Oregon Announces 2008-09 Signing Class
University of Oregon lacrosse coach Jen Larsen announced her 16-member 2008-09 signing class today.
The new class will usher in the second era of Oregon lacrosse, as this year’s senior class departs after playing all four years for the Ducks since the program’s inaugural 2005 season.
"We are thrilled to welcome this dynamic group of student-athletes into our program and anxious to continue building on our solid foundation for the Oregon Lacrosse program,” Larsen said. “This class brings in a wealth of experience from all across the country and will continue our quest to national excellence on the field and in the classroom."
Kristina Barrett • A/M • Severna Park, MD/Severn School/CHESAPEKE LACROSSE CLUB A two-sport athlete at Severn School, played two years of varsity field hockey and has been a member of the varsity lacrosse team since her freshman year…last year led her team to the conference championship game…was also named all-Galaxy second team.
Kristina’s Take On Oregon
“I feel that the University of Oregon is a great fit for me both academically and athletically…I was very impressed with the health sciences offered as well the breadth of other majors available. I was also impressed with the incredible athletic facilities and the commitment that the university has toward supporting the athlete on all levels, especially academically. I was also blown away by the amazing school spirit, and the warm camaraderie among the players and coaches on the women’s lacrosse team. The spectacular surroundings are an added bonus…I can’t wait to be Duck!”
Lara Bennett • M/D • Greenwich, CT/Greenwich High School/NEWLAX LACROSSE CLUB A two-sport athlete at Greenwich High School, a four-year member of the varsity lacrosse squad, won the Connecticut state championship her freshman season and was named a tri-captain for her senior campaign...also named first team all-Galaxy...played club at Newlax Lacrosse.
Lara’s Take on Oregon
“I chose to come to the University of Oregon because it has a perfect combination of athletics and academics. The University of Oregon has a reputation of having strong academics in the areas that I am interested in. During my visit I got to witness the strong connection among the team and coaches...With everything considered, I knew that Oregon was the perfect place for me to spend the next four years of my life.”
Dominique Christiansen • M • Larkspur,
Calif./Redwood HS/NOR-CAL ELITE LACROSSE CLUB A two-sport athlete at Redwood High School, played both varsity golf and lacrosse...for the last two seasons during her sophomore and junior years, was named the lacrosse squad’s Most Valuable Player...last season was the team’s second leading scorer with 35 goals, while also leading the team with 35 assists en route to an undefeated record and league championship...her sophomore season led the team in ground balls and was named to the Marin County Athletic League second team...as a freshman was honorable mention...during her senior and junior seasons on the golf teams, played the No. 1 position in every match and maintained the best scoring average on the team...also won the Most Valuable Player Award both seasons...was named first team All-MCAL as a senior and earned second team honors as a junior.
Dominique’s Take on Oregon
“I decided to play for the University of Oregon so that I could receive a fantastic education as well as be a part of a progressive and competitive program. The school spirit and the beautiful campus only added to my overall positive impression...The team dynamic that both coach Larsen and coach Bray have encouraged shows how just committed the current players are to the program as well as each other. I wanted to be a part of that - I can’t for when I am officially a DUCK!”
Carlyn Costello • D • Agoura Hills, CA/Oak Park Independent/ELEMENT 5 LACROSSE CLUB A two-sport athlete at Oak park Independent High School, ran on the varsity cross country team as a freshman, and has been a member of the varsity lacrosse team since her freshman season...as a rookie was named team captain and most improved player...for the last two years served as team captain and was named Team MVP...following her junior season...was also a US Lacrosse First Team High School All-American...played her club lacrosse for the Conejo Clash, Element 5, San Gabriel Warriors, LA Sunz and South Bay Starz.
Carlyn’s take on Oregon
“Growing up I have always been a huge fan of the University of Oregon, and have dreamed of the day I would attend. However, when I walked on campus and experienced the enthusiastic energy, support, and incredible team spirit, I knew it was the perfect fit for me. Academically and athletically, Oregon is the only school out there that will fulfill my desires and allow me to take the paths I wish. I am so excited to represent the growth of Oregon and West Coast lacrosse...To be a Duck is a dream come true. GO DUCKS!!!!”
Catherine Davidson • A • Lake Oswego, Ore./St.
Mary’s Academy/OREGON ELITE LACROSSE CLUB A two-sport athlete at Lake Oswego, played basketball and lacrosse...also attended Lakeridge HS her first two years of high school...at Lakeridge HS, was honorable mention all-state her rookie year and first team all-state as a sophomore, after leading Lakeridge with 44 goals...last year at St. Mary’s Academy, was the second-leading scorer with 54 goals, and tied for the assists lead with 23...was named first team all-state and a U.S. Lacrosse All-American honorable mention after leading St. Mary’s to the Oregon state championship...played club lacrosse for Oregon Elite and the Northwest Regional Team.
Catherine’s take on Oregon
“I decided to play lacrosse at the University of Oregon because I wanted to go somewhere where I could play on a fun, competitive team, while also be at a school that has a good academic program. U of O is also close to my home which was important to me as well. My older sister went to Oregon, so I know I’ll be getting an amazing education. I love the atmosphere and the school spirit, and I can’t wait to be a part of it...Living in Oregon all my life, I have always been a UO fan, but now I am looking forward to officially becoming a Duck.”
Jana Drummond • M/A • Nashua, NH/East Grand Rapids HS/GRANITE STATE ELITE LACROSSE CLUB A four-sport athlete at Nashua High School South for her first three years before moving to East Grand Rapids High School for her senior year…while at Nashua, Drummond competed in lacrosse, basketball, volleyball and field hockey...a three-year varsity member of the lacrosse team, for the last three seasons was named first-team all-state...during her sophomore season, was also named first team all-conference while winning the team’s Most Versatile Player Award...her junior year was the team’s leading scorer and again was named first team all-conference....also was mentioned in Varsity Magazine as a player to watch...played her club lacrosse for Granite State Elite...twin sister Jess is also a member of the Ducks’ 2009 recruiting class.
Jana’s Take On Oregon
“Playing college lacrosse has been a dream of mine since I was a little, and looking at colleges and watching Oregon play online, I was extremely interested in going there...I didn’t just choose Oregon for the lacrosse program.
After visiting the university several times, it almost felt like home...The atmosphere was wonderful and I knew I would fit right in. The academics also had what I was looking for, to become a dentist or an orthodontist - that sealed the deal. I knew I wanted to become a Duck!”
Jess Drummond • M/D • Nashua, NH/East Grand Rapids HS/GRANITE STATE ELITE LACROSSE CLUB Like her twin sister Jana, was also a four-sport athlete during her high school career...a letterwinner at Nashua High School South for her first three years before moving to East Grand Rapids HS for her senior year…has played lacrosse, basketball, volleyball and field hockey...a three-year varsity letterwinner on the lacrosse squad, is a three-time all-state team honoree...as a freshman was named her team’s most versatile player...as a junior was named as a player to watch in Varsity Magazine after leading her squad to the state title...played club lacrosse with Granite State Elite.
Jess’ Take on Oregon
“The athletic atmosphere at the University of Oregon is amazing. It blew me away to see all the students have so much school spirit. It is also important to me that the University is very focused on making the students academic experience challenging and successful. I’m thrilled to get the opportunity to be a lacrosse player at Oregon...The team bonds together like it was meant to be - just like family - and that’s very important to me...I am so overwhelmed that I’m going to Oregon for college, and I am so happy I am going to be a Duck!”
Jacky Heck • M/A • Sykesville, Md/Glenelg Country School/M & D LACROSSE CLUB A four-sport athlete at Glenelg Country School, has played three varsity sports including volleyball, basketball and lacrosse...her senior season on the volleyball squad was named co-captain...her junior year on the basketball team led the squad in assists and was third in scoring...a varsity starter on the lacrosse team since her freshman season, helped the Dragons win the IAAM “B” conference championship with two goals and an assist in the title game...as a sophomore scored 35 goals and eight assists...her junior season those number improved to 42 goals and 14 assists...was also the GCS Golden Ball award winner for ground balls...the last two seasons was nominated for league all-star and all-county teams.
Academic Accomplishments
A member of the honor roll, high honor roll, and effort honor roll...a National Honor Society candidate as a junior.
Jacky’s Take On Oregon
“I chose Oregon because the school provides the best combination of academics, athletics and school setting. The opportunity to play Division I lacrosse with a program that has achieved so much in only four years...is very exciting. I want to be a part of the next generation of players that help UO achieve the next step. While reaching for these lacrosse goals, attending Oregon also offers the opportunity to earn an education in the sciences...Oregon has a small town feel with a big school atmosphere where I can earn a quality education while enjoying and participating in a top notch Division I sport; all of this in a beautiful area of the country. I can’t wait to be a Duck!”
Kelly Jablonski • M/A • Poway, Calif./Poway High School/SAN DIEGO RIP LACROSSE CLUB A three-sport athlete at Poway High School, played lacrosse, volleyball and field hockey...a member of the lacrosse varsity squad since her sophomore season, led Poway to the CIF championship, and was named first-team Palomar League and first-team North County Times...as a junior, led Poway to the co-Palomar league championship and was the CIF runner up as the team’s leading scorer...individually was named first team all-CIF, first-team North County Conference, North County Times all-county team, Union Tribune All-Section Team, and Hall of Champions all-section team...played for club teams Element 5 and San Diego Rip.
Academic Accomplishments
Has received the Scholar Athlete and Tri-Sport Athlete awards...2005 Scholastic Achievement Award...member of the Student Peer Counseling program...also the Students Against Violence Everywhere Club President...member of Future Doctors of America, National Honor Society, California Scholastic Federation...nominated for the English Merit Award and an AP Scholar Athlete Award.
Kelly’s Take on Oregon
“I made the decision to attend and play at the University of Oregon because it was the right fit for me. Ever since my official visit I knew I wanted to be a Duck, the team and coaching staff is like a second family which always accepts new members. I knew the academic programs at Oregon would give me many opportunities and help prepare me for life after college. The athletic support the university gets from the town and the students is amazing and exactly what I was looking for in college.”
Kerry McCulloch • M • Pleasanton, Calif./Amador Valley High School/NOR-CAL ELITE LACROSSE CLUB > A three-sport athlete at Amador Valley, participated in lacrosse, cross country, and soccer...a three-year member of the cross country team, she recently set her personal record with a time of 19:30 in the three-mile race...in her three years with the lacrosse program, was awarded the coaches award her freshman season...as a sophomore led her team to a second-place finish in the North Coast Section and was named to the Pacific Regional second team...as a junior again led Amador Valley to a second place finish in the North Coast Section, and was named first-team East Bay Athletic League...was also named to the Pacific Regional first team...voted the team’s most valuable midfielder and was an U.S. Lacrosse All-American honorable mention.
Kerry’s Take on Oregon
“I chose the University of Oregon because I really loved the setting. I could picture myself in Eugene, surrounded by the trees, mountains and rivers. The academics and athletics seemed like a perfect fit. I really felt connected with the coaches and the members of the team that I was able to meet. When I toured campus and met with a professor, I felt that I could see myself at Oregon. The school spirit was another factor that helped me decide on Oregon...that made me really excited.”
Mary Alice Powers • D • York, PA/Dallastown HS/SEPA LACROSSE CLUB A two sport athlete at Dallastown High School, participated in lacrosse and tennis...a four-year varsity member of the lacrosse team...since her freshman season has been named team captain and team MVP...also received the Central Penn All-Star award all three years.
Mary’s Take on Oregon
“I chose Oregon because I was immediately drawn to the team, school and culture. The entire way of life at Oregon fits me perfectly. The school is so spirited and supportive of athletes and the school will prepare me whatever is next. Go Ducks!!!!”
Tori Pyzik • D/M • Bel Air, MD/John Carroll HS/SKY WALKERS LACROSSE CLUB A four-sport athlete at John Carroll High School, participated in soccer, cross country, basketball and lacrosse during her four years there...as a junior, led the lacrosse team to IAAM “A”
Conference championship, starting and playing in very game...also was on the IAAM “A” Conference championship cross country squad that finished the year an undefeated 9-0.
Academic Accomplishments
A three-year member of the Spanish Exchange program, hosted a Spanish exchange student for three months, and then went to Spain for three months...spent a semester participating in a nursing internship...currently on the Captains’
Committee, Spirit Club, and is the Vice President of the Outreach/Respect Life club.
Tori’s Take on Oregon
“I chose to play lacrosse at the University of Oregon because it’s new and exciting. The program is relatively new, so it has endless potential for building and so much to offer...At first, it was nerve-racking since Oregon is on the other side of the country, but realizing a majority of the team was from Maryland and taking a visit for myself to the university, I was sold right as I took my first step on the field at Autzen. After having my official visit when I met the rest of the team and the other recruits, I knew that Oregon was the perfect fit for me.”
Kaitlin Rochler • A/M • Wading River, NY/Shoreham Wading River HS/LONG ISLAND YELLOW JACKETS LACROSSE CLUB A two-sport athlete at Shoreham Wading River High School, played both soccer and lacrosse...on the soccer pitch was a four-year varsity player, leading her squad to four consecutive league championships...has been a member of the varsity lacrosse team since her freshman season, and has helped guide the squad to three consecutive Suffolk County championships...as a rookie scored
12 goals and added 10 assists...during her sophomore season upped those numbers to 15 goals and 11 assists as the team won the Long Island Championship...the team had its most successful season last year, as Rochler’s 24 goals and 23 assists won her squad the NY State championship...played her club lacrosse for the Yellow Jackets.
Kaitlin’s Take on Oregon
“I chose the University of Oregon because of the wonderful atmosphere. Both the school and the lacrosse program seem to be a perfect fit for me.
The team as well as the coaches welcomed me the first day I was there and I felt as though I belonged there. The school has an amazing sense of pride and that’s what hooked me. I look forward to growing as both a person and a player over the next four years. GO DUCKS!!”
Megan E. Schneider • A/M • Rockville, MD/Connelly School of the Holy Child/M&D LACROSSE CLUB A three-sport athlete at Connelly School of the Holy Child, participated in lacrosse, field hockey and basketball...was a four-year varsity member of the lacrosse team, leading her team to two ISL Conference second-place finishes and a conference co-championship as a junior last season...was the leading scorer the last two years, earning all-conference honors...also a three-time scholar athlete and an academic All-American last season...for the last two years has been named to the ISL all-conference team for field hockey...a three-year varsity member of the basketball team, won the ISL Conference championship the last two seasons.
Academic Accomplishments
Has a 3.96 gpa...member of the National Honor Society...Academic All-American in lacrosse.
Megan’s Take on Oregon
“The University of Oregon was my first choice for college because the academic and athletic programs are a perfect fit for me, and I believe that the University will assist me in achieving my career goal of becoming a veterinarian...When I went on my official visit, I clearly remember the coaches saying ‘Welcome to the family‘ and I instantly felt at home...My decision to be a Duck could not have been more perfect, and I am thrilled to represent the University of Oregon in all my academic and athletic endeavors.”
Colleen Taggart • D/M • Bayshore, N.Y./Bayshore HS/LONG ISLAND YELLOW JACKETS LACROSSE CLUB A two-sport athlete at Bayshore High School...earned four varsity letters on the soccer team and has been a member of the varsity lacrosse squad since her freshman year...as a rookie led Bayshore to the Division, Suffolk County and Long Island (19-0) championships...also a New York state semifinalist...as a sophomore again won the division championship and made the Suffolk County Finals...was named to the all-tournament team and won the Unsung Hero Award...as a junior again was a Suffolk County Semifinalist and was named to the all-tourney team…played club lacrosse for the Long Island Yellow Jackets.
Colleen’s take on Oregon
“I chose to play at the University of Oregon because I am ready to take ownership of my academic and athletic futures, embark on new experiences and new adventures in a positive, supportive and encouraging collegiate environment. All of my friends and family think I am out of my mind to move so far for college, but during my recruiting trip I sensed the connection between the players and the coaching staff...its like a whole second family away from home. The support and encouragement the athletes receive from the school is incredible and the school spirit and atmosphere is overwhelming...Most of all I am excited for the opportunity to play at a growing program at the competitive Division I level. GO DUCKS!!!”
Callie Wagner • D/M • Berwyn, PA/Conestoga High School/PHANTASTIX LACROSSE CLUB > A three-sport athlete at Conestoga High School, has participated in lacrosse, soccer and track...during her freshman season and sophomore season was named the Best Defensive Player on the freshman and JV teams, respectively...as a freshman on the track team medaled in the 1000m....played club lacrosse for Phantastix ‘08 Elite.
Academic Accomplishments
Her freshman season earned the Service and Leadership Recognition Award, as sophomore earned the Conestoga High School Sportsmanship Award...junior year again received the Service and Leadership Recognition Award.
Callie’s Take on Oregon
“The opportunities the University of Oregon can provide are overwhelming. Traveling all the way across the country is far to go, but UO seems to be just the right fit for me. There is great school spirit, challenging academics, and a developing lacrosse program. When visiting, I saw die-hard Duck fans at the football game, wonderful academic advisers, and a very close lacrosse team. The players and coaches seem very dedicated and it was visible how special their team was to them. The lacrosse team has become competitive in only a few years, I can’t wait to see its growth continue.”