Lafayette women’s soccer head coach Mick Statham signed six student-athletes to the Class of 2019, it was announced on National Signing Day Wednesday. The incoming student-athletes will enroll for the fall semester and replace seven graduated seniors.

Katie Brannigan (Blackpool, Lancashire, England / Cardinal Newman College)

Prior to Lafayette: Blackburn Rovers Centre of Excellence - 3 Years, National Cup finalists - 2 Years...Everton Ladies WSL - 2 Years, National Cup semifinalists...Lancashire Schools Northern champions and National runner-up - 2 years running...Republic of Ireland U17's Training camps...Indoor Hockey - North West Champions…Maths challenge award...Fylde Coast Design and Technology Award. 

Why Lafayette?
I have chosen Lafayette as I believe that the four years I will spend there will be a life changing experience. Lafayette is renowned both academically and athletically, allowing me to push myself both mentally and physically. As I will be moving to another country, I wanted a college that was small enough to help me integrate into American life & make great friends, but also had the academic qualities to help me develop and achieve my ambitions and goals as well as opening doors for my future career. Oh and I can neither confirm, nor deny the rumor that the fact that the Lafayette Head Coach is a Manchester United fan, like myself, had anything to do with my decision!

Lauren Johnson (Brielle, N.J. / Manasquan)

At Manasquan: Four-year Varsity starter and two-year captain…Voted top freshman in Monmouth County…Led team to Shore Conference tournament and state semi-finals…Selected to Coaches All-District team 2012-2013…Coaches award for MVP, Commitment and Leadership as a senior…Member of the nationally ranked Match Fit Colchesters (ECNL)…3 time State Cup Champions…USYS National Championships semi-finalist…2013/2014 ECNL playoffs in Seattle, WA…2011/2012 Member of NJ ODPh2011/2012 NJ ODP Region I Championsh2011/2012 ODP National Championships in Frisco, TX…National Honors Society Member…Honor Roll every semester…Freshmen Transition Leader…Doves Catholic Youth Mission Trip volunteer…Junior Ambassador at Hovnanian Children’s Hospital…ESL Homework Club tutor…Key Club member…2013-2014 Summer Soccer Camp Director at Brielle Elementary School. 

Why Lafayette?
From the moment I stepped on campus I knew Lafayette was the right fit for me. I chose Lafayette because of its combination of strong academics and competitive Division 1 athletics. I love the beautiful campus, the welcoming student body and the sense of school spirit. I am so excited to be spending the next four years here!

Gabrielle Martone (Ramsey, N.J. / Ramsey)

At Ramsey: Athletic- All North Jersey Team...All Bergen County Team...MVP 2013 & 2014...State Champions 2011...Team Captain for Ramsey High School 2014...Four year Varsity Starter...Member of Match Fit Colchesters for six years… Freshman & Sophomore Class Vice President...World Language Honor Society 2013...Scholastic "R" Award 2012 & 2014... Honor Roll 2012, 2013, 2014.

Why Lafayette? 
Lafayette was the perfect fit because it enabled me to combine my passion for soccer with my desire for a high quality education. Hearing that Lafayette values student athletes as opposed to athletic students was a value that I share, and I knew Lafayette was "my school". I felt a real sense of community which made me fall more in love with the college.

Meagan McGurl (Fair Haven, N.J. / Rumson Fair Haven Regional)

At Rumson Fair Haven Regional: Four Year Varsity Soccer letter winner... three-year starter...2013 New Jersey Group II State Champion...2014 1st team All-Division...2014 3rd Team All Shore Conference...NJ OPD 2011......Three year letter winner Winter Track... Central Jersey Group II Champion all three years...New Jersey Meet of Champions participant....Played club for NJ Wildcats...2014 NJ State Cup Finalist...Member of National Honor Society...Vice president of Spanish Honor Society...High honor roll four years 

Why Lafayette? 
I chose Lafayette for its perfect balance of competitive athletics and high-level academics, as well as its close knit community and beautiful campus. I can't wait to represent Lafayette on and off the field.

Annika Sheehan (Wilton, Conn. / Wilton)

At Wilton: Three year starter at Wilton High School…Connecticut Girls Soccer Association All-State Team Selection in 2014…MSG Varsity 1st Team All-State Selection in 2013 and 2014…All-FCIAC First-Team in 2013 and 2014…Wilton High School Varsity Soccer MVP Award in 2014…FCIAC Finalist and State Semi-Finalist in 2013…Played for CFC United and named to the elite Academy Team…FCIAC Champion in the 800M…Currently holds school record in 800M and 4x800M relay…Honor Roll Student for each semester…Club co-founder and President of the WISE Club 

Why Lafayette? 
Lafayette was my first choice for as long as I can think of and has always seemed to be the perfect fit for me. I was mainly attracted to its exceptional academics, solid work ethic, passionate school spirit, strong sense of community, and close relationships among professors and students. I also cannot forget about its beautiful campus!

Alex Stanford (Winchester, Va. / James Wood)

At James Wood: Four-year starter and three-year captain...Frederick County Player of the Year 2014...James Wood Offensive Player of the Year 2013 & 2014...All-District 1st team 2012, 2013,2014 & 2nd team 2011...Holds the James Wood single season assist record...four-year varsity competition cheer team and two-year captain...one-year varsity basketball...member of Loudoun 96 Red Club Team six years...Northern District ODP 2010 & 2012...VA State ODP 2012...all A Honor Roll four years...Gifted Independent Study Program two years...National Honors Society...Frederick County Student-Athlete of the Month (May 2014)...Class Officer/Historian three years 

Why Lafayette? 
When searching for the right fit, I was looking for a few key components. I plan to pursue medicine, so it was important for me to find an institution with rigorous academics, but one that would also allow me to continue my soccer career at the next level. Having a close working relationship with my professors and peers will be essential to balance both school and soccer; Lafayette’s size will provide this. I can’t wait to be a part of the Leopard family!

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