UVM Women Add 14 Players

Six Come from New England States

April 23, 2009

BURLINGTON, Vt. - The University of Vermont women's soccer team will add a whopping 14 newcomers to the team for the 2009 season, including six players from around New England.

The boost is a much-needed one for the Catamounts, who finished just 4-13-1 in 2009. Joining UVM this season will be Sarah Coggins (Cohasset, Mass.), Jill Dellipriscoli (Montpelier, Vt.), Regan Dewhirst (Hanover, N.H.), Midori Eckenstein (South Burlington, Vt.), Haleigh Gill (South Burlington, Vt.), and Anna Loschiavo (Bradford, Vt.).

"We are very excited about the 2009 recruiting class; they will bring athleticism, a high soccer IQ, and successful experience playing with some of the top clubs from their region," said Lloyd. "They will also maintain our strong academic tradition of excellence within our program and will compliment the efforts and strides that our current players have put forth during this off season."

Coggins played her scholastic soccer at Cohasset High School and was a defender/midfielder as a four-year starter. A team captain as a senior, she was a three-time South Shore League All-Star. She also garnered a spot on the Eastern Mass. All-Star Team and was an all-scholastic honorable mention selection twice. Coggins won the 2008 Super-Y National Championship with her club team the MPS Lady Crusaders.

"Sarah is a central midfielder that has a very high work rate, good vision, and is extremely tough defensively. Her ability to read the game and anticipate her opponent will allow her to have a positive impact in our midfield," said Lloyd.

Dellipriscoli is a two-time Burlington Free Press All-State selection from Montpelier High School. A midfielder, she was named the Barre Times Argus Player of the Year for the second straight season and earned All-New England honors as a senior. She led Montpelier to the Vermont Division II State Finals three times and the Solans won the title in 2007. She was named to the Vermont Division II All-State team three times and was also a three-time Northern Vermont Athletic Conference Capital League selection.

"Jill a central defender that we expect will fulfill the many expectations we have for her,” said Lloyd. “ Her physical presence, tenacity, and competitive nature will allow her live up to the tradition of strong central defenders at UVM.”

Dewhirst played four years of soccer, hockey and tennis at Hanover High School. As a defender/midfielder for the soccer team she led Hanover to two New Hampshire Class I State Championships as a freshman and senior. In her final season, she was named team captain and team MVP and garnered all-state first team honors. She finished her career with 11 goals and 25 assists for 47 points.

"As a defender/midfielder, Regan is very poised on the ball, which allows her to be very dangerous with her distribution. Her approach to training and competitive nature will enhance our training environment, and give her the opportunity to be an impact player in our program," stated Lloyd.

Eckenstein, one of two recruits from nearby South Burlington, Vt., finished her high school career with 82 points on 32 goals and 18 assists as a forward/midfielder for the Rebels. She was named the team offensive MVP all four years and was a four-time Vermont Soccer Coaches Association First Team All-State selection. She earned All-New England honors as a senior.

"Midori is a forward/attacking midfielder that always looks as if she is running down hill. She is a physically strong player that possesses a mixture of power and touch. She has the ability penetrate off the dribble or shoot from 30 yards," said Lloyd.

Gill is the second South Burlington, Vt. native in the UVM recruiting class and was teammates with Eckenstein. A midfield/defender for the Rebels she was named to the Burlington Free Press All-State Team as a senior. A two-time captain, she was named to the Vermont Soccer Coaches All-State Division I team in 2006 and 2008 and was an All-Metro selection twice.

"Haleigh is a defender that could eventually find herself in the midfield. She is a gifted athlete that has the ability to read the game very well. She uses her strength to create opportunities for teammates and solidify her back line. She can stretch the field with her skill sets," said Lloyd.

Loschiavo is the fourth Vermonter in the class of 2013. She was a four-year member of the Oxbow High School girl's soccer team as a defender/midfielder. Although a defender she finished her career with 23 goals and 22 assists. As a junior, she anchored an Oxbow defense that allowed just two goals during the regular season and was a three-time all-league selection and a two-time Burlington Free Press All-State selection during her career.

"Anna will compete for a spot in the defensive line” said Lloyd. “She is a disciplined, determined, and athletic player. Her drive and determination makes her a very competitive defender who prides herself on being in the moment and ready to perform. Because of her physical strength and tremendous upside, she will be very effective in our program.”

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