Field Hockey All-Pennsylvania Region second team, PIAA first team all-state, BCIAA All-conference team and BCIAA Goalie of the Year. As a sophomore, Stevens totaled 280 saves and nine shutouts while saving 91 percent of the shots she saw. She was named BCIAA Goalie of the Year, BCIAA All-Conference team and PIAA first team all-state while leading her squad to the PIAA AA state title. Stevens and her squad claimed division, county and district titles as well.
As a freshman, she started in goal and was the BCIAA Goalie of the Year and earned BCIAA All-Conference team and PIAA second team all-state recognition. She notched 10 shutouts while making 106 saves with a .920 save percentage. Stevens, who played lacrosse for a year in high school, competed at the club level for X-Calibur (2019-21) and Powerhouse Field Hockey (2022-23). Accomplishments with her club teams include: 2022 Junior Premier Outdoor League Harrow Sports Most Valuable Player Region 5, 2022 U16 NIT pool winner, 2022 Powerhouse NIT team, 2022 Powerhouse U19 NIT, X-Calibur U16 NIT pool champ, X-Calibur U14 National Festival team and X-Calibur U14 NIT Pool winner.
"She communicates and sees the entire field. She's able to able the defenders know where they need to be, and she's quick. She can save four, five, six shots in a row. She's all over the place. She allows us to be in any game."
Kim Walsh, Twin Valley High School Field Hockey Head Coach
Josefina Tomasi (M/F – Cañada de Gómez, Argentina/ Instituto José Razetto)
Tomasi is a midfielder/forward who hails from Cañada de Gómez, Argentina. She has played for two clubs during her prep career – Club Atlético Fisherton (2017-23) and Sport Club Cañadense (2012-16). In 2023, Tomasi played in the national tournament when she was 17 years old with the Asociación del Litoral all-state team. With Club Atlético Fisherton, Tomasi scored eight goals in 11 games in the first phase of a tournament. In 2022, Tomasi and the Asociación del Litoral all-state team finished in third place. Also a team captain for her Club Atlético Fisherton team in 2022, Tomasi guided her squad to a title in the AHL Relocation "A" Tournament.
"Having the chance to study and play field hockey at Liberty is a dream of mine," Tomasi said. "My main goal is to grow as a person and as a player, and I think Liberty is the right place to do that."
With Club Atlético Fisherton in 2021, Tomasi won titles at the U16 and U18 levels in the AHL Relocation "A" Tournament. She won three championships in 2019 with her club and was chosen as the top player on the squad.
Riley Welsch (F/M – Hummelstown, Pa./Hershey HS)
Welsch is a forward/midfielder who hails Hummelstown, Pa. Welsch totaled 56 goals, 32 assists and 144 points during his prep career for Hersey High School. A two-year varsity captain, she finished with 23 goals, four assists and 50 points during her senior season while leading her squad to the state semifinals. She earned numerous honors, including: Pennsylvania All-State first team, Mid-Penn Conference first team, Keystone Division first team, MAX Field Hockey Pennsylvania All-Region second team and Pennsylvania All-State Academic Team & GPA Award.
"I am beyond blessed and excited to be a part of such as special program that is Christ driven, passionate and plays such highly competitive field hockey," Welsch said. "You can't find another team like Liberty in the NCAA. They truly are one of a kind. I'm thrilled for what the future holds for LUFH."
As a junior, Welsch finished with seven goals, 15 assists and 29 points while helping her team finish with a 15-4-1 record and a Keystone Division title. Welsch and the Trojans were also the District 3 2A runners-up and reached the state quarterfinals while being ranked third in the state and ninth in the nation by MAX Field Hockey. Welsch was a Mid Penn all-star selection, along with several other accolades: all-state honorable mention, all-state academic team, PennLive second team, FAN second team, NFHCA National Academic Squad, NFHCA Scholar of Distinction and 2024 MAXFH Top 100 player. As a sophomore, she tallied 10 goals, seven assists and 27 points for a 12-win Hersey team while earning Mid Penn second team and Mid Penn Postseason Player to Watch honors. As a freshman, Welsch was a varsity starter for an 11-5 Trojans squad and ended the year with six goals, six assists and 18 points.
Welsch has competed for three different clubs during her prep career: PA Revolution FHC (2022-present), Central Penn FH (2019-22) and Field Hockey Life Club – Ohio (2017-19). She competed in the NIT and RCC for numerous years. Some team accomplishments include: JPOL regular season champions, JPOL and JPIL Championship finalist, numerous Shooting Star titles, 2020 Club of the Year and numerous local tournament titles. Welsch competed for one year on her high school's track & field team as well.
Excited to announce our signing class, starting with 4? mid-year enrollees!
— Liberty Field Hockey (@LibertyFH) January 16, 2024
Welcome to the LUFH Family, Avery, Maddie, Malena and Josefina!?? pic.twitter.com/svYdK5yjmt
Excited to announce 4? more signees!
— Liberty Field Hockey (@LibertyFH) January 17, 2024
Welcome to the LUFH Family, Mary Hazel, Riley, Ava and Olivia!?? pic.twitter.com/03foxZfwnv
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Tuesday, November 11
Lou Combrinck & Dara Semmartin Talk About Preparing For Syracuse
Tuesday, November 11
Finding Faith at Liberty
Monday, November 10
Coach Nikki Parsley-Blocker & Lou Combrinck Talk About Winning The Big East Championship
Monday, November 10