Women’s recruit: Carroll’s Hagan follows the familiar path to Monmouth University

By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 3/2/09

Archbishop Carroll senior defender Marlee Hagan has followed a long list of former Patriots by signing a letter of intent to play next year at Monmouth University.

Hagan, who earned Academic All-American honors last year, will join Carroll grads Megan Brennan (junior midfielder), Kelly Bosco (junior defender) and Olivia Salata (freshman attack) to Monmouth. Also, senior Monica Johnson, another Carroll grad, is the Hawks’ starting goalie.

Hagan said Carroll assistant coach Jen DePetris, also a Carroll grad, was the first to go to the West Long Branch, N.J., university and has recommended the school to her players.

“Jen DePetris started the trend,” said Hagan, who plans to study nutrition. “It wasn’t too far from home, maybe an hour and a half. I love the beach (Long Branch) and it wasn’t crazy huge.”

Hagan said she was geared for the official start of the season today and said coach Lorraine Beers made her players aware that they need to be prepared for all conditions – snow included.

“We’re ready for the cold,” Hagan said. “No matter how cold it will be, she told us don’t expect to be inside.”

Hagan said Carroll also is ready for the challenge of its first season in the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association and the chance to go to the playoffs for the first time. The team lost a large group of seniors from a squad that won its eighth straight Catholic League crown, but seven seniors have signed with Division I schools.

“I mean we are a little nervous since we lost 10 seniors,” she said. “All of them were a huge part of the team. But we have good underclassmen coming up. We’re really excited.

“Also, it’s great that we’ll have one opportunity to take a shot at the playoffs. I’m glad we’ll have that one opportunity.”