Indiana University Athletics
2001 Recruiting Class Announced
2/7/2001 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Bloomington, Ind.-The Indiana field hockey team announced its first recruiting class for the new program Wednesday afternoon. Six new Hoosiers will grace the field hockey scene. Head Coach Amy Robertson is pleased with the shape the program is taking.
"Every coach says that they are excited about the new players signing with their program and I am no different," said Robertson. "The incoming class will compliment the current team and are the type of athletes that are going to make a huge impact on the growth and development of the new program. These six signees are loaded with potential and full of enthusiasm which are two key ingredients for our future success."
From Marathon, N.Y., midfielder Jessica Barton will head to the Midwest. Also a track athlete, this field hockey star was a N.Y. State first team selection. She has participated in the Under-19 National Tour for the Futures program, the Junior Olympics and the National Festival. This 1999 Regional All-American believes in Indiana field hockey.
"I'm excited about the opportunities there will be with the start of a new program. Indiana also offers a great academic program," said Barton.
Midfielder Kayla Bashore, is also anxious to begin Hoosier hockey.
"When I came to IU the atmosphere and people were really nice. I also think if anyone can make Indiana field hockey into a high-caliber team, it is Amy," Bashore commented.
The Shoemakersville, Pa., native is an all-around athlete, lettering in field hockey, basketball, and soccer. Bashore led her high school field hockey squad to an undefeated regular season as a junior and an appearance in the state semifinal game. That same year she was named second team All-Division, All-County, and All-State. As a senior, Bashore received All-County and All-State first team recognition. To compliment her field hockey honors, Bashore was named 1998 soccer MVP at the Keystone State Games. Her school focus has also been recognized as she was All-Academic in both 11th and 12th grade during field hockey.
Kimberly Nash heads to IU from Lake Bluff, Ill. The leading goal score for her team as a senior, Nash also led her team to a state championship in 2000 as well as runner-up status in 1999. She has participated in the Futures program for the past three years. When Nash wasn't scoring goals, she was helping her teammates as she was second on her team in assists this past year. Nash also participates in basketball, indoor and outdoor soccer and lacrosse. She has participated in numerous clubs and organizations throughout her high school years. Her enthusiasm for Indiana field hockey should display well on the field.
"I am excited to play for the Big Red as well as attend an amazing school," said Nash.
Another member of the 2001 recruiting class is Lindsey Nealis joins the Hoosiers from Oak Park, Ill. Nealis has combined academics and athletics quite well. The starting forward of the Illinois State third place high school team received not only the Illinois State Academic Achievement Award in 2000 but the National All-Academic Achievement Award with a 3.8+ cummulative GPA. Nealis also participates on the varsity soccer team.
"When considering college field hockey programs, I looked for a Division I school that would challenge my athletic abilities but also one that I could contribute to. Indiana will do just that," said Nealis. "I also expect Amy to be an excellent coach and my teammates and I to get along great. The other major factor in my decision was the fact that Indiana is an outstanding university with my academic area of interest."
From St. Louis, Mo., back Lauren Brophy is the fifth Hoosier recruit. Brophy has tried all angles of sports besides field hockey including cheerleading, basketball, and soccer.
"I am really excited about the prospect of being part of the building process of a new team. Amy is energetic and enthusiastic about what is going to happen with Indiana field hockey. I've heard very good things about the support that Indiana brings to its athletic teams," said Brophy.
Brophy's field hockey team has participated in the Gateway Tournament for the past two years and did not lose a game. The team also won the Midwest State Championship during Brophy's junior and senior seasons. Brophy was named second team All-League and first team All-Metro her senior year. Currently, she is participating in her school musical and is captain of the women's soccer team.
The final 2001 recruit for Indiana is Jamie Baldwin of Dallas, Texas. Two-year co-captain of the field hockey team, Baldwin was an NFHCA All-American Nominee and named SPC All-Conference her junior and senior season. She has played four years of varsity field hockey and was the team's leading scorer as a freshman and a junior. Baldwin was also named MVP of her field hockey team in 1999.
"When I first walked on campus, I knew that I wanted to be a Hoosier. I was truly inspired when I met Coach Robertson. I am optimistic that I will be able to learn a lot from her and my teammates. There is so much school spirit here and I cannot wait to be a part of that," said Baldwin.
Besides her numerous field hockey honors, Baldwin has been active in basketball and softball. She was captain of the basketball team in 1999-2000 and led the team in scoring and rebounding. She was co-winner of the MVP award.
Robertson thinks the personalities of this group will really aid the developing program.
"When I think of the collective personalities of this group, I think the incoming freshmen will make an impact on not only the field hockey program but the entire department," Robertson said.
The Hoosiers are projected to begin the 2001 season with a home match against Miami (Ohio) onSunday, August 26 at noon.
"Every coach says that they are excited about the new players signing with their program and I am no different," said Robertson. "The incoming class will compliment the current team and are the type of athletes that are going to make a huge impact on the growth and development of the new program. These six signees are loaded with potential and full of enthusiasm which are two key ingredients for our future success."
From Marathon, N.Y., midfielder Jessica Barton will head to the Midwest. Also a track athlete, this field hockey star was a N.Y. State first team selection. She has participated in the Under-19 National Tour for the Futures program, the Junior Olympics and the National Festival. This 1999 Regional All-American believes in Indiana field hockey.
"I'm excited about the opportunities there will be with the start of a new program. Indiana also offers a great academic program," said Barton.
Midfielder Kayla Bashore, is also anxious to begin Hoosier hockey.
"When I came to IU the atmosphere and people were really nice. I also think if anyone can make Indiana field hockey into a high-caliber team, it is Amy," Bashore commented.
The Shoemakersville, Pa., native is an all-around athlete, lettering in field hockey, basketball, and soccer. Bashore led her high school field hockey squad to an undefeated regular season as a junior and an appearance in the state semifinal game. That same year she was named second team All-Division, All-County, and All-State. As a senior, Bashore received All-County and All-State first team recognition. To compliment her field hockey honors, Bashore was named 1998 soccer MVP at the Keystone State Games. Her school focus has also been recognized as she was All-Academic in both 11th and 12th grade during field hockey.
Kimberly Nash heads to IU from Lake Bluff, Ill. The leading goal score for her team as a senior, Nash also led her team to a state championship in 2000 as well as runner-up status in 1999. She has participated in the Futures program for the past three years. When Nash wasn't scoring goals, she was helping her teammates as she was second on her team in assists this past year. Nash also participates in basketball, indoor and outdoor soccer and lacrosse. She has participated in numerous clubs and organizations throughout her high school years. Her enthusiasm for Indiana field hockey should display well on the field.
"I am excited to play for the Big Red as well as attend an amazing school," said Nash.
Another member of the 2001 recruiting class is Lindsey Nealis joins the Hoosiers from Oak Park, Ill. Nealis has combined academics and athletics quite well. The starting forward of the Illinois State third place high school team received not only the Illinois State Academic Achievement Award in 2000 but the National All-Academic Achievement Award with a 3.8+ cummulative GPA. Nealis also participates on the varsity soccer team.
"When considering college field hockey programs, I looked for a Division I school that would challenge my athletic abilities but also one that I could contribute to. Indiana will do just that," said Nealis. "I also expect Amy to be an excellent coach and my teammates and I to get along great. The other major factor in my decision was the fact that Indiana is an outstanding university with my academic area of interest."
From St. Louis, Mo., back Lauren Brophy is the fifth Hoosier recruit. Brophy has tried all angles of sports besides field hockey including cheerleading, basketball, and soccer.
"I am really excited about the prospect of being part of the building process of a new team. Amy is energetic and enthusiastic about what is going to happen with Indiana field hockey. I've heard very good things about the support that Indiana brings to its athletic teams," said Brophy.
Brophy's field hockey team has participated in the Gateway Tournament for the past two years and did not lose a game. The team also won the Midwest State Championship during Brophy's junior and senior seasons. Brophy was named second team All-League and first team All-Metro her senior year. Currently, she is participating in her school musical and is captain of the women's soccer team.
The final 2001 recruit for Indiana is Jamie Baldwin of Dallas, Texas. Two-year co-captain of the field hockey team, Baldwin was an NFHCA All-American Nominee and named SPC All-Conference her junior and senior season. She has played four years of varsity field hockey and was the team's leading scorer as a freshman and a junior. Baldwin was also named MVP of her field hockey team in 1999.
"When I first walked on campus, I knew that I wanted to be a Hoosier. I was truly inspired when I met Coach Robertson. I am optimistic that I will be able to learn a lot from her and my teammates. There is so much school spirit here and I cannot wait to be a part of that," said Baldwin.
Besides her numerous field hockey honors, Baldwin has been active in basketball and softball. She was captain of the basketball team in 1999-2000 and led the team in scoring and rebounding. She was co-winner of the MVP award.
Robertson thinks the personalities of this group will really aid the developing program.
"When I think of the collective personalities of this group, I think the incoming freshmen will make an impact on not only the field hockey program but the entire department," Robertson said.
The Hoosiers are projected to begin the 2001 season with a home match against Miami (Ohio) onSunday, August 26 at noon.
Players Mentioned
/ Field Hockey
/ Field Hockey
/ Field Hockey
/ Field Hockey
/ Field Hockey
/ Field Hockey
/ Field Hockey
/ Field Hockey
/ Field Hockey
/ Field Hockey
/ Field Hockey
/ Field Hockey
/ Field Hockey
/ Field Hockey
/ Field Hockey
/ Field Hockey
/ Field Hockey
/ Field Hockey
/ Field Hockey
Tuesday, August 11
Tuesday, August 11
Monday, August 10
Thursday, August 06