Field Hockey Welcomes Three for 2015

Nov. 18, 2014

PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Rutgers field hockey added three players to the roster for next season, signing three to National Letters of Intent. Kelly Hanna (Seaville, N.J.), Nikki Profita (Washington, N.J.), and Caitlin Nitschmann (Bordentown, N.J.) will join the Rutgers squad for the 2015 season.

"I'm really excited about this class," head coach Meredith Long said. "We are bringing in three players with a lot of experience with really strong high school programs. I expect this group to make an immediate impact."

Two of Rutgers' signees just faced each other this past Saturday in the New Jersey Group 3 State Championship Game. Profita assisted on the game-winning goal in overtime to lead Warren Hills Regional to the title over Hanna and Ocean City High School.

Kelly Hanna, Midfield/Forward

Seaville, N.J./Ocean City

Prior to Rutgers: Scored 61 goals and added 59 assists during high school career … high school program record holder for season and career assists … team captain in 2014 … started on 2012 and 2013 state championship winning teams … scored game-winning goal in 2013 state championship semifinals and title game, both 1-0 wins … Atlantic City Press Field Hockey Player of the Year in 2013 earned distinguished honors for academics all 16 marking periods in high school career … … went to same high school as current midfielder Ali Stever and head Coach Meredith Long … sister, Casey, plays field hockey at Monmouth University … parents are Jen and Tim … born Jan. 25, 1997.

Head Coach Meredith Long on Hanna: "Kelly is a very dynamic and versatile player with lots of speed. She can create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates. I'm excited for her to join our team attack."

Caitlin Nitschmann, Forward

Bordentown, N.J./Bordentown

Prior to Rutgers: Four-year starter in high school …. holds school records for career points (163), career goals (62), goals in a season (32) and points in a season (79) … all-league selection by BCSL for all four years … second team all-South Jersey in senior season … team captain for senior year … scored 33 goals and added 16 assists in her senior season … ran varsity track and played varsity basketball for three years each … school record holder in 4X400 relay … parents are Werner and Cindy … has one brother, Chris … born Dec. 29, 1996

Head Coach Meredith Long on Nitschmann: "Caitlin is a very dynamic and fast player that will contribute on our forward line next year. She was one of the top goal scorers in the state this year and can make an immediate impact for us."

Nikki Profita, Midfielder

Washington, N.J./Warren Hills Regional

Prior to Rutgers: Scored 62 goals and added 49 assists for 174 career points … team captain as a senior … 2013 NJ.com West Jersey Field Hockey Player of the Year … participated in three straight Group Three State Championship games (2012-2014), winning state title in 2014… First Team all-conference, all-area, and all-county in 2012 and 2013 … third team all-state in 2013 … first team all-Group Three in 2013 … MVP of Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex County Tournament in 2013 … in club hockey for Jersey Intensity - won gold medal at 2013 National Hockey Festival, won bronze medals at National Club Championships 2012 and 2013, won bronze at Disney Showcase 2013, won gold at JPOL in 2013, and won silver medal at JPOL in 2014 … won Futures Elite Championship in 2014 and U16 National Futures Championship in 2013 … also played softball and track and field … Student Council President … member of National Honor Society … parents are Russ and Michelle … has one sister, Dani … born Sept. 16, 1997

Head Coach Meredith Long on Profita: "Nikki is a smart player that sees the field very well and is an excellent playmaker. She is a leader in the midfield for her high school and club program."

Schedule

Players Mentioned

Ali Stever

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