Field Hockey Signs Class of Eight for the 2016 Season

PHILADELPHIA - Temple field hockey head coach Marybeth Freeman, who recently completed her first season at the helm, has announced the signing of eight recruits who will join the Owls for the 2016 season. The group includes student-athletes from three different states as well as international recruits from both Northern Ireland and New Zealand.

Joining the team are Cristen Barnett (Brecksville, Ohio/Western Reserve Academy), Kathryn Edgar (Co. Armagh, Northern Ireland/Lurgan College), Becky Gerhart (Quakertown, Pa./Quakertown), Grace Gober (Wyoming, Pa./Wyoming Area), Maddie Lilliock (Palmyra, Pa./Lower Dauphin), Maddie Merton, (Epsom Auckland, New Zealand/St. Cuthbert's College), Lucy Rose (Warwick, Pa./Warwick) and Sam Souder (Thorofare, N.J./West Deptford).

Barnett, a forward and team captain as a senior, scored 59 career goals for Western Reserve Academy under head coach Amy Donnelly. She was named first team all-league and team MVP as a junior, and was selected to play in the AAU Junior Olympic Games. Outside of high school, Barnett also played for the Field Hockey Life club team and coach Keli Smith-Puzo.

"I chose to attend Temple because I could receive an excellent education while also playing the sport I love," said Barnett. "I can't wait to expand my horizons at Temple and take advantage of everything the university has to offer me."

"Cristen is coming to Temple with very good fundamental skills and the type of energy towards our program we want all our student-athletes to have," said Freeman. "I know she will excel in this competitive academic-athletic environment."

Edgar, one of two international recruits, played for Lurgan College in Ireland. She was a member of the Irish U16 National Team from 2011-14, and also played for the Lurgan Ladies Hockey Club and coach Robbie McMinn. Edgar was captain of her school team in 2015, and earned the Captains Player of the Year Award in 2014 as well as the Tommy Lowry Young Rising Star Trophy. She intends to major in kinesiology at Temple.

"My lifelong background in playing hockey and studying physical education at both my senior schools helped me decide to continue my studies in the sporting sector," said Edgar. "Temple, along with its location in Philadelphia, offers an excellent degree program in sports and of course the Temple Owls' field hockey set up really impressed me. Skype calls with Coach Marybeth were very encouraging, and following ongoing communication, I decided Temple was the place for me!"

"Kathryn is exceedingly talented and brings a wealth of hockey knowledge to Temple field hockey," said Freeman. "She has represented Ireland's national programs and has international playing experiences that will help elevate our program from day one. We're excited to welcome her to the TUFH family."

A midfielder, Gerhart was home-schooled but played field hockey for nearby Quakertown High School and coach Diane Molinaro. She was a second team all-league selection as a junior after earning honorable mention honors the previous season. In 2015, Gerhart earned Student-Athlete of the Week honors from Phila Field Hockey. In addition to playing for Quakertown, Gerhart played for the FSC Hockey and coach Michelle Finegan. At Temple, she plans to major in speech, language and hearing science.

"I chose Temple because of the perfect blend of strong athletic and academic programs," said Gerhart. "I love the campus as well as the coaching staff and knew that it would be the best fit for me!"

"Becky is an excellent defender with balanced engaging distance and quick footwork," said Freeman. "Her strong possession skills will be a valued asset when we outlet and her speed in the backfield will be great in transition."

Joining the defensive unit will be Grace Gober, who played for Wyoming Area High School and coaches Chris and Lunda Comiskey as well as Maura McCormick. Gober is a first team all-conference selection, and was named to the National Honor Society High Honor Roll. She plans to major in American/International Law at Temple.

"I decided to attend Temple because I feel that not only can it help me develop as a person, but also as a student and as an athlete," said Gober. "I fell in love with the city and the school."

"A smart and tactful player, Grace comes to Temple enthusiastic about her role as a contributing member of the TUFH program," said Freeman. "She embraces the strength and passion we want our student-athletes to have in representing our team and we're excited to have her."

Lilliock, a goalkeeper, comes to Temple from Lower Dauphin High School where she played for Linda Kreiser and Temple alum Erin Hanshue Catalfano. Outside of high school, Lilliock played for the WC Eagles club team under coaches Richard and Jun Kentwell, along with Ali Harris. She is a four-year letterwinner and was team captain as a senior, also being named to the Falcon Classic All-Tournament Team. Off the field, Lilliock is a distinguished honor roll student, was accepted into the National Math Honors Society, and plans to major in sport management at Temple.

"I chose Temple because of its great program in my intended major and the opportunity to play field hockey at a Division I University in the competitive BIG EAST Conference close to my home," said Lilliard. "After numerous visits to campus, I knew Temple was where I belonged, and the closeness of the players really made me want to be a part of the program."

"Maddie is an athletic and agile goalkeeper," said Freeman. "She has a strong understanding of defensive responsibilities and she is dedicated to evolving into the best goalkeeper she can become. I'm excited to begin working hands-on with her and I know she has the diligence to do great things here."

Merton, another international recruit, comes from New Zealand and St. Cuthbert's College. She also played for the Western District's Club. Merton twice earned the Sports Colours award for hockey at St. Cuthbert's. She was team MVP in 2014 and Deputy Sports Captain in 2013. Off the field, Merton earned her National Certificate of Education Level 2, achieved with excellence in 2014. She plans to major in business marketing/communications at Temple.

"I decided to attend Temple when I came across the University online," said Merton. "After looking through the field hockey page on the Owls' website and watching some of the videos of the girls on the team, I loved the atmosphere associated with the team. After speaking to Coach Marybeth, I instantly wanted to attend Temple. Not only was I drawn to the equal student-athlete academic and sporting success, the culture and passion that Marybeth expressed in relation to her team was exactly what I wanted to be a part of for the next four years of my life."

"Maddie has a champion character and she will make an immediate impact within the program," said Freeman. "Her international playing experience and knowledge of the game are very high-caliber, and her individual defense along with her attacking mindset will make her a valuable addition to the team."

Reed, a forward, comes to Temple from Warwick High School where she played for coach Bob Derr. She was a four-year letterwinner and team captain as a senior. In both 2013 and 2015, Reed was among the league's top 10 goal-scorers, and in her senior year she was named to the all-league second team. She also played field hockey for the True North club and coach Jeff Harding. Reed is an academic honor roll student who plans to major in business marketing at Temple.

'I chose Temple because I love the city atmosphere and closeness of the team," said Reed. "Going to a school in the city is going to give me a different experience that any other school wouldn't be able to provide. The coaching staff is great, and everyone was really welcoming."

"Lucy is a strong and aggressive forward who has a knack for finding the goal," said Freeman. "She comes from a very strong high school and club system and her desire to build upon her already solid fundamental skill sets is awesome. We're looking forward to seeing how she will contribute starting in 2016."

Souder, a forward, played for West Deptford High School and coaches Linda Decker and Courtney Stetson, while also playing club hockey for South Jersey Edge. West Deptford was ranked as high as ninth in New Jersey, and Souder was named MVP in 2013 and Most Passionate Player in 2014. Off the field, she was a member of the National Honor Society, the National Art Honor Society, and served as class secretary all four years.

"I chose Temple because of the atmosphere of the sports community, the great educational opportunities, and the city," said Souder.

"Sam epitomizes our TUFH philosophy," said Freeman. "She is passionate, team-oriented and dedicated to serving our team through her selfless nature. I'm excited to bring someone like Sam to our program and I know she will do great things during her time here."

Temple University Athletics

Field Hockey Signs Class of Eight for the 2016 Season

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