Red Flash Field Hockey Announces Initial Additions to Class of 2013
LORETTO, Pa. (April 17, 2009) – The Saint Francis Field Hockey head coach Stacey Bean announced Friday that five freshman make up the team’s first wave of commitments for the 2009 season. Tia Dudukovich (Port Matilda, Pa./State College Area), Taylor Harvey (Cream Ridge, N.J./Allentown), Kellie Mason (East Greenwich, R.I./East Greenwich), Kate Rossman (Lititz, Pa./Warwick) and Lauren Tavares (Tiverton, Pa./Tiverton) have all signed National Letters of Intent and will join the Red Flash’s class of 2013.
Dudukovich is a midfield/forward who hails from nearby Port Matilda and was a captain at State College Area HS. A Tri-Valley League First Team All-Star Selection, she was the leading scorer for the Little Lions as a senior and led them to the PIAA District VI Championship in 2006, 2007 and 2008. Dudukovich was also a member of the Keystones Team that took home the bronze medal in 2008 and was a participant in the USFHA U19 National Indoor Qualifier and National Hockey Festival.
“Tia is a versatile player who will make an impact in the midfield and on the forward line for the Red Flash. Having balanced training and competing in multiple sports while excelling academically with a rigorous class load throughout her time at State College, Tia has proven herself to be the consummate student-athlete – something I expect to continue during her career at SFU,” said Coach Bean.
An honors student who boasts a 4.6 GPA, Dudukovich was also a member of the swim and track teams as well as the student government. She intends to enroll in the school’s Physician’ s Assistant program.
“I want to be part of a field hockey team that is supported by the school, has an inspiring coach, and dedicated players. All of this I found at SFU. My official visit was a major factor in helping me decide to choose SFU. I enjoyed the classes that I attended, the people were friendly and informative, and the field hockey girls were very hospitable. With the combination of excellent academic programs as well as the field hockey team, SFU was the only choice for me in a university,” said Dudukovich.
A three-year varsity starter, Harvey joins the Red Flash from Allentown HS in New Jersey. She notched five goals for the Red Birds and added in 27 saves and seven assists as a defender on a team that won the CVC Patriot Division Championship in 2005 and 2007. Harvey was also a member of the Jersey Intensity Field Hockey Club (2005-06) and the Spirit Eagles Elite Club (2007-08). She competed in the Disney Field Hockey Showcase (2007), the USFHA Hockey Festival (2007, 2008) and the National Indoor Tournament (2008).
“Taylor is a solid defender from a good high school and club program – it’s obvious that she’s been well schooled tactically and technically on the field,” said Coach Bean. “I fully expect Taylor to be a presence in the Red Flash backfield throughout her college career.”
An All-American nominee in 2007 and 2008, Harvey is a National Honor Society member who will pursue a degree in Physical Therapy at SFU.
“This seemed like a home away from home,” said Harvey. “SFU was not a hard choice at all. I knew this was the school I would spend the next four years of my life. It has such great opportunities for me academically, athletically, and personally. I am so excited to be a part of SFU, and I am so thankful for this amazing opportunity.
Mason is the first of two New Englanders to join the Red Flash, coming to Loretto from East Greenwich, Rhode Island. A forward/midfielder, she garnered numerous honors including Second Team All-State R.I. (2006), Second Team All-Division (2006), First Team All-State (2007, 2008), First Team All-Division (2007, 2008), N.E. Premier All-Star Team (2008) and Rhode Island All-Star Team (2008).
“I chose Saint Francis because it's where I felt immediately comfortable and at home,” said Mason. “The welcoming, family-like atmosphere was undoubtedly a reassuring factor. Everyone's sincere efforts to introduce me to the school and team showed me who they truly were; the kind of caring people I wanted to be surrounded by in college. Their upbeat and down to earth personalities were contagious and I felt that this positive environment is somewhere I will greatly succeed as an athlete and student.”
Mason departs East Greenwich a 10-time letterwinner in field hockey (4), softball (4) and basketball (2). A three-sport captain, she will enroll in SFU’s Education program.
“Kellie is an outstanding overall athlete, widely considered to be one of the best field hockey players to come out of RI in years,” said Coach Bean. “She is a scoring forward & midfielder who is not afraid to go the extra mile to help her team achieve its goals. A 3-sport Captain and Letter-Award winner for East Greenwich H.S., Kellie will bring a wealth of leadership experience to the Red Flash program.”
Rossman comes to Loretto from Warwick HS in Lititz, Pa., - the same alma mater as current Red Flash midfielder Allison Goldstein (Lititz, Pa./Warwick). Rossman played midfield and defense for the Warriors, and lettered in both field hockey and lacrosse. She was an LL-League All-Star in 2008, and was named the All-Star Game’s Defensive MVP. Rossman intends to major in Elementary Education.
“Kate’s quickness and game sense will help her make an impact in either the midfield or the backfield for the Red Flash,” said Coach Bean. “A dynamic 3-sport athlete from one of the top high school field hockey programs in PA, Kate has been well coached from day one on and off the field. Kate possesses the necessary attitude and work ethic that it takes to succeed at this level.”
“My final decision was SFU, because after you go for an official visit to the campus you just know when things feel "right,” said Rossman. “After my visit I felt exactly that. I felt comfortable with the coach and team and I loved the atmosphere of the campus. I am really looking forward to becoming a part of SFU family.”
Tavares will join fellow Ocean State native Mason in Loretto next season. A letterwinner in field hockey, lacrosse, basketball and softball, Tavares earned numerous awards for her finesse on the field hockey field.
“Lauren has developed into one of the premier field hockey players in Rhode Island this year,” said Coach Bean. “Her work ethic and attention to detail in training have helped her become a player able to contribute in a number of positions on the field in college. A 4-sport athlete at while at Tiverton H.S., Lauren brings a lot of athleticism to the Red Flash roster.”
As a freshman, Tavares was named to the All-Rookie Team in 2006 and was named Second Team All-State and Second Team All-Division as a senior in 2008 playing midfield and defense. Tavares will enter Saint Francis is a Psychology major.
“I chose to attend SFU next year because this school stood out the most to me as a place where I could feel like I was comfortable and at home,” said Tavares. “I like the campus, everyone that I met was incredibly nice, and confident in the school's background and made it felt like they truly wanted me to attend the school.”