Northwestern University Athletics
McCollum Inks Seven to National Letters of Intent
2/15/2006 12:00:00β―AM | Field Hockey
Feb. 15, 2006
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern head field hockey coach Kelly McCollum has announced the signing of seven student-athletes to National Letters of Intent. "We are excited about this talented group of athletes committed to winning at Northwestern," McCollum said. "The competitive energy and enthusiasm they bring will help our team take the next steps toward accomplishing our program goals."
The 'Cats will add even more competition and depth to the pivotal goalkeeping position with Erin Anderson (St. Louis, Mo./Ladue). "Erin's physical presence and aggressiveness will immediately impact our developing team defense," McCollum said. Anderson was named to the NFHCA High School National Academic Squad as well as being an honorable mention all-state selection by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch for her play last season. She tallied 1,340 minutes in goal while recording six shutouts and 252 saves--second in the Suburban conference.
Stephanie Fortson (Lehighton, Pa./Lehighton) comes from the Pennsylvania hotbed of field hockey and her high school program has produced many successful Division I players. Fortson is a 2005 first team All-Mountain Valley Conference midfielder. "Steph's savvy over the ball and game sense make her tremendously versatile; her well-rounded game will enable her to immediately challenge in the midfield or defense," McCollum said.
This year's class brings two players from the west coast, Elizabeth Gilbertson-Dobbs (Piedmont, Calif./St. Ignatius) and Meagan Harvey (Carlsbad, Calif./San Dieguito Academy). Gilbertson-Dobbs led the St. Ignatius Wildcats to the 2005 CCS Field Hockey Championship. She was also selected to the National Futures Championship last July in Virginia Beach, Va.
"Liz is a feisty, aggressive attack player whose speed and goal scoring ability will add a tenacious finisher to the lineup," McCollum said.
Harvey, a fellow Californian, is a 2004 Junior Olympian who led her high school team to an appearance in the state quarterfinals last season. Harvey was selected to the Union-Tribune All-San Diego team. "Meghan is a smart, hard working player who brings a constant spark to the Wildcat defense," McCollum said.
Josie Hill (Melvin Village, N.H./Kingswood Regional H.S.) is a two-time all-state midfielder who was nominated for the 2005 New Hampshire Player of the Year. "Josie has an intensity and a competitiveness that is contagious to those around her," McCollum said. "She is able to raise the tempo and level of her teammates. Josie is a true competitor and she is committed to being a part of a successful program."
Courtney Plaster (Hodgenville, Ky./Kentucky Country Day) is an All-American forward who led her team to the 2004 Kentucky state title. Plaster is considered one of the nation's top prospects after finishing her career second in school history in both goals (57) and assists (36), while netting 22 goals and dishing 13 assists her senior year. Plaster was named to the 2004 U.S. Women's Field Hockey U16 Team and most recently she was a member of the Futures Elite U19 squad that traveled to Valkenswaard in March 2005 to compete in the Jeugd International Paas Hockey Tournament in The Hague. "We are thrilled to have a player with Courtney's individual talent join our forward line," McCollum said. "Her U.S. experience and competitive edge enable her to share in our vision for this program to be as a national contender."
Stacy Uchida (Southbury, CT./Pomperaug) is a 2005 first team all state selection and an NFHCA High School National Academic Squad member. "Stacy comes from a powerhouse program in Connecticut," McCollum said. "Pomperaug has an amazing tradition and she brings with her a habit of winning. Her natural athleticism and quickness will make her a dangerous addition to the field."
