Athletics News

Here about Swarthmore hockey experiences from the members of the team:

"I am so lucky to be a student-athlete at Swarthmore College. Not only am I getting an amazing education in the classroom, but I am also learning how to be a better person, communicator, and group worker by playing a sport here. I am lucky to be in such an elite group, and I would not trade my experiences on the hockey field or with my teammates for anything. They have taught me how to balance my life, expand my social circle, and gain a broader perspective on Swarthmore College. I love being a student-athlete at Swarthmore College." -- Jessica Larson '06

"The team has been one of the greatest things I've ever been a part of. My teammates are everything from amazingly talented players, to academic advisors, to awesome friends. It might be said that we're in it for the free laundry service, but we all know it's really because of how much it enriches our intellectual, social, and personal experiences here at Swarthmore." -- Natalie Stone '09

"The field hockey program at Swarthmore is phenomenal. I came from an extremely close team in high school and I just knew no girls could replace those I was so accustomed to playing with. My pre-conception was definitely proven to be anything but true as the girls welcomed everyone with open, loving arms. Being part of this hockey team makes me so proud. I can walk around campus holding my head high just knowing I have twenty girls on campus who are like my sisters. I don't know what I would do without them and being a part of the athletic program at Swarthmore makes my first semester complete."-- Ashley Gunter '09

"Swarthmore hockey is funky fresh and super fly."
-- Anna Baeth '09

"Being a Swarthmore College Student and a member of the women's field hockey team is truly an unbeatable combination; we are challenged on the field and in the classroom and we manage to excel both as individuals and as a team. My commitment and dedication to the program stems from my fondest memories of college life so far with this team. Our recent tour of the U.K. really made me realize how fortunate I am to have the support of my teammates and coaches on the field and anywhere else my interests may take me at Swarthmore College." -- Neema Patel '07

"I was attracted to Swarthmore as a whole because the field hockey team is so amazing. The team works hard, but still has a good time. All the girls are always willing to go out of their way for their teammates. Furthermore, being a student-athlete offers me a greater range of opportunities at Swarthmore." -- Jordan Schmidt '09

"From the moment I met Swarthmore College's field hockey team my freshman year, I knew I had met some of my best friends. The close-knit community of Swarthmore is truly ideal for an athlete. We work hard academically and strive for success in and out of the classroom, but when we step out on that field, the only thing that matters is working with your teammates to get the ball in the back of the cage. Swarthmore Athletics has definitely been a highlight of my college career." -- Heidi Fieselmann '06

"Playing field hockey at Swarthmore keeps me grounded. Amidst the chaotic world of Swarthmore that is full of classes, labs, and various other commitments I find that being able to make the daily trek down to the fieldhouse is something to savor. Being a part of this program is a constant reminder that the simple acts of doing something for the joy it brings you and surrounding yourself with people who support, challenge, and inspire you is all that is necessary to maintain a peace of mind."
-- Julie Monaghan '07

"What attracted me most to Swarthmore were the people. Everyone here is so accepting and passionate that you can really grow into your own person here at Swarthmore. It is a place of opportunity and I personally loved my experience with both challenging academics and competitive athletics." -- Rachel Turner '08

"Being a student-athlete at Swarthmore means having a real chance to be both student and athlete. The challenge of simultaneously pushing both mind and body is gratifying and rewarding. Furthermore, being a part of the field hockey program has been an exciting and enjoyable experience socially and personally." -- Karen Lorang '07

"Every day I am grateful for the opportunity to continue participating in college athletics, and to be a member of the hockey team only makes the experience that much more wonderful. My teammates, to me, are the best assets of Swarthmore and sharing the field with 16 other amazing women is such a treat every afternoon. This support certainly extends far beyond the field as well. The intensity of the hockey program is certainly in tune with the college's aspiration of excellence, and both the process and the outcome are incredibly rewarding." -- Lindsay Roth '07

"I love being a student athlete at Swarthmore because of the great people I have met over the years and the wonderful opportunities and things I have been able to experience. Athletics helps me to manage my time and broaden my horizons and with the support of my team I know I can do anything."
-- Abigail Fischer '08

"To be an athlete at any school takes dedication and time management. To be an athlete at Swarthmore College takes on a new meaning. Your team is always present and very easy to find on our small campus. And your team is your network and support in every aspect of Swarthmore life."
-- Saranne Perman '07

"Being a student athlete at Swarthmore is one of the greatest decisions I have ever made. The bond between the team is very powerful and I can't imagine being at Swat without it."
-- Melissa LaVan '07

"Education is about so much more than what goes on in the classroom. For me, the lessons I have learned on the field - dedication, commitment, the meaning of hard work, honor, love, pride, glory, and the wisdom in victory and defeat - have given me the skills to excel in the classroom and far beyond it. Additionally, teamwork is such an essential part of any kind of success. For me, never has there been a better place to learn the value of teamwork than with my team here at Swarthmore. Together we are elated and lifted by one another's successes and rebuild in the fact of one another's failures, both when we are playing hockey and when we are not. It is la famiglia; to steal the words of Dostoevsky, we 'share a good and kind feeling.' " --Chloe Lewis '06

"As a member of the Swarthmore field hockey team, I'm not always just surrounded by my friends, I'm surrounded by family members. Being on the team means being a part of the family, both on and off the field. No matter what, someone is there when you need advice, a little inspiration, or just someone to have some fun with. Year after year, we improve as a unit and I know this is our year to shine."
-- Summer Spicer '07

"I feel very fortunate to be a part of the field hockey program at Swarthmore College. Here, I have found my teammates to be delightfully, engaging people full of intellectual vivacity in addition to being committed athletes with a true love for the game. This combination cannot be found just anywhere; it takes a little Swattie magic to make it work. Having the opportunity to be a part of the Swarthmore hockey family is an experience I know I will cherish long after I r
etire from my Garnet jersey."
-- Alexandra Clegg '08

"Swarthmore field hockey is a family. It means so much to be on a team with 20 of the kindest, most intelligent, and most humorous people I know. It's great to play a sport at Swarthmore and exercise my body as well as my mind on a team with all my friends." -- Madalyn Baldanzi '08

"I enjoy athletics at Swarthmore because it gives me an excuse to literally play for two hours with my friends every day. I also enjoy playing sports here just for the sake of getting outside and getting exercise - "Mens Sana in Corpore Sano" - sound mind in a sound body!" -- Charlotte MacAusland '06

"The term "field hockey" can be about wins and losses, X's and O's, corners or goals scored, but put "Swarthmore" in front of it and an entirely new scope of meaning and images emerge: long bus rides to conference games with the Pennsylvania countryside view, beautiful fall afternoons spent sweating on the turf amidst the autumn trees, overtime games in rain, cold or shine (some won, some lost, but all played with heart) and, of course, a team camaraderie often described as the best on campus. My experience with the field hockey program here has changed my perception of field hockey in a way I never will, and will never want to, forget. Over the past four years, Swarthmore field hockey has meant more to me than just the wins and losses, the X's and O's." -- Jessica Whitfield '06

The Swarthmore volleyball team has set their sights on a Centennial Conference playoff spot this fall. Returning five starters, the Garnet are poised to build upon recent success, including the 2004 Garnet Classic championship title.

The 2005 squad will turn to a strong group of veterans to lead the program to the next level. Senior setter Emily Conlon (Marlborough, C.T.), top-20 all-time in conference career assists, senior libero Patrice Berry (Hagerstown, M.D.), and junior outside hitter Erica George (Phoenix, A.Z.) lead a Garnet squad that prides itself on disciplined team defense. In 2004 Swarthmore averaged almost two blocks per game (second best in the conference) and more than 20 digs per game(third best in the C.C.).

"We are fortunate to be returning a fantastic group of women. Their work ethic, team chemistry, and love of the game will fuel success on and off the court," said fourth-year head coach Harleigh Leach.

Conlon, a two-year captain and all-conference honorable mention selection in 2003, led the team in assists (777) and service aces (51) last fall. Berry, the defensive backbone of the squad, holds every school records for digs and will join Conlon and George as tri-captains. George had a breakout year in 2004, leading the Garnet attack with 313 kills (a 3.32 kills-per-game average), and 422 digs (4.4 per game), the only player in the conference to rank in the top ten in both categories. George earned accolades throughout the fall, including All-Conference honorable mention, Garnet Classic most valuable player, and Seven Sisters All-Tournament.

The sophomore duo of middle blockers Karen Berk (Havertown, P.A.) and Vanessa Wells (Chicago, I.L.) provide size at the net and look to grow as defensive and offensive threats in the front row. Throw outside hitter Katie Gold '08 (Cherry Hill, N.J.) into the mix, and the sophomore class can dominate at the net. Junior opposite Stephanie Koskowich (Pleasanton, C.A.), a conference Academic Honor Roll selection, will valuable contributer with her aggressive serving, high energy, and consistent play on the right side of the court.

The other pieces of the pie - seniors middle blocker Krista Spiller (Philadelphia, P.A.) and outside hitters Darcy Nelson (Los Altos, C.A.) and Yaprak Sariisik (Katahya, Turkey) - will make significant contributions, providing leadership and depth to the squad. A talented group of first-years, including Jennifer Wang (Palo Alto, C.A.), Erin Heaney (Buffalo, N.Y.), Kristin Caspar (Briarcliff Manor, N.Y.), and Madeleine Case (San Carlos, C.A.), look to make an immediate impact and propel the Garnet into conference playoff contention.

Swarthmore fought valiantly for 90 minutes of regulation and 20 minutes of overtime, settling for a 0-0 tie at Neumann College on Thursday afternoon.

Junior forward Natalie Negrey '07, freshman Anna de Regt, and senior Becky Strauss all had excellent chances to score for the Garnet, yet were unable to find the back of the net. The Swarthmore effort was a positive one, being the first full-game action the team has seen in almost 10 months.

Swarthmore will look to get the scoring started this coming weekend. The Garnet open their home schedule on Saturday afternoon in the annual Swat Kick Classic. Swarthmore will host Earlham (IN) in the 2:00 p.m. game on Clothier Field, while Alvernia and Widener will square off in the first game, beginning at 12:00 p.m.

Be sure to stick around all weekend for Garnet women's soccer; the consolation and championship games of the Kick Classic will take place at 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., respectively, on Sunday at Clothier Field.

The Swarthmore men's soccer team kicks off the 2005 season at the annual Garnet Alumni Classic on Labor Day Weekend. The Garnet, who began 2004 by winning the Classic and running out to a 4-0 start, the best since 1966, look to repeat last year's success by blending a strong returning group of players, with an outstanding freshman class.

Eight returning starters, including senior defender Alex Elkins and senior forward Andrew Terker, both of whom were All-Centennial Conference selections in 2004, will mix with several strong underclassmen to make up Swarthmore's 2005 squad. Elkins, a three-year starter at sweeper, captained the first Swarthmore team to earn a Centennial Conference playoff spot, and directed a defensive unit that at one point were ranked 17th in the nation in goals against average. Terker led the team in goals (8), including four game-winners, to propel the Garnet offense in 2004.

Swarthmore may have lost three key starters to graduation, but the team looks to be stronger all around due to leadership of the senior class and significant depth at every position on the field. Last year's freshman class, which included four regular starters (Brendan Grady, Patrick Christmas, Michael Bonesteel, and Brandon Washington), are now seasoned veterans looking to move the Garnet forward. Bonesteel and Washington were first and second on the team in points, respectively, in 2004, and will challenge Terker in the race for scoring honors this season.

Also returning are several juniors who have consistently produced for the program the past two seasons. Midfielder Matt Schiller '07 brings speed to the wing, physical forward Colton Bangs '07 has proven he can score in the clutch, and defender Duncan Gromko '06 possesses the experience (21 starts in 2004) to bring success to the Garnet.

Further strengthening Swarthmore is a stellar group of incoming student-athletes, possibly the best yet in head coach Eric Wagner's four years. "The incoming class is deep and very talented," he said, adding that "we expect this group of student-athletes to help us continue our success from 2004 and to keep the program on the rise for several years."

The 2005 schedule will be very demanding, presenting the Garnet with the opportunity to earn regional and national recognition. The Centennial Conference schedule will include five home matches at Clothier Stadium, where Swarthmore led the league in attendance last year. After finishing third in the CC in 2004 and losing in overtime in the conference semifinals, the Garnet will strive to earn another playoff bid in 2005.

The nonconference schedule brings in visitors from Indiana (Earlham College), New York (Vassar), and the University of Scranton and Albright College. Upon the team's return, the regular season includes trips to New Jersey (FDU-Florham), Maryland (St. Mary's and McDaniel), and up and down the local roads to play Widener and Moravian. Swarthmore experienced some international travel in 2005, taking a pre-season trip to London and Manchester, England, in early August. The Garnet played four friendly matches against professional and amateur clubs, while training, sightseeing, and taking in three top-flight professional matches.

It promises to be another exciting season of soccer at Swarthmore, we hope you can come out and join the fun!

Midfielder Heidi Fieselmann '06 started her senior season off with a bang, tallying her first career hat trick in a 5-2 Swarthmore win over Neumann College at Clothier Field on Thursday afternoon.

Charlotte MacAusland '06 got the scoring underway in the second minute of the game, re-directing a blast from Fieselman into the right corner of the cage at the 1:48 mark.

Fieselmann pushed the lead to 2-0 with her first goal of the season at the 4:21 mark. Both teams went back and forth for much of the first half before the flood gates opened and more goals filled the scoreboard.

Fieselmann extended the Swarthmore (1-0) lead to 3-0 with her second goal of the game at 21:31, only to see Neumann answer back with two goals of their own in a span of two minutes.

Junior forward Rachel Mease finished off a pass from midfielder Chantelle Knuttel at 23:31, and sophomore Gabriele Bendistis followed with her own goal off a feed from Mease to cut the Garnet lead to 3-2 with just under ten minutes left in the half.

Swarthmore kept Neumann off the board for the remainder of the half, heading into the intermission with a the 3-2 advantage.

Fieselmann got the Garnet train rolling again at the start of the second half, completing her hat trick with a goal at the 37:18 mark. Midfielder Lindsay Roth '07 added an insurance goal at the 53:20 mark to give Swarthmore the final 5-2 margin of victory.

Karen Lorang '07 played the first half and made four saves, while classmate Melissa LaVan took over in the second half and recorded one save. Chelsea Ward made 11 saves in goal for the Knights (0-1).

The opening day victory is the fourth consecutive for the Garnet, dating back to a 1-0 win over Widener in 2002.

Roth was the last Garnet player to tally a hat-trick, accomplishing the feat on Sept. 4, 2004 in a 7-1 Swarthmore win over Goucher.

For their next contest, Swarthmore travels to Villa Julie on Saturday, Sept. 3 for a 12:00 p.m. contest.

Box Score

The Swarthmore field hockey team spent ten days in England at the beginning of August, and returned to United States with renewed energy and focus for the 2005 season. The Garnet return the three top scorers from 2004, possess a pair of veteran goalies, and with a new mix of first-years, give fourth-year head coach Kelly Wilcox '97 and Swarthmore fans hope of a Centennial Conference playoff berth in 2005.

Midfielder Neema Patel '07, a 2003 All-Centennial selection, and midfielder Lindsay Roth '07 combined for 26 points in 2004 and will look to increase the Garnet scoring opportunities in 2005. Junior Julia Morrison scored four goals in 2004 (tied for the team-high) on only 13 shots and expects to do more damage this season.

The goal tending duties will be split by 2003 All-Centennial selection Karen Lorang '07 and classmate Melissa LaVan, who posted a 1.53 goals against average in 2004.

Swarthmore opens the season on Sept. 1 with a home contest against Neumann. The Garnet then travel to Wellesley for the annual Seven Sisters Tournament on September 17-18, and open the grueling 10-game Centennial Conference portion of the schedule the following weekend at Gettysburg. Be sure to circle October 8 on your calendars; the Garnet will host Washington at 1:00 p.m., and then take on the alumnae at 3:00 p.m.

It promises to be an exciting hockey season on Clothier Field in 2005!

Sarah Hobbs '06, named Swarthmore's first cross-country All-American in 2004, will head a strong senior class in 2005. Supporting Hobbs will be Carrie Ritter '06, an All-Centennial and All-Region performer in 2004; and Debbie Farrelly '06, an All-Centennial selection in 2003.

Fellow seniors Lauren Fety and Emily Wistar join junior Pam Davis and sophomore Kavita Hardy as the Garnet pursue the Centennial Conference Championship. The team welcomes a large and talented freshman class, led by Brianne Gallagher from Missouri, Emma Stanley from Pennsylvania, and Bess Ritter from Connecticut.

The Garnet open the 2005 season by hosting the annual Alumnae Meet at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10. Swarthmore will compete in the Dickinson Long/Short Meet, the Blue Jay Invitational, and the Seven Sisters Championships in preparation for the 2005 Centennial Conference Championship meet held at Johns Hopkins on October 29.

Swarthmore graduated two All-Conference and All-MidEast Region runners from a year ago, but a deep team still remains. The Garnet Tide will have plenty of senior leadership with Keefe Keeley, a track medalist; Adam Hunt; Jim Kreft; and Jones Nauseef.

Newcomer Vernon Chaplin '07, who won a bronze medal at the Centennial meet at 1,500 meters and broke the school indoor 800-meter record, will run cross country for the first time in his collegiate career. Sophomores Mickey Katz and Ross Weller will add depth, while newcomers Scott Brainard, Dan Hodson, Robert Kolodgy, and Erik Saka could crack into the top seven by season's end.

The Garnet open the 2005 season by hosting the annual Alumni Meet at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10. Swarthmore will compete in the Dickinson Long/Short Meet, the Blue Jay Invitational, and the DeSales Invitational in preparation for the 2005 Centennial Conference Championship meet held at Johns Hopkins on October 29.

The leaf that is the 23rd edition of the Swarthmore women's soccer team has turned, bringing new faces to scenic Clothier Field. Eight seniors and head coach Amy Brunner have departed, signaling a changing of the guard for the Garnet.

Enter new head coach Todd Anckaitis, formerly of Lewis and Clark College (OR), by way of Amherst College (MA) and Stevens Institute of Technology (NJ). The former First Lieutenant has spent the last two years re-establishing the Lewis and Clark soccer program, dormant since 1990. Anckaitis produced immediate results, leading a youthful Pioneer squad to an early season No. 8 ranking in the West Region.

Anckaitis inherits a Swarthmore program with speed and tenacity, epitomized by junior striker Natalie Negrey (Harrisburg, PA - Bishop McDevitt). Negrey has accumulated 32 points (14 goals, four assists) in her first two seasons, earning an All-Centennial selection in 2003.

2004 All-Centennial selection Jane Sachs '06 (Fox Point, WI - Nicolett) and defender Kasie Groom '07 (Concord, GA - Dominion Christian) will be studying abroad this fall, but co-captains Laura Twichell '06 (Bolton, MA - Concord Academy) and Valerie Maulbeck '06 (Summit, NJ - Summit) are ready to patrol the midfield for the Garnet. Fellow midfielders Nicole Oberfoell '06 (Los Angeles, CA - CA Academy of Math and Science) and Becky Strauss (McLean, VA - McLean), and sophomore Danielle Tocchet (West Point, NY - James I. O'Neill), will provide offensive support for the Garnet.

Senior Lauren Stadler (Harvard, MA - Bromfield) returns with hopes of competing on the Garnet back line. Goal keeper Kristen Traband '08 (Swarthmore, PA - Ridley Park) is competing for a spot between the pipes, following a freshman campaign where she made 88 saves (fourth-most in the Centennial). On October 28 Traband posted her first career shutout, a 1-0 victory over Bryn Mawr.

With the addition of several talented first-years, the Garnet aim to improve their standing in the Centennial Conference. The Garnet open the 2005 season at Neumann College on September 1st, followed by a pair of tournaments, the annual Swat Kick Classic and the Widener Classic. Swarthmore begins the Centennial Conference portion of the schedule with a pair of home contests against Franklin & Marshall (September 17) and 2004 Conference champion Gettysburg (September 24). The Garnet will conclude the 2005 regular season at long-time rival Haverford College on October 29th.

The Swarthmore field hockey team spent ten days in England at the beginning of August 2005, beginning pre-season training in Oxford before heading off to explore Statford-Upon-Avon, Chirk Castle, Chester, Tower of London, and Covent Gardens.  Click below to read first-hand accounts from Garnet hockey players on the sights and sounds of our neighbor across Atlantic.

Oh, Chester

English Rain

Livestock 2005

Last Day in Oxford

What a Shakespearience

Day One