Six Locals Join WPSL's Magic

April 21, 2009

MORRIS PLAINE, NJ – Six players with local ties will join the Millburn Magic this summer for the team’s second campaign in the WPSL.

Providence College’s Kaitlin Blaine and Tara Ricciardi, Fairfield’s Chrissie Sidie, Harvard’s Katherine Sheeleigh, Holy Cross’ Biz Shenk and Wesleyan University’s Laura Kurach will all play for the Magic.

The Friars’ Blaine and Ricciardi will return to the Magic after representing the Friars in Big East Conference play. After an outstanding season at Providence, the Magic will be hoping Ricciardi can continue that form, leading and driving the team forward from midfield. Central defender Blaine was outstanding for the Magic in 2008, anticipating play and initiating attacks from the back.

"Securing the return of key players is a great base for us to build on," said Magic Head Coach Andy Sones. "These players were the core of our successes in 2008, and I have no doubt that they will help lead us to greater things this year."

Sidie returns to the Magic after enjoying a particularly successful season at Fairfield. An intelligent distributor of the ball who can control play from the middle of the field, Sidie will resume the same role this year

Harvard forward and 2007 Ivy League Rookie of the Year Sheeleigh, who played in the final game of the Magic's campaign last year, helped Harvard become Ivy League Champions in 2008 and the Magic hope her eye for the goal will translate to their side this summer.

Holy Cross defender and former Chatham H.S. captain Shenk could see some time on defense while Magic youth system product Laura Kurash will join the senior team this summer. Kurash will be a freshman at Wesleyan University this fall, and joins the Magic after an illustrious youth career.

With the remainder of the squad to be announced shortly, the Magic are close to completing preparations for their opening game of the 2009 campaign at home to the CDSA Future on May 17th.

The Millburn Magic is the Northern New Jersey member of the WPSL, and are part of the New Jersey Soccer Group - a management company for a family of soccer based organizations offering a full range of soccer services.

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