Posted: Jul 23, 2020
The St. Thomas Aquinas College Women's Soccer team is thrilled to welcome six talented recruits to their 2020-2021 squad, as veteran players Maya LaFleur, Victoria DiMarco and Fiona Donohue have all departed the Spartans via graduation following their collegiate careers in maroon and gold.
"We're delighted to add six individuals that bring a wealth of talent and ability to key areas of our squad this season, and we're confident in their success both on and off the field", said Associate Head Coach Chris Nichol. "Our Women's Soccer program has made great strides over the past few years and we believe the future is bright with the squad we have in place for this season."
"The planning for the 2020-2021 season has been well underway for months now with a solid coaching staff supporting the players and they are focused on the success of our Lady Spartans", said Coach Nichol. "Through planning and organizing, all of the Coaches have ensured that the preparation for this season has been key and added quality and depth in all areas. We're excited to get the season underway and see how this squad comes together."
Here is a look at the future STAC Class of 2024 alphabetically.
Rachel Brownell
Rachel Brownell: Midfield, Tappan Zee High School
A graduate of Tappan Zee High School who made it to the Section 1 Class A quarterfinals in 2019, Rachel was a key player for the "Dutchmen Girls Soccer". Finishing the 2019 Season with a record of 11-6-1, Tappan Zee High School were a strong team in the Conference.
Being an Orangeburg, New York native, it's great to keep home grown talent close to home. Rachel is a creative attacking midfielder with a keen eye for creating assists and building up the attack. We're delighted to welcome Rachel to St. Thomas Aquinas College and both Coach Brown & Coach Nichol agree, Rachel will be an impact player for us for years to come.
Jessica Casanova
Jessica Casanova: Midfield, Nyack High School
Joining St. Thomas Aquinas College from Nyack High School in New York, Jessica was a strong player in the midfield and instrumental in helping Nyack High School throughout the season.
Jessica is a great addition to our squad at St. Thomas Aquinas College. We believe she'll be an impact player over her time here, taking full advantage of her time as a Spartan. Coach Brown and Coach Nichol are excited to see the creativity Jessica will bring to our midfield and her contributions toward making 2020-21 a successful season.
Macie Fambrough
Macie Fambrough: Defense, Erie High School
Macie attended Erie High School in Colorado and was a strong central defender for the school. Going 12-5 in the 2019 season, the team showed solidness throughout scoring over 50 goals and conceding 27 during the season. Lead by Coach Jeff Vigil, Erie High School continued to show great promise toward earning their divisional accolades.
Arriving from Erie, Colorado, we're delighted to add Macie to our squad and feel her commitment and desire toward the game will benefit both her as a player and the squad in general. A strong, ball winning defender, Macie finds her comfort in central defence and adds some solid depth to our back line. We're excited to see Macie grow into the position over her tenure at St. Thomas Aquinas College.
Kiley Metcalf
Kiley Metcalf: Defense, Monre-Woodbury High School
Attending Monroe-Woodbury High School, Kiley played an instrumental part of the teams 2019 season, becoming the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Champions for the second year in a row. Monroe-Woodbury were also crowned Section 9 Champions for the 7th season in a row. With a record of 19-1-1, 2019 proved to be a great success for Monroe-Woodbury High School Varsity Girls Soccer.
A strong defender with strength, understanding and a competitive mentality, Kiley is a great addition to St. Thomas Aquinas College. "We believe Kiley will add the depth and ability we needed defensively to help us succeed over the next few years."
Ileana Santiago
Ileana Santiago: Forward, Yonkers High School
Finishing the season with an impressive 11-6 record and 9-0 record in the league, Yonkers High School had a great 2019 season. Scoring 66 goals during the season, Yonkers High School managed to win the City Championship in September 2019.
Santiago joins St. Thomas Aquinas as a two-sport athlete with both the Women's Soccer Program and the Softball Program. A clinical forward, Ileana has an eye for the goal and will prove to be a threat in and around the box.
Abigail Whistler
Abigail Whistler: Midfield, Brockenhurst College
Abigail attended the AFC Bournemouth Female Elite Player Football Sport Program at Brockenhurst College and brings her talent and ability to us in 2020. The program at Brockenhurst College combines theory and practical sessions in anatomy, physiology and biomechanics, as well as membership of AFC Bournemouth's Elite Female Player Program. Through this education Abigail conducted her soccer training and was provided the opportunity to play for AFC Bournemouth in weekly fixtures.
Coach Brown & Coach Nichol are excited to add Abigail's talents to our progressive Women's Soccer program at St. Thomas Aquinas College. An exciting attacking midfielder who will be a key player for years to come, we're confident in Abigail's success both on and off the field. A native of Southampton, England, St. Thomas Aquinas College continues to add to it's international student athletes with a strong, confident, well rounded individual in Abigail.