Field Hockey Welcomes Six Incoming Freshmen

NEWARK, Del. – University of Delaware field hockey will welcome six freshmen for the fall of 2025, head coach Rolf van de Kerkhof announced Thursday. The six-member class of Ella Cellini, Katie Clarke, Carmella Gannon, Amanda Rattay, Kasey Reiger, and Brynn String join the Blue Hens from Delaware, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

"We are very excited to welcome this outgoing and self-driven freshman class," van de Kerkhof said. "Not only are they talented and strong field hockey players, but they are also exceptional scholars and passionate individuals. Ella, Katie, Carmella, Amanda, Kasey, and Brynn are familiar with the goals and values of our Delaware field hockey program. Their high school and club experiences provide a solid foundation as they join our team. In addition to welcoming six exceptional student-athletes, we are excited to bring the Gannon, String, Rattay, Clark, Reiger, and Cellini families into the DEHO family."

Ella Cellini | Midfield | Phoenixville, Pa. | Villa Maria Academy High School
Will graduate from Villa Maria Academy High School in 2025... Was a three-year starter and two-time captain in high school... Was named to the AACA All-Star Team (2022, 2023, 2024), All-State Team (2022, 2023, 2024), All-Main Line Team (2022, 2023), and DLN All-Star Team (2023)... Helped lead Villa Maria to be District Champions (2022, 2023, 2024), PIAA 2A State Champions (2023), PIAA 3A State Runner-Up (2024), and the No. 2 ranked team in the country… Also played basketball, soccer, and track and field… Played for WC Eagles Field Hockey… Daughter of Mike and Megan Cellini... Father, Mike, played soccer at Rider from 1994-98… Has two siblings, Olivia and Celia... Born in Paoli, Pa.

"Ella's passion and work ethic shine on and off the field," van de Kerkhof said. "Her ability to connect plays and contribute in both offensive and defensive roles will make her a key player for our team."

Katie Clarke | Midfield | Purcellville, Va. | Loudoun Valley High School
Will graduate from Loudoun Valley High School in 2025... Was a four-year starter and two-time captain in high school... Was named Washington Post All-Met First Team (2023), MAX Field Hockey First Team Mid-Atlantic All-Region (2023), VHSL First Team All-State (2021, 2022, 2023), First Team All-Region 4D (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024), Region 4D Player of the Year (2021, 2022, 2024), First Team All-Dulles District (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024), Dulles District Player of the Year (2022, 2023, 2024), MAX Field Hockey 2025 Top 100 Selection (2023), Max Field Hockey Mid-Atlantic All- Region Second Team (2022), Washington Post All-Met Second Team (2022), and Washington Post All-Met Honorable Mention (2021)... Helped lead Loudoun Valley to back-to-back Virginia 4A State Championships in 2023 and 2024… Is the Loudoun Valley career goals leader (152), career points leader (383), single-season goals leader (44), and single-season points leader (114)... Also played lacrosse, lettering twice… Played for Metro Hockey Club… Daughter of Lauren and Caldwell Clarke... Has a brother, Will... Born in Leesburg, Va.

"Katie is a steadfast midfielder who thrives in high-pressure situations," van de Kerkhof said. "Her strong fundamentals and ability to organize the midfield will be key assets for both our offensive and defensive line."

Carmella Gannon | Midfield | Felton, Del. | Lake Forest High School
Will graduate from Lake Forest High School in 2025... Was a three-year starter and one-time captain in high school... Was named one to the Top 30 players in Delaware Preseason list her junior and senior season… Named First Team All-Conference and First Team All-State her senior year… Helped lead Lake Forest to the DIAA Division II State Tournament all four years, making it to the semifinals in 2024… Scored 19 goals as a defensive midfielder… Danced competively for 14 years … Played for Empower FHA (2022-25), Blue Fusion (2021-23), and Delaware Surge (2023-25)… Daughter of Brie and Howard Gannon... Grandfather, Donald S. Knox, was on the UD swimming and diving team from 1966-70 while cousin, Craig Young, was on the team from 2007-10… Has a brother, Quade... Born in Lewes, Del… Was high school teammates with fellow UD field hockey signee Brynn String.

"Carmella's energy and determination make her an exciting addition to our offensive lineup," van de Kerkhof said. "Her ability to find the back of the net and create opportunities for her teammates will make an immediate impact for Delaware."

Amanda Rattay | Forward | Newark, Del. | Newark Charter High School
Will graduate from Newark Charter High School in 2025... Was a three-year starter and one-time captain in high school... Was named First Team All-State (2023, 2024), First Team All-Conference (2022, 2023, 2024), and Second Team All-State (2022)... Helped lead Newark Charter to a conference title in 2023 and 2024, as well as a runner-up finish in the 2023 Delaware Division 2 State Championship… Led Newark Charter in goal scoring three straight seasons (2022, 2023, 2024)... Also played lacrosse… Played for Empower Field Hockey… Daughter of Karyl and Dan Rattay... Father, Dan, played football at Susquehanna University, has coached football at Georgetown, Villanova, Johns Hopkins, and UAlbany… Has a brother, CJ, who also attends UD... Born in Newark, Del.

"Amanda's field awareness and playmaking ability set her apart," van de Kerkhof said. "She's a team-first player with a knack for controlling the tempo of the game. Her skillset and mindset will elevate our midfield unit."

Kasey Rieger | Forward | Langhorne, Pa. | Neshaminy High School
Will graduate from Neshaminy High School in 2025... Was a four-year starter and one-time captain in high school... Was named First-Team All-State Player (2023), First Team Suburban One All-League Player (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024), Nexus Regional Selection – Region 5 (2022, 2023), and won Nexus Championship (2022, 2023)… Led Neshaminy High School in points all four years, totalling 200 over her career… Was also a three-year starter in lacrosse… Played for Mystx Field Hockey Club (2017-22), FSC Field Hockey (2022-23), and Mayhem Field Hockey (2023-Present)… Daughter of Emily and Todd Rieger... Mother, Emily, played field hockey at Mansfield University… Born in Abington, Pa.

"Kasey's quickness and competitive edge will bolster our midfield and forward lines," van de Kerkhof said. "She's a natural playmaker with a knack for creating scoring opportunities and finishing plays."

Brynn String | Midfield | Felton, Del. | Lake Forest High School
Will graduate from Lake Forest High School in 2025... Was a four-year starter and one-time captain in high school... First Team All-State selection as a senior... Was named First Team All-Conference (2023, 2024), Most Improved Player (2023)... Earned the Sportsmanship Award (2022), DIAA Student Athlete Academic Award (2024), and was a Blue-Gold All-Star Game Representative… Helped lead Lake Forest to the DIAA Division II State Tournament all four years, making it to the semifinals in 2024… Scored 28 goals and tallied seven assists… Was also a three-year starter in soccer, earning Second Team All-Conference honors in 2023 and 2024… Played for Empower (2023-24), Blue Fusion (2019-23), and Delaware Surge (2023-24)… Daughter of Aimee and Dan String, both UD alums... Mother, Aimee, was on the UD dance team from 1997-2001… Has two siblings, Colton and Cambri... Born in Seaford, Del… Was high school teammates with fellow UD field hockey signee Carmella Gannon.

"Brynn brings a calm yet competitive presence to the field," van de Kerkhof said. "Her ability to adapt and excel in multiple positions will strengthen both our midfield and defensive lines. Her club and high school experiences will be invaluable as she transitions to collegiate play."

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