Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 12/3/08
The Philly connection to Louisville’s women’s program continued when Ridley senior Shaela Allen signed a letter of intent during the early-signing period last month.
Allen adds to a growing list of Philly products that helped the Cardinals finish 12-4 last year in their first season of varsity play. This year Louisville figures to be a force in the Big East as it gears for its inaugural season of league competition.
Also at Louisville are sophomores Bergan Foley (Gwynedd Mercy Academy) and Kelsey McDowell (Penn Charter) and freshman Brooke Campbell (Conestoga). One of the assistant coaches is Lisa Staedt (Springfield-Delco), a former National Player of the Year finalist who starred at James Madison.
Louisville head coach Kellie Young announced Tuesday the signing of eight prep student-athletes to National Letters. Allen, of Ridley Park, plays midfield and attack and has three varsity letters entering the 2009 year. She missed much of last season with an illness, but starred with the Ultimate Goal club team
“Shaela is both a tremendous young woman and a tremendous midfielder,” Young said. “Although her nature and intentions are very sweet and gentle, her on-field play is the polar opposite. Her speed and tenacity will make her a fierce competitor at the Division I level.”
Also on the Louisville list of signees were: Lena Amalfitano of East Islip, N.Y., Jamie Dolan of Hopkinton, Mass., Megan McCarthy of Kensington, Md., Gabi Miller of Glen Arm, Md., Danielle Pawliw of Plainview, N.Y., Liz Vlk of Phoenix, Md. and Mary Ellen Whitlock of Monmouth Beach, N.J. signed with the Cards and will be the class of 2013.
Last year Foley led the nation in scoring average and finished with 61 goals while McDowell had five goals. Staedt was a three-time All-American at JMU where she scored 161 goals. Click here for the entire list of Philly girls’ early signees for 2009-2010.
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