Field Hockey Signs Five to National Letters of Intent
11/21/2018 11:19:00 AM | Field Hockey
Head Coach Becca Main Brings in Two Forwards, Two Midfielders and a Goalkeeper in New Class
HAMDEN, Conn. – Quinnipiac field hockey head coach Becca Main has announced the signing of five players to National Letters of Intent, highlighting the beginnings of a talented incoming freshman class in the Fall of 2019.
The first five players of the Class of 2023 consist of two forwards, two midfielders and a goalkeeper from three different states: New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.
Quinnipiac is coming off a 7-10 season, it's best overall record since joining the BIG EAST in 2016. The Bobcats finished the year 2-5 in conference play, just missing the playoffs.
A young team in 2018, three of Quinnipiac's top five leading scorers were underclassmen led by sophomore Brooke Whipkey's six goals and 15 points.
Mackenzie Vorel
Goalkeeper | Mendham, N.J. | Randolph H.S. | Rapid Fire Elite Field Hockey Club
Vorel on Attending Quinnipiac:
"I chose Quinnipiac University because of the amazing coaching staff, the beautiful field hockey facilities, the team chemistry I noticed at several of the games I attended, and the best academic fit for me. I knew from the moment I stepped foot on campus that I belonged at Quinnipiac. am so excited for the fall and can't wait to become a Bobcat!
Coach Main Comments about Vorel:
"Mack is a very fit and committed keeper. She is agile and able to cover ground quickly and efficiently. We feel her attention to detail and determination will provide a solid base to guide her through a strong career with Coach Klein at the lead. Mack has wanted to be at Quinnipiac and that only intensified our commitment to making her a Bobcat."
Awards and Honors:
Julianna Cappello
Forward | Mohegan Lake, N.Y. | Lakeland H.S. | Hudson Valley Field Hockey Club
Cappello on Attending Quinnipiac:
"I chose Quinnipiac University to continue my athletic and academic career because I love the campus and the field hockey program, and there is an excellent program for my intended major."
Coach Main Comments about Cappello:
"Julianna is following in the footsteps of several Lakeland players that became Bobcats and we are excited to add another elite player from the great state of New York. Julianna is a proven winner and lost just one high school game in her career! She will bring an elite level of hockey coupled with a mental toughness that we look for in players who can become starters in their first year. The future is bright for Julianna and we are pleased to add her to our class of 2019."
Awards and Honors:
As a Senior in 2018:
Olivia Howard
Midfield | Clifton Park, N.Y. | Shenendehowa Central H.S. | ADK Field Hockey Club
Howard on Attending Quinnipiac:
"After meeting the coaching staff and some of the team, I knew Quinnipiac was going to be my new home. I'm looking forward to my athletic and academic career at Quinnipiac and being a part of the Bobcat family!"
Coach Main Comments about Howard:
"Olivia is the reason you keep recruiting for a class even when you think it is complete. Olivia landed on our doorstep and we loved her style of play and aggressiveness on the pitch. She comes from a solid ADK club program and we feel she will be able to have an impact because of her determination and go-getter mentality."
Awards and Honors:
Josie Sweeney
Forward | Stroudsburg, Pa. | Stroudsburg H.S. | Electric Surge Field Hockey Club
Sweeney on Attending Quinnipiac:
"Choosing Quinnipiac was easy. The coaching staff, players and campus made me feel so comfortable and welcomed. I feel like my athletic and academic careers will flourish in its environment and I can't wait to rep a Bobcats field hockey uniform!"
Coach Main's Comments About Sweeney:
"Josie is an all-around solid player who works hard to put the ball in the net. We had an instant connection to her and have really enjoyed the growth she has made in the last couple of seasons. She is fit and fast and we are looking to transition her onto our forward line. She has a solid base of shots and we feel she will be a strong player in her first season with the Bobcats."
Awards and Honors:
Rachel Papernik
Midfield/Forward | Little Egg Harbor, N.J. | Pinelands Regional H.S. | Xplosive Field Hockey Club
Papernik on Attending Quinnipiac:
"I chose Quinnipiac University to further my athletic and academic career because this school offers outstanding academic opportunities as well as a phenomenal field hockey program. After attending tours, open houses, field hockey clinics and meeting the Bobcat family, I knew Quinnipiac was the best f
it for me. I am so grateful to be a part of this program."
Coach Main's Comments About Papernik:
"Rachel has the best scoring ability of her class and we have relished our time with her at our clinics. She has a VERY strong shot and is comfortable shooting from anywhere in the circle with a fantastic quick release. She has a dangerous ability at the top of the circle to make things happen and will fit nicely into our midfield style of play."
Awards and Honors:
The first five players of the Class of 2023 consist of two forwards, two midfielders and a goalkeeper from three different states: New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.
Quinnipiac is coming off a 7-10 season, it's best overall record since joining the BIG EAST in 2016. The Bobcats finished the year 2-5 in conference play, just missing the playoffs.
A young team in 2018, three of Quinnipiac's top five leading scorers were underclassmen led by sophomore Brooke Whipkey's six goals and 15 points.
Mackenzie Vorel
Goalkeeper | Mendham, N.J. | Randolph H.S. | Rapid Fire Elite Field Hockey Club
Vorel on Attending Quinnipiac:
"I chose Quinnipiac University because of the amazing coaching staff, the beautiful field hockey facilities, the team chemistry I noticed at several of the games I attended, and the best academic fit for me. I knew from the moment I stepped foot on campus that I belonged at Quinnipiac. am so excited for the fall and can't wait to become a Bobcat!
Coach Main Comments about Vorel:
"Mack is a very fit and committed keeper. She is agile and able to cover ground quickly and efficiently. We feel her attention to detail and determination will provide a solid base to guide her through a strong career with Coach Klein at the lead. Mack has wanted to be at Quinnipiac and that only intensified our commitment to making her a Bobcat."
Awards and Honors:
- Team Captain
- All-North Jersey First Team
- NJAC All-Conference First Team
- All-County Second Team
- NJAC National Conference Quarterfinals
- NJSIAA North Jersey Section 1 Group 4 Semi-finalist
- Top goalies to watch in 2018 (NJ.com)
- Save Percentage: .873
- Total Saves: 233
- Shutouts: 4
- Career Saves: 633
- NJAC National Conference Finals
- NJSIAA North Jersey Section 1 Group 4 Semifinalist
- Rapid Fire Elite: Indoor National Tournament
- NJAC National All Conference 1st Team
- All County Honorable Mention
- Save Percentage: .876
- Total Saves: 134
- Shutouts: 13
- NJAC National Conference Champions
- NJSIAA North Jersey Section 1 Group 4 Semifinalist
- Rapid Fire Elite: Indoor National Tournament
- NJAC All Conference 2nd Team
- All County Honorable Mention
- Save Percentage: .861
- Total Saves: 155
- Shutouts: 8
- NJAC National Conference Champions
- Morris County Tournament Semifinalist
- NJSIAA North Jersey Section 1 Group 4 Finals
- NJAC All Conference Honorable Mention
- All County Honorable Mention
- All Daily Record Honorable Mention
- Save Percentage: .799
- Total Saves: 111
- Shutouts: 10
Julianna Cappello
Forward | Mohegan Lake, N.Y. | Lakeland H.S. | Hudson Valley Field Hockey Club
Cappello on Attending Quinnipiac:
"I chose Quinnipiac University to continue my athletic and academic career because I love the campus and the field hockey program, and there is an excellent program for my intended major."
Coach Main Comments about Cappello:
"Julianna is following in the footsteps of several Lakeland players that became Bobcats and we are excited to add another elite player from the great state of New York. Julianna is a proven winner and lost just one high school game in her career! She will bring an elite level of hockey coupled with a mental toughness that we look for in players who can become starters in their first year. The future is bright for Julianna and we are pleased to add her to our class of 2019."
Awards and Honors:
As a Senior in 2018:
- Westchester/Putnam Player of the Year
- Class B Sectional champs
- Class B Regional champs
- Player of the game in Section Finals with 4 goals
- All League Selection
- All Section Selection
- NY All State Selection
- All Elite Selection
- Con Ed award (Westchester/Putnam)
- News 12 Athlete of the Week
- Individual Stats: 23 goals 13 assists
- New York State Class B State Champions
- New York State Class B Regional Champions
- New York State Section 1 Class B Champions
- All-League Selection
- All-Section Selection
- NY All-State Selection
- State final four all tournament player
- National field hockey festival West Palm
- MVP award in JPOL
- Individual Stats: 15 goals 7 assists
- Player of the game in Class B Section Finals game
- New York State Class B State Champions
- New York State Class B Regional Champions
- New York State Section 1 Class B Champions
- All Conference Honorable Mention
- Selected for National Junior Olympics
- New York State Class B State Champions
- New York State Class B Regional Champions
- New York State Section 1 Class B Champions
- League Champion
Olivia Howard
Midfield | Clifton Park, N.Y. | Shenendehowa Central H.S. | ADK Field Hockey Club
Howard on Attending Quinnipiac:
"After meeting the coaching staff and some of the team, I knew Quinnipiac was going to be my new home. I'm looking forward to my athletic and academic career at Quinnipiac and being a part of the Bobcat family!"
Coach Main Comments about Howard:
"Olivia is the reason you keep recruiting for a class even when you think it is complete. Olivia landed on our doorstep and we loved her style of play and aggressiveness on the pitch. She comes from a solid ADK club program and we feel she will be able to have an impact because of her determination and go-getter mentality."
Awards and Honors:
- Team Captain
- 2018 Team Leader in Points: 41
- 2017 Team Leader in Assists
- 2018 Section 2 First Team All-Star
- 2017 Section 2 Second Team All-Star
- 2016 NY State Champion
- 2017, 2018 Section 2 Runner-up
- 2016, 2017, 2018 Suburban Council Champion
- 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 NYSPHSAA Scholar Athlete
Josie Sweeney
Forward | Stroudsburg, Pa. | Stroudsburg H.S. | Electric Surge Field Hockey Club
Sweeney on Attending Quinnipiac:
"Choosing Quinnipiac was easy. The coaching staff, players and campus made me feel so comfortable and welcomed. I feel like my athletic and academic careers will flourish in its environment and I can't wait to rep a Bobcats field hockey uniform!"
Coach Main's Comments About Sweeney:
"Josie is an all-around solid player who works hard to put the ball in the net. We had an instant connection to her and have really enjoyed the growth she has made in the last couple of seasons. She is fit and fast and we are looking to transition her onto our forward line. She has a solid base of shots and we feel she will be a strong player in her first season with the Bobcats."
Awards and Honors:
- 2016 District runner-up
- 2016 Eastern Pennsylvania Conference runner-up
- 2016 PA State Quarterfinalist
- 2017 Team Offensive MVP
- 2017 All0Conference Second Team
- 2018 NFHCA National Academic Squad, Scholar of Distinction
- 2018 Keystone State Games Gold Medalist
- 2018 All-Conference First Team
Rachel Papernik
Midfield/Forward | Little Egg Harbor, N.J. | Pinelands Regional H.S. | Xplosive Field Hockey Club
Papernik on Attending Quinnipiac:
"I chose Quinnipiac University to further my athletic and academic career because this school offers outstanding academic opportunities as well as a phenomenal field hockey program. After attending tours, open houses, field hockey clinics and meeting the Bobcat family, I knew Quinnipiac was the best f
it for me. I am so grateful to be a part of this program."Coach Main's Comments About Papernik:
"Rachel has the best scoring ability of her class and we have relished our time with her at our clinics. She has a VERY strong shot and is comfortable shooting from anywhere in the circle with a fantastic quick release. She has a dangerous ability at the top of the circle to make things happen and will fit nicely into our midfield style of play."
Awards and Honors:
- Team Captain
- 2018 Team MVP
- First Team All-Shore Conference 2016-2018
- Honorable Mention Shore Conference 2015
- Three-Time Division Champions 2015-2017
Players Mentioned
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