University of Delaware Athletics
Delaware Field Hockey Adds Seven for 2016 Campaign
4/27/2016 8:24:00 PM | Field Hockey
Van de Kerkhof, who will be in his sixth season at the helm of the Blue Hens, and his coaching staff will welcome players from three different states in the form of four midfielders, two defenders and a forward. Delaware will lose five student-athletes to graduation in the coming weeks.
“We are very excited to welcome seven new Blue Hens to our program in 2016,” remarked Van de Kerkhof. “They are true student-athletes and have a desire to improve individually and contribute to their own and UDFH's development and success. We were fortunate to have received their commitments quite some time ago which has allowed us to strengthen our program's relationship, education and interaction with these seven youngsters and their families. I believe that the positive growth we have been able to secure as a program with our 2016 freshmen class thus far will allow them to enjoy more confidence, better preparation, and higher performance abilities come (pre)season. The more our freshmen can contribute to the team's season journey the better our overall performance will be.”
Van de Kerkhof continued, “I would like to give credit to and thank our current players group, coaching and support staff, and academic faculty for being great ambassadors for the University of Delaware allowing us to secure this fine and talented group of incoming Blue Hens. It has been a true team effort and thanks to that approach our program has become stronger again moving forward.”
Newcomers include Lizzi Clemmer (Coopersburg, Pa./Southern Lehigh/WC Eagles FHC), Alexis Gazzio (Hershey, Pa./Hershey/PA Mavericks FHC), Sarah Horgan (Centreville, Va./Westfield/Rampage), Cara Jarmiolowski (Mountain Top, Pa./Crestwood/KaPow & Nook FHC), Ally Pollak (Crofton, Md./Arundel/SPark FHC), Michelle Thomas (Damascus, Md./Damascus/Freedom FHC) and Kaitlyn Zook (New Holland, Pa./Garden Spot/Sutter's Brigade FHC).
Below are biographies on each of the seven incoming Blue Hens in addition to comments from both Van de Kerkhof and the respective student-athletes.
ELIZABETH 'LIZZI' CLEMMER | Midfielder | Coopersburg, Pa. (Southern Lehigh/WC Eagles FHC)
A three-year starter on the defensive end at Southern Lehigh High School, Clemmer helped guide the Spartans to an overall record of 57-10-1 under head coach Jen Shields.
During her time at SLHS, Clemmer registered 23 career goals to go along with 10 assists and 13 defensive saves while leading the Spartans to three state tournament appearances, three Colonial League championship appearances and two District 11 championships.
For her efforts, she was recognized during her junior season as a First Team All-League and Second Team All-State performer while garnering Second Team All-League accolades her senior year. A member of the WC Eagles Club, Clemmer previously played alongside current Blue Hens Michaela Scanlon and Maura Zarkoski. The daughter of Mark and Terri, Clemmer has not declared a major.
“Lizzi should be in the position to enjoy her freshman year and do a lot of good as a player for this team. She is probably one of the hardest working players I have seen with an intense desire to compete. She is eager to learn and will be one of those players that will be around before and after practice to work out and add to her hockey qualities. She has been well coached by Richard and Jun Kentwell at WC Eagles and seems prepared for the demands of Delaware Field Hockey.” – Rolf van de Kerkhof
“I chose Delaware because it's the best of both worlds. The combination of the excellent academics and the highly competitive field hockey program is truly one of a kind. The philosophy and atmosphere on the team and with the coaches is great. I am excited to be a part of such a wonderful family and community that I will have forever.” – Lizzi Clemmer
ALEXIS GAZZIO | Midfielder | Hershey, Pa. (Hershey/PA Mavericks FHC)
A two-sport athlete at Hershey High School, Gazzio was a member of the Trojans field hockey and lacrosse squads.
A 2015 Mid Penn All-Star, Gazzio guided HHS field hockey to the Pennsylvania State Tournament under head coach Brianna Price. She is also involved with the Chinese Club, Chinese Club, Culture Club, Mini Thon committee, Garden Club, Yearbook committee, Youth and Government and Heath Career Exploration Program at HHS.
A captain of the PA Mavericks Club team for coach Chelton Hunter, Gazzio is a seven-time gold medalist at National Field Hockey Festival, National Indoor Tournament, Regional Club Championship and Shooting Stars Tournament. The daughter of Chris Gazzio and Thu Thi Gazzio, Alexis plans on majoring in nursing with the goals of becoming a registered nurse.
“Alexis has qualities that could make her a dangerous player on offense and the build-up. She is a smooth and elegant player, but when she turns it on others have to worry. Alexis has benefited greatly from being coached by Chelton Hunter at PA Mavericks. It also seems that her transition from Chelton to me as her coach should be an easy transition as we have similar coaching styles and objectives.” – Rolf van de Kerkhof
“After visiting the University of Delaware, choosing to make it my home for the next four years was an easy decision. Walking around the campus you feel right at home. UD has great academics and what I'm looking for in a school. It's an honor to have the opportunity to continue playing hockey for a top program. After committing to the University of Delaware, I knew it was the right decision. The coaching staff and team immediately welcomed me into their family. The coaches also go out of their way to make sure the transition from high school to college is as seamless as possible.” – Alexis Gazzio
SARAH HORGAN | Defender | Centreville, Va. (Westfield/Rampage FHC)
A decorated student-athlete who is no stranger to winning championships, Horgan led Westfield High to a 79-12 record over four seasons while garnering three conference titles, two Region 6A North titles and the 2013 Virginia 6A State Championship.
Horgan seemed to collect all the major awards during her senior season as she was named the conference Player of the Year, Region 6A North Player of the Year, NFHCA South Region, First Team All-Met, First Team All-State, Max Mid-Atlantic Region and team Defensive Player of the Year.
She was also a four-time Scholar Athlete for the Bulldogs under head coach Starr Karl. Horgan will join former WHS teammate and rising Blue Hens senior Meghan Winesett this coming fall at Rullo Stadium. The daughter of Rebecca and Tim, Horgan has not declared a major.
“Sarah has the potential to become a very strong player and leader in our backfield. She has good vision and strong qualities in out-letting and on individual and team defense. Sarah is well-coached and has developed nicely throughout her time with Rampage Club and at Westfield High School under the coaching direction of Starr Karl.” – Rolf van de Kerkhof
“I chose UD because the campus is beautiful and I felt at home here. Delaware has strong academics as well as a great field hockey program. I love that the team is warm and welcoming and feels like a family.” – Sarah Horgan
CARA JARMIOLOWSKI | Defender | Mountain Top, Pa. (Crestwood/KaPow & Nook FHC)
Another incoming Blue Hen with championship experience, Jarmiolowski and the Comets captured four PIAA District 2 titles while also picking up the 2012 PIAA State Championship and earning three total trips to the PIAA State Finals.
A two-time All-State Honorable Mention selection, Jarmiolowski helped guide CHS to an overall record of 78-5 over four seasons. She was also chosen as a Wyoming Valley Conference All-Star and Optimal Performance Associates High School National Academic Squad honoree.
Jarmiolowski has collected Principal Honors and is a member of the National Honors Society and National Spanish Honors Society. The daughter of Eric and Beverly, Jarmiolowski plans to major in exercise science with the goals of becoming a Physician's Assistant.
“Cara has the qualities to be a strong-hold on defense. She has solid skills, is excited to play, and wants to further elevate her game. She has strong passing skills, which allows us to outlet and generate the attack out of the backfield, and is intelligent in playing individual and team defense. Cara understands the expectations and standards UDFH has in place, and will be in a good position to contribute to these thanks to her development and experiences at high school power house Crestwood.” – Rolf van de Kerkhof
"I chose to attend the University of Delaware because I love the school and all it has to offer. The campus makes me feel like I am at home. I love the enthusiasm and the drive that the coaching staff shows every day. I am very passionate about everything that I do on the field and in the classroom. With a top ranking exercise science program and an amazing hockey program, Delaware is a great fit for me!” – Cara Jarmiolowski
ALLISON 'ALLY' POLLAK | Forward | Crofton, Md. (Arundel/SPark FHC)
Pollak tallied 52 goals and 19 assists as a four-year varsity starter at Arundel High School, where she was also the team captain her senior season under head coach Carrie Vosburg.
The team's leading scorer over three seasons, Pollak was a two-time Washington Post All-Met, Coach's First Team All-County and First Team All-County selection while also garnering Second Team All-State and Second Team Baltimore Sun All-Metro accolades in 2014. She was also a member of the squad that traveled to Barcelona, Spain as a part of the World Camp Eurotour.
Pollak also excels in the classroom and has been named to the Principal's Honor Roll, Honor Roll, National Honors Society and National Science Honors Society while serving as a part of the Best Buddies Club. A member of the SPark Field Hockey Club, Pollak will be reunited with former teammate and rising Delaware senior Kayla Devlin. The daughter of Denise and Gustave, Pollak plans on majoring in medical diagnostics with the goal of becoming a nurse practitioner.
“Ally likes to eliminate and score. During her recruitment and since her commitment, Ally has further raised her abilities to be a contributor in the build-up, creation of scoring opportunities, and finishing. She is playful and relaxed which are key qualities to be successful on offense. Ally has been fortunate to welcome quality coaching while at Arundel and SPark.” – Rolf van de Kerkhof
“I chose the University of Delaware because of the perfect combination of prestigious academic opportunities and a passionate team that doubles as a family. I first visited campus my freshman year of high school and I instantly knew that this was going to be my new home. I look forward to contributing to the continued success of the Blue Hen field hockey program.” – Ally Pollak
MICHELLE THOMAS | Midfielder | Damascus, Md. (Damascus/Freedom FHC)
A four-year varsity starter for the Hornets, Thomas helped guide Damascus to the 2015 Regional Championship while earning Second Team All-Region and Team MVP honors. Thomas also garnered Second Team All-Gazette Honors in 2013 while also being named the team's Best Offensive Player, Rookie of the Year and Coaches Award honoree under head coach Amanda Quay.
She is also a four-year member of the DHS Honor Roll. The daughter of Mike and Missy, Thomas plans on a Pre-Vet major and forensic science minor with the goals of becoming a veterinarian or pathology assistant.
“Michelle is one of those special players who can play pretty much every position on the field. She possesses technical and tactical qualities that will allow her to play and contribute when and where needed. Her maturity and leadership levels provide a positive outlook as a future leader for UDFH. She is energetic and down to earth, which will allow her to feel comfortable in the many situations she will find herself as a UDFH student-athlete.” – Rolf van de Kerkhof
“I chose the University of Delaware because I felt it was the best fit for me academically and athletically. Delaware offers many possible majors that interested me, as well as a strong hockey program that will help better myself as a player. I am excited to see what awaits me here in the upcoming years.” – Michelle Thomas
KAITLYN ZOOK | Midfielder | New Holland, Pa. (Garden Spot/Sutter's Brigade FHC)
A two-time Lebanon League All-Star, Zook collected six goals and five assists as the team captain at Garden Spot High School this past fall. Zook was a three-year starter for the Spartans while missing the entirety of her junior season due to an ACL injury.
A member of Sutter's Brigade Field Hockey Club, Zook was a gold medalist at the 2012 National Field Hockey Festival while earning the silver (2013) and bronze (2015) medals at the Pennsylvania State Keystone Games.
Zook is a member of the National Honors Society and is a Lancaster-Lebanon League Academic All-Star selection. The daughter of Mike and Pam, Zook plans on majoring in communications with the career objective of becoming a public relations analyst or editor.
“Kaitlyn has an intense desire to improve and compete and we have enjoyed that approach working with her since her commitment to UDFH. Although she still has yet to report for her first official UDFH preseason, we have been fortunate to welcome her to many clinics and camps at UD. This creates a mutual understanding and it seems she has been one of our players for some time already. The developments in performance, understanding and relationship between Kaitlyn and UDFH should allow for successful opportunities her freshman season. She is a work horse with a true desire to play field hockey and be the best field hockey player and teammate she can be.” – Rolf van de Kerkhof
"The University of Delaware appealed to me because they strive to have academics as an important part of their name. Not only that, but their field hockey program has become one of the top in the country. I love the philosophy of the program, but also how close knit the team is. The players and coaches are constantly encouraging each other to thrive on and off the field. The sense of school pride shining from the team, community, and alumni is incredible." – Kaitlyn Zook
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please contact Maggie Hayon | mhayon@udel.edu | O: 302-831-6389 | C: 920-912-6635
