Field Hockey Inks Eight to 2023 Signing Class

NEWARK, Del. - Head Coach Rolf van de Kerkhof and his staff welcome seven first-year students for the recruiting class of 2023 to the Delaware field hockey program.

"We are thrilled with our incoming Blue Hens group as they individually and collectively will be able to further elevate our performance and offer more depth in all positions and lines. Their experiences, energy, outlook and focus will allow them a positive transition from high school and club hockey to intercollegiate athletics," head coach Rolf van de Kerkhof said.

"Although their recruitment occurred during the COVID-19 Pandemic, and had many unforeseen challenges, our incoming freshmen and their families kept things in perspective and allowed the process to take care of itself. This class is bringing a level of maturity and excitement which will benefit them and our program from the start."

"We believe that this large freshman class with the correct commitment and preparation, combined with the quality we have in our returning players group, will be in the position to further raise our overall DEHO performance from preseason through post season this fall."

Amanda Cimillo
About Cimillo: Amanda comes from Pleasant Valley, N.Y. and played at Arlington high school. She will play goalkeeper when she arrives to campus.

Van De Kerkhof on Cimillo: "Despite her age and experience level, Amanda has demonstrated a level of calmness in the cage which will serve her well, and offers the most important key to unlock her future as a go-to goalkeeper for our program. Her athleticism and explosiveness, and passion for the game are a great foundation to start her intercollegiate journey."

Kate Fiest
About Fiest: Kate comes from Yorktown, Va. and played at Tabb high school. At UD, she will play midfield.

Van de Kerkhof on Fiest: "Attack, Speed, Fight" Three words to describe Kate well. She is offensively driven, fit and fast, and will add to our offensive output. From Nexus to NCC's to UDFH events, it was clear the Blue Hens would benefit from Kate's speed, strength and passion for the game. The sky will be the limit for her and she will be able to surprise others and be an impact player."

Elen Nicholls
About Nicholls: Elen is an overseas athlete who comes from Deal, Kent in England. Prior to UD, Nicholls played at St Lawrence College. When she arrives to campus, she will play a mix of defense and midfield.

Van de Kerkhof on Nicholls: "Elen will bring a wealth of international hockey experience to the Blue Hens, after competing with the Welsh U21 Team this past summer at the European Championships, and playing National League hockey back home in England . She embraces pressure and being the best she can and needs to be on the field. Although she only visited UD during her official visit, it is clear she relates very well with all of her classmates and is ready to team up with them and our returners to compete this fall."

Elle Patterson
About Patterson: Elle comes from Ashburn, Va. and played at Independence high school. When Patterson arrives to Delaware, she will play on the defense.

Van de Kerkhof on Patterson: "Speed and strength are in Elle's wheelhouse, qualities that will be beneficial in her development becoming the best Blue Hen she can be. She is a natural leader, has a passion for the game, and should develop nicely as a member of the backfield."

Sarah Rigual
About Rigual: The younger sister field hockey alum Morgan Rigual comes from Fredericksburg, Va. and played at James Monroe high school. At UD, Rigual will see time at the midfield and forward positions.

Van de Kerkhof on Rigual: "We are excited not only for Sarah, as she will elevate our team's performance this fall, but also happy that we will continue to enjoy the support of a great family unit in Ric, Cory, and now graduated Blue Hen, Morgan. Sarah's hockey IQ and stick skills have been apparent for a long time. She understands the importance of patience as part of improving her own overall performance and is eager to take advantage of the opportunity to continue her family legacy with the Blue Hens"

Olivia Schmincke
About Schmincke: Olivia played her high school field hockey at Trinity Episcopal School and comes from Glen Allen, Va. When Schmincke arrives to Newark, she will see time at the forward position.

Van de Kerkhof on Schmincke: "We have known for a long time that Olivia had all the qualities necessary to become a great college field hockey player, and we are excited to add her to our roster. She has speed in abundance, vision, grit and a determination to score, no matter how. She is one of these recruits that seemed to fly under the radar, but with the potential and drive she has, I have no doubt she will be a success in a Blue Hen Uniform for years to come.

Tetje Williamson
About Williamson: Tetje, the daughter of Delaware field hockey alum, and member of the Delaware Hall of Fame, Kelly Williamson, comes from Oley, Pa. and played at Oley Valley in high school. When she arrives to Delaware, Williamson will spend time at the defensive back position.

Van de Kerkhof on Williamson: "Tetje grew up in a Delaware Field Hockey family home with her mother Kelly '99, a Blue Hen Hall of Famer. She is the epitome of a hardworking, appreciative of the opportunity, team before me player and ready to take the next step in her field hockey career. Tetje is an outstanding student and intelligent player, she will be able to use these qualities to advance her own development and team growth around her on and off the field."

Cristina Colas
About Colas: Cristina is an experienced field hockey player from Barcelona, Spain and will spend time at the forward position when she arrives to campus in the fall.

Van De Kerkhof on Colas: "Cristina comes to Delaware having experienced high level hockey in both her native Barcelona and elsewhere in Europe. She comes from a hockey family, and one with experience of adapting to different cultures and lifestyles. These qualities will be very beneficial for a smooth transition and a great starting point to her new Blue Hen field hockey family in Delaware. Cristina describes herself as a pressing forward; she is explosive, has a high hockey IQ, and has a competitive level and drive which has allowed her to travel with her club team, Junior Club Sant Cugat de Valles, both in Spain and abroad."

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