By Darryl Grumling
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 3/3/10
Downingtown East junior midfielder/attack Emily Solenberger has made a verbal commitment to play Division I lacrosse at Lehigh University.
Solenberger, a second-team All Ches-Mont League selection last year, scored 43 goals and helped the Cougars go 8-3 in league play and 12-8 overall. Solenberger also plays for PA Express, helping the team place second at the prestigious Vail Shootout last summer.
“I ultimately decided on Lehigh because of the outstanding academics,” Solenberger said. “For me, that was the most important factor. Lehigh really stood out because I loved the coaches and players, and the team seemed to mesh really well on and off the field. I thought it was a great fit for me.”
Solenberger, who also considered Franklin & Marshall, Villanova, William & Mary and Brown, said she plans to major in Biology.
Under coach Jill Redfern, an Ursinus College graduate, the Mountain Hawks went 4-2 in the Patriot League and 11-6 overall last year.
Philly grads Lindsey Smith (Downingtown West), Allison Thomas (Conestoga) and Annalise Penikis (Strath Haven) currently play for the Mountain Hawks, who are off to a 2-0 start this season.
“I was really impressed with their athletic facilities,” Solenberger said. “They have tons of space and really nice fields. The coaches work extremely well together to maximize the players’ potential. The lacrosse team also seems to continue to improve each year.”
A member of the National Honor Society, Solenberger also runs cross country and officiates youth lacrosse programs throughout the community.
Solenberger is the third Downingtown East junior to commit to a Division I college. Midfielder Kelly Devlin committed to Duke and goalie/attack Marya Fratoni has committed to Navy. Senior attack Julianne Jochym, has signed with Division II West Chester.
Solenberger, whose team reached the second round of the District 1 tournament last year, has high expectations for the coming season.
“I can’t wait to get back on the field with my teammates for the high school season,” Solenberger said. “We are looking very strong this year. My biggest goal this year is to finally beat (Downingtown) West.”
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