Northwestern University Athletics
Amonte Hiller Adds Nielsen to 2006 Roster
1/23/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Lacrosse
Jan. 23, 2006
EVANSTON, Ill. - Kelly Amonte Hiller, head coach of the Northwestern University lacrosse team, has announced the addition of freshman Hannah Nielsen (Adelaide, Australia/Brighton Secondary) to her 2006 roster. The 5-foot, 5-inch midfielder from Australia enrolled at Northwestern at the start of winter quarter and is expected to make an immediate impact for the national champion Wildcats.
"Hannah is a versatile athlete who will bring added depth and speed to our midfield this season and in the years to come," Amonte Hiller said. "She brings with her a unique playing style and experience that will definitely benefit our team. She comes in having played against the world's best in the World Cup this summer and brings a wealth of experience and skills that we will definitely utilize. She has done a great job in practice fitting in with our style of play and we are thrilled to have her here."
Nielsen is a three-year member of South Australian U-17 state team and a member of the South Australian U-21 state team in 2005. She played on the South Australian senior state team in 2002 and 2004-05 and played for the U-19 2003 Australian National Team. She also was a member of the World Champion Australian team in 2005 and the winner of the prestigious Club & Association Best and Fairest Awards in 2004.
Amonte Hiller got a first-hand look at her prized recruit when the two squared off at the World Cup this summer in Annapolis, Md. Nielsen scored one goal in her reserve roll and helped Australia defeat the United States, 14-7, in the gold medal match in July.
"When I played against Hannah in the World Cup this year, I received a first-hand look at how skilled and competitive she is," Amonte Hiller said. "It was great to have the opportunity to play against her."
Nielsen also considered Maryland, Denver and Loyola.
Northwestern's 2006 title defense is right around the corner as the Wildcats open the season Feb. 12 at Maryland.
