Sept. 21, 2007

PHILADELPHIA, PA - Head Coach Julie Weiss is pleased to welcome 10 student-athletes to the Explorer lacrosse team for the 2007-08 academic year.

"We are thrilled to welcome the addition of 10 incredibly talented and hard working student-athletes to the La Salle Lacrosse family," said Weiss. "This class, as a whole, is one of the most talented classes ever to have entered La Salle."

The recruiting class is comprised of midfielder/defender Shannon Bernard, attack/midfielder Lauren Bushby, defender Alura Costa, midfielder Jill Hallgren, defender Erin McBride, attack Nicole McCurdy, midfielder/defender Kerry Overbeck, goalkeeper Mara Schnellenbach, midfielder Erin Swigart and midfielder/defender Brittany White.

Bernard is a graduate of Ridley High School in Folsom, PA. She earned All-Central League honors as a junior and senior, and was named Second Team All-Delaware County as a junior. She helped lead the Green Raiders to appearances in the Pennsylvania State Championship game in 2004 and 2007.

"Shannon is one of three incoming athletes from Pennsylvania state-runner up Ridley High School. Her outstanding vision with the ball and great presence on defense was a major factor [in the] state playoffs," says Weiss. "We will count on seeing those qualities on the field this year. She has the ability to be an excellent collegiate midfielder."

Bushby was a four year starter at Kent County High School in Chestertown, MD. She was named Most Valuable Player and served as a team captain her senior year. She amassed a team-high 52 points (35 goals, 17 assists) in 2007, while also leading the team in ground balls.

"Lauren is a very impressive attacker, leading her team in goals both her junior and senior years," says Weiss. "She is has great lateral quickness and speed. Explosive in the open field and dynamic in the 8m, Lauren will be a tough attacker to contain. "

Costa, a defender from Archbishop Carroll High School in Radnor, was named Second Team All-Catholic League this past year. The native of King of Prussia, PA is also a standout in the classroom, as she earned Academic All-American honors her junior year and is a member of the National Honors Society.

"Alura is a workhouse. She is a defender with great natural instincts who prides herself on playing with hustle and heart," said Weiss. "Hailing from the dynasty of Archbishop John Carroll, Alura understands what it takes to win."

Hallgren is a 2007 graduate of Mansfield High School in Massachusetts. She served as team captain last season and was a four-year starter. She was twice named Sun-Chronicle's All-Star Team as an Honorable Mention. 

"Jill is extremely committed to this program and putting in the necessary work to reach her full potential," said Weiss. "She has the ability to be an impact player in the college game and she has the drive and work ethic to get her there."

McBride was a teammate of Bernard at Ridley High School. The Eddystone, PA native earned four varsity letters at Ridley and earned the "Stand Your Ground" and "Big Mouth on the Field" awards.

"Erin is a physically strong defender with an outstanding vocal presence," says Weiss. "She brings tremendous heart and spirit to the field, as well as an understanding of the game- better than the average first year athlete."

McCurdy, a native of Lansdale, PA, is a graduate of Germantown Academy. Along with serving as a co-captain her senior year, she garnered the 2007 Coach's Award and was named Honorable Mention All-Inter-Ac League.

"Nikki sees the field very well," says Weiss. "She is an excellent feeder and a versatile player with lots of speed who can make a difference on both sides of the field."

Overbeck is a graduate of Cherokee High School in Marlton, NJ. The four-year starter had an impressive senior season, earning First-Team All-South Jersey and All-Olympic Conference honors. She scored 97 career goals at Cherokee.

"Kerry is very excited to take her game to the next level," says Weiss. "The energy that she plays with is contagious. She too is a versatile player who adds depth to our midfield."

Schnellenbach joins Bernard and McBride to form a trifecta of Ridley graduates in the freshman class. She was a four-year letter winner with the Green Raiders. In four games in the 2007 state playoffs, Schnellenbach made 46 saves.

"Mara has the potential to be an outstanding goalkeeper at the collegiate level," says Weiss. "She helped lead Ridley to the Pennsylvania state championship game by tallying 46 saves in just four games. Solid in the cage and explosive outside of the crease, she will provide additional strength for us in the net."

Swigart was a three-year starter at Mason High School in Ohio. She was named a first-team All-American in 2006. She led her team with 59 goals and 25 assists that year. She also tallied a team-high 48 goals as a sophomore.

"Erin is coming off an excellent high school career," says Weiss. "One of the top recruits from the state of Ohio, Erin led the state in points and assists per game. She has tremendous agility and athleticism and will play a huge role for us on the draw."

White was a three-year varsity starter as St. Anthony's High School in Farmingdale, NY. She earned All-League honors three times, and was twice named her team's defensive MVP.

"Britt has an exceptional amount of natural ability," says Weiss. "She instinctively knows how to make plays on both sides of the ball. She is a true competitor who makes everyone around her better." 

Weiss is optimistic about this her new recruits. "This group brings a strong work-ethic, a contagious enthusiasm, and true understanding of what it takes to be successful on the field and in the classroom," she said. "Representing 40% of the roster, they all will play a pivotal role in the success of our program."