Rutgers Women's Lacrosse Unveils 2011 Recruiting Class
Dec 28 | Women's Lacrosse
PISCATAWAY, N.J. (December 28, 2010) – Rutgers head women’s lacrosse coach Laura Brand-Sias, announced the commitment of a six-member recruiting class which will join the Scarlet Knights beginning in the fall of 2011. The group consists of three New Jersey and three New York natives.
"This class continues our tradition of quality student-athletes who possess a passion and respect for our program,” said Brand-Sias. “I am very happy they have all chosen to continue their careers as members of the Rutgers family. The qualities they bring to the program will add to our success"
Melissa Arthur (Marlton, N.J.), Colleen Eckert (Commack, N.Y.), Lauren Janelli (Glenhead, N.Y.), Kristin Kocher (Medford, N.J.), Jenny Vlahos (Manhasset, N.Y.) and Andrea Adams will further their academic and athletic careers as members of the 2011 women’s lacrosse team.
Arthur was a member of the New Jersey State Championship team at Cherokee High School as a freshman. Her squad captured the South Jersey Group IV State championship as a junior. A two-time First Team National School Girls NJ South selection, she was also a two-time First Team Burlington County pick. Arthur earned honorable mention NJ South All-American accolades as a junior. She also starred at field hockey being named Second Team all-conference, while leading her team in goals and assists.
“Melissa is a crafty and smart attacker with a nose for the goal. She is constantly working to improve her game and I am excited for her time On The Banks.”
Ekert earned Rookie of the Year honors in lacrosse in 2009 and was an all-league and all-Conference soccer player from Commack High School where she was the Soccer Under the Stars Player of the Game in 2010. Ekert has earned Scholar Athlete honors from 2007-2010.
“Colleen is an outstanding athlete. She will bring a tremendous amount of speed to our game and I am really excited about her potential.”
Kocher was a First Team all-conference and All-South Jersey selection at Shawnee High School where she was also an honorable mention All-American. As a junior she scored 51 goals, posted five assists, 42 ground balls, 28 draw controls and 26 caused turnovers. She was also a member of the basketball team, receiving the Unsung Hero award from the Girls Basketball Club of South Jersey.
“Kristin is a tremendous athlete who improves significantly every time I see her. I know she is going to make great strides in the next year and will be a big asset for Rutgers lacrosse.”
Janelli was a two-time all-county selection as a sophomore and junior at North Shore High School in New York. She was part of a team that finished as county finalists during both her freshman and sophomore seasons, and placed as semifinalists during her junior year. Won a gold medal with the 2010 Empire State Team.
“Lauren is a very versatile player and a true student of the game. She will help us in a number of ways and I look forward to the strengths she will add to our program
Vlahos is a product of Manhasset High School in Manhasset, New York where she was a two-time all-county honorable mention. She was named team captain for her senior season. A standout field hockey player, Vlahos was a two-time captain and two-time all-conference selection. She also earned all-county honors as a junior. Vlahos also excelled in basketball and track and field, competing at the prestigious Millrose Games at Madison Square Garden.
“Jenny is an aggressive, strong, and fast midfielder who possesses an exceptional competitive nature. I am really excited about her ability and what she will bring to this program.”
Adams was a four-year starter and three-year letterwinner at midfield and defense for her Shore Regional High School team. She also served as team captain and played club ball with T3 Shore 2011, starting every game as a defender. Adams was a member of the cross country and winter track teams, earning two-time MVP honors for cross country while capturing a top ten all-time course record.
“Andrea has great athleticism and speed. She is a very hard worker. Her lacrosse game improves every time I see her and I am excited about her growth as a Scarlet Knight
