Field hockey will have to replace class of '05

With eight seniors graduating, including four All-Ivy League honorees, the field hockey team will need to find new leaders next season. The Tigers will welcome eight new players this fall from the Class of 2009 to help fill that void.

"I could not be more pleased with the overall quality of this year's incoming class," head coach Kristen Holmes-Winn said. "While each athlete brings something unique and special to the table, I have found that there are a few commonalities which tie together this freshman class — athleticism, competitive fire and heart."

Holmes-Winn described defender/midfielder Kraftin Schreyer, a New Jersey native, as "the type of player you don't want to take out of a game. She is reliable and consistent, but has that little bit of attacking flair that makes her an exciting player to watch."

Schreyer was an all-area all-star and a first-team all-league in 2002 and 2003 before suffering a knee injury in 2004. She holds her high school's record for career assists and assists in a season, and she led her indoor club team to victory in the national indoor tournament.

Sarah Reinprecht, a midfielder from Philadelphia, is a member of the Under-21 U.S. National Team. In 2003 and 2004 Reinprecht was an All-Mideast Region choice and an NFHCA All-America selection, as well as a first-team all-state and All-Southeastern Pennsylvania pick.

"I expect Sarah to step into the college game and not miss a beat," Holmes-Winn said. "She has tremendous maturity in terms of her knowledge, field presence and overall skill level. Her leadership skills and on-field communication style will be a huge asset to our team."

East Chapell Hill (N.C.) High Striker Elizabeth Williams led her high school to four state championships and was named the North Carolina state tournament Most Valuable Player in 2004, setting records at East Chapel Hill with 32 goals and 23 assists that season.

"Elizabeth possesses a great knack for being in the right position at the right time," Holmes-Winn said. "She has a tremendous work ethic and determined spirit."

Williams achieved second team All-America honors her senior year and was a first team All-South Regional selection. She attended the U.S. National Team training camp in January.

Holmes-Winn described another New Jersey native, Holly McGarvie as "fierce, athletic and a true competitor." Playing on defense and at midfield, McGarvie was a first-team All-New Jersey pick in 2004 as well as a first-team All-South Jersey and all-county pick in 2003 and 2004.

"She has excellent instincts on defense and knows how to smother a mark. She has a great deal of potential," Holmes-Winn said.

Midfielder/striker Kristen Schwab was "really a gift," according to Holmes-Winn. Though Schwab, who attends Friends School in Baltimore, signed with Princeton to play lacrosse, she has also committed to the field hockey team.

Get the best of the ‘Prince’ delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe now »

"After I saw her play I had to have her on my team as well," Holmes-Winn said. "I know talent, and Kristen has it in spades. She has an elegance with the ball combined with deadly speed and turn-on-a-dime agility."

The Baltimore Sun named Schwab its All-Metro/All-City Player of the Year in 2004. Schwab was a three-time conference all-star as well as a two-time first-team all-state and all-metro choice and a three-time first-team All-City/County pick.

Pennsylvania native Candi Arner will be playing midfield. She received second team All-America honors and first team all-region accolades as a junior, making first team all-state selection and becoming a first team all-conference, all-area and All-Southeastern Pennsylvania pick that year as well. In 2002 she toured Australia on the Under-16 U.S. National Team. However, she was out for much of the 2004 season due to a knee injury.

"Candi is a smooth player with excellent speed and passing capabilities," Holmes-Winn said. "She understands the game and makes great skill decisions on the attack and defense."

Lake Forest (Ill.) standout Leah Hoagland was the Illinois Field Hockey Player of the Year in 2004, helping her high school capture the state championship and post a 21-0 record in 2004. She was an all-state choice in 2003 and 2004.

"Leah is a very dynamic personality on and off the field," Holmes-Winn said. "She is probably my most versatile athlete on the team. Leah can play any line of the field and fit right in."

Hoagland's teammate Katie Kizner, a player Holmes-Winn says "truly commands the field," also joins on the roster this fall. In 2004 she was named the Scouts' Most Valuable Player after scoring 34 goals that season as striker and midfielder. A two-time All-Illinois pick, Kizner attended the U.S. National Team Residency Camp last summer. Holmes-Winn sees value in Kizner's versatility as well.

"Katie's passing adeptness and ball-handling make her a dangerous striker as well as an effective midfielder," Holmes-Winn said.