The St. Thomas Aquinas women's soccer team is proud to announce six newcomers to the Lady Spartan roster.  Along with the addition of five freshmen and one junior transfer, STAC welcomes assistant coach Jessica Eichele.

Eichele is coming to STAC as a local club coach out of Clarkstown, NY.  Eichele, a four year varsity starter out of Washingtonville High School, helped her team win two OCSL league and sectional championships.  The soccer standout went on to earn a B.S. in criminal justice at Iona College.  "We are very excited to have Jessica on board.  She brings a wealth of soccer knowledge and experience to the program," commented second year head coach Nicole Ballou.    

The Spartans will add three forwards to their offensive attack this season beginning with Paola Garcia, a junior transfer from Rockland Community College.  "Paola brings a great deal of experience playing at a high level.  Her speed, field vision and footwork will lead to scoring opportunities," remarked Ballou.  Freshmen Paige Hirsch and Kristie Sama also join the Lady Spartan front line.  "Paige is very passionate about the sport.  She is a hustle player with good speed and a good head for the game.  Kristie has strong ball skills and is a natural scorer.  She plays with a great deal of confidence." 

Krystal Rivera out of Tuxedo, NY will add depth to the Lady Spartan midfield.  "Krystal is a versatile player who adds athleticism to the team," said Ballou.  STAC will also add new talent to the backfield where they lost the majority of their defensive starters to graduation.  Defensive backs; Laura Neary from Washingtonville High School and Samantha Vitulli from Minisink Valley will help balance the Spartan defense.  "Laura brings depth to our defense with her size and speed while Sam gives us another option and will be competing for time at outside back."

The Lady Spartans return fourteen players including NJIT transfer Sarah Rusciano and sophomore Aimee Gomez who did not compete last season.  Rusciano a red shirt transfer, will provide a steady attack for the Lady Spartans in the center midfield while Gomez adds speed and athleticism to the Lady Spartan squad. 

STAC will open thier season on Thursday, September 2nd with a 4:00 game against Concordia College.  The Lady Spartans will play all of their home games at the North Rockland Soccer Association.