Field Hockey Adds Four for 2011-12

Feb. 11, 2011

STOCKTON, Calif. - Head coach Linda MacDonald announced her four-member incoming class for the Pacific Field hockey team Friday as Kayley Brown, Erica Gordon, Molly Macierz and Michaela Schuette join the program for the 2011-12 school year.

"I am very excited to welcome our 2015 class to Pacific," MacDonald said. "These are four talented young ladies coming from outstanding hockey programs. Their athleticism, intensity, and passion for the sport will help to strengthen our program. I am confident that these players will bring an increased level of competitiveness to our program. Their enthusiasm and positive attitudes will help to bring out the best in all our players."

From one of the most successful programs in the state, midfielder Kayley Brown joins the Tigers from Scripps Ranch in San Diego. She completed her senior season by scoring the winning stroke in the CIF Championship against Torrey Pines.

In addition, Brown has competed in the National Futures Championship for three out the last four years. She was recently selected to train and compete with the USA Asics League. The Asics League consists of National Team players and coaches as well as Futures Elite players.

"Kayley is a strong midfielder with great passing skills. She takes advantage of her long reach in stopping her opponents. She is an excellent corner hitter with a strong and accurate shot," MacDonald commented.

Midfielder Erica Gordon joins Pacific from Pinetree Secondary in British Columbia. She has been named Female Athlete of the Year all four years and plays both field hockey and soccer. Outside of school she plays for the highly competitive Polar Bears, an elite travel team that competes globally. She has also been on the honor roll all four years of high school.

"Erica is a tough competitor," MacDonald said. "She is strong and aggressive. I believe she will prove to be an integral part of our midfield. She is the type of athlete who hates to lose more than she wants to win. Her international experience will bring a new level of competitiveness to our program."

Goalkeeper Molly Macierz completed her high school career at Los Gatos, California, the number eight ranked team in the country. Los Gatos was also ranked as the top California program on the Hockey Power website.

"Molly is a fierce competitor. The first time I saw Molly play she stopped one of the top high school players in California on a break away three times. Her team won the game in penalty strokes and she was a big part of the win, stopping some great penalty strokers. What she lacks in size, she makes up for in determination and heart. She has a `bring it on' attitude that will challenge her teammates at Pacific."

Rounding out the group is forward Michaela Schuette from Colorado Academy in Denver, Colorado. One of the top programs in Colorado, Schuette helped the Mustangs to the state semifinals this past season.

"I saw Michaela play for the first time at this year's National Hockey Festival and knew right away she could make an impact on our team," MacDonald continued. "She is quick, fast, and aggressive. She has quick hands and moves the ball with skill and efficiency. Michaela is a very competitive athlete, excelling in soccer as well. Her athleticism and speed will be an asset to our forward line."

The quartet will join 20 returnees for the Pacific field hockey program, which lost four players to graduation from last season's squad.