BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Lehigh head coach Eric Lambinus has announced the addition of seven student-athletes, who will join the women's soccer program in the fall. The Mountain Hawks' Class of 2019 represents five states across the East Coast, including Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
 
"We are very pleased to welcome the newest members of our women's soccer program to Lehigh," said Lambinus. "The coaching staff has spent the last two years trying to find the right individuals who fit Lehigh and the culture of LUWS. I think we have been very successful at finding seven student-athletes who collectively have a great work ethic, willingness to improve, a proven track record of winning and soccer skill-sets that will fit our style of play. We look forward to working with the group over the next four years to use soccer as a vehicle to help them become the best soccer players, students and people they can become."
 
Let's take a look at the seven incomers…
 
Kylie Ginsberg – Goalkeeper – Old Greenwich, Conn. – Engineering
Ginsberg is the lone incoming Mountain Hawk from New England. A multi-sport athlete for Greenwich High School, Ginsberg earned varsity letters in soccer, lacrosse and track, as a high jumper. Between the pipes for the Cardinals, she anchored a back line that made it to the state tournament three years and won the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference her sophomore year. For her efforts, she was honored with the team's Player's MVP her sophomore year, second team All-FCIAC laurels her junior year, and the Coaches' MVP, FCIAC Honorable Mention and November FCIAC Scholar-Athlete honors in her senior season. She was also a Greenwich Captain her senior year. In the spring, Ginsberg tends the net for the Cardinals' lacrosse team, which made the FCIAC tournament and was the state runner up in her junior season. Ginsberg plays club ball for the North Rockland County FC Sting. Off the field, she is a member of the National Honors Society and Spanish National Honors Society, the President of the Autism Awareness Club, an AVID Tutor, an active participant in the Unified Sports Program and the Co-President of the Come Together Club. She also serves as a Youth Board Member for Alibis, a local non-profit that helps people with developmental disabilities from childhood to adulthood. Ginsberg was honored as the Sheldon House recipient of the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award.
 
Why Lehigh?
"I chose Lehigh because it is a great combination of highly competitive DI soccer and it is a very prestigious institution, known in particular for its Engineering program."
 
Coach Lambinus on Ginsberg: Kylie is a great addition to our goalkeeping position because of her work rate, ability to make saves and her capability to play with the ball at her feet, which has become such an important part of the position. After seeing Kylie at a clinic and continuing to build a relationship with her through the process, we believe she has great potential for success because of her love for Lehigh as well as her positive approach to everything she does. In addition, Kylie has experience competing with other goalkeepers, and she will be able to use that experience to compete with our current goalkeeper while also maintaining a great relationship.
 
Amanda Marques – Defender/Midfielder – Warren, N.J. – Business
Marques is the first of three New Jersey residents joining Lehigh's class of 2019. She attends Watchung Hills Regional High School where she was a four-year starter in the midfield for the Lady Warriors, guiding them to the state semifinals in both her junior and senior years. She finished her career with 12 goals and 18 assists, while helping the team to a final ranking of 18th in New Jersey in 2014. As a result, Marques was named to the All-Skyland Conference first team, the All-County third team, the All-Area first team and the NJGSCA North 2 Top 20. She was also awarded MSGVarsity Honorable Mention accolades for her efforts. Outside of high school, Marques plays for Matchfit Academy FC ECNL, coached by Jordan Raper. Currently, Matchfit is ranked fifth in New Jersey, 22nd in the region and in the top 50 nationally. Off the field, she is a part of the Bettering Every Life in Each Visit (B.E.L.I.E.V) Club, a Student Peer Leader. Marques is also a Janet Zilinski Memorial Fund Volunteer. She is a counselor at the Parish Summer Camp as well as a Rec Basketball Coach, while making honor roll or high honor roll every semester.
 
Why Lehigh?
"I chose Lehigh because I was looking for a University that could supply me with a rigorous academic curriculum while participating in Division I soccer. Lehigh was able to offer me this and once I visited the campus, I knew Lehigh was the right school for me."
 
Coach Lambinus on Marques: The more we got to know Amanda during the recruiting process, the more we became convinced she would be an excellent addition to our program. Over the past year, she solidified herself as a significant contributor on one of the best club teams in the nation (MatchFit Colchesters). We feel she will do the same with our team. She also led her Watchung Hills HS team to a tremendous season this past year. Amanda has the ability to excel at numerous positions, has a tireless work rate and is highly skillful with the ball at her feet.  Best part of all is that we think her best soccer is still ahead of her.
 
Ashley Maziarz – Defender – Chesterfield, N.J. – Engineering
Maziarz is the second incoming Mountain Hawk from the neighboring state of New Jersey. She was a four-year starter for The Hun School of Princeton, where she was a two-year captain alongside fellow incoming freshman Jessica Sacco. The Raiders were 2013-2014 state finalists, NJSIAA Prep A State Champions in 2014 and named the Trenton Times 2014 Team of the Year, while also posting the most shutouts in team history. Maziarz scored the game-winning goal in the state semifinal and final. For her efforts, she was named the 2014 Player of the Year for both the Princeton Packet and the Trentonian, as well as Hun's MVP for the team. She was also named to the Trenton Times All-Area Girls Soccer Team, Mercer 33 Girls County team, All Prep first team, Mid-Atlantic Premier League first team and earned the MAPL Scholar-Athlete in her final season. Maziarz plays for Coach Dan Mannella with the FC Bucks Fury ECNL team, which won the 2012 Pennsylvania East State Championships and the Region 1 Championships. In 2014, she helped her team win the ECNL American Cup National Championship. Off the field, she has made honors or high honors every semester, and she's actively volunteered with the "It's a Ruff Life Rescue" organization over the past three years.
 
Why Lehigh?
I was told that I would "know" once I stepped onto a campus if a school was the right fit for me, but I didn't believe it. Then I stepped onto Lehigh's campus and I knew. The university allows me to get the right balance of academics and Division I athletics while enjoying all the beautiful architecture and views the campuses have to offer. Coach Lambinus, Coach Hough and my future Teammates reaffirmed my decision in the way they welcomed me as a future Mountain Hawk. I can't wait for the next four years.

Coach Lambinus on Maziarz: Ashley is a recruit we immediately made a connection with both on and off the field. On the field, she is a tough defender who has become a purposeful and impactful player in the attack. This is evidenced by her game winning goal for The Hun School in the NJ Prep A finals. Off the field, she has an infectious personality that inspires and motivates her teammates. Ashley has the potential to be one of the top attacking defenders in the Patriot League in her time at Lehigh. 
 
Sabrina Mertz – Midfielder - Orefield, Pa. – Engineering
Mertz is the only Pennsylvanian joining the Lehigh Women's Soccer Class of 2019. She was a four-year letterwinner in soccer and basketball as well as a three-year letterwinner in track at Northwestern Lehigh High School. Mertz was captain of the soccer team her senior year. She was a three-time member of the Morning Call All-League first team, two-time Morning Call All-Area first team, and was on the All-State first team in 2013.  In her junior and senior seasons, Mertz helped the Tigers to Colonial League and District 11 championships, as well as the 2014 state semifinals. In track, her junior year 4x800 team won the Colonial League, the District 11 Championships and placed 12th at the PIAA championships. On the basketball court, Mertz was a captain her junior and senior seasons in which she helped win the 2014 Colonial League Championship. Mertz was captain of her Lehigh Valley United team, where she's played for seven years. LVU was a finalist in the 2014 Eastern Pennsylvania State Cup. Mertz also played for the LVU Lady Sonic WPSL team in both 2013 and 2014. Off the field, Mertz is a member of the National Honor Society, Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), Key Club and the Science National Honor Society.
 
Why Lehigh?
"I immediately fell in love with Lehigh's campus and knew that it was the right fit for me. Lehigh offered everything that I was looking for: challenging academics, a strong Division I soccer program and the opportunity to be close enough to home to visit my large, close-knit family. During my visit, I felt right at home while meeting the coaching staff and players. I am so excited to spend the next four years at Lehigh as a Mountain Hawk."
 
Coach Lambinus on Mertz:
Sabrina is the first Lehigh Valley product I will have the opportunity to coach at Lehigh. We've had some tremendous local players wear the Brown and White and we think Sabrina has the potential to be right up there with some of the best. She is a highly-skillful attacking midfielder who has shown the ability to score big goals. Sabrina has toughness that comes through in her play on the soccer field and basketball court. We also see great leadership qualities in the way she conducts herself and is regarded by her teammates. It is not a coincidence that she has won league and district championships in three different sports. We have been aware of Sabrina's ability for quite some time and glad we get the opportunity to keep her in the Lehigh Valley. 
 
Ava Roth – Midfielder/ Forward – Falls Church, Va. – Arts and Sciences
Roth is one of two members of the class from south of the Mason-Dixon line, where she was a four-year starter for the George Mason High School varsity soccer team and a two-year captain. She helped the Mustangs to three consecutive state championships, and will be working towards a fourth in spring of 2015. Roth was also a three-time All-District, All-State and All-Region player. She was a two-year varsity basketball player for the Mustangs and part of the 2012 State Championship team. Outside of high school, she plays for the VSA Heat, the 2014 USYSA U17 National Finalists. Roth helped VSA to a Region I Championship in 2014 and showcase championships at WAGS, Disney and the PDA tournament. Academically, she is an IB Diploma Candidate and member of the National Honor Society. She also received the Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award and Rowdenbusgh Scholar Spanish Writing award. Roth has volunteered at the Sibley Memorial Hospital Rehabilitation Unit. She is a Spanish tutor, Mustang Ambassador, member of the "Be the Change" Club and Vice President of Student Council. Roth also created the Local Healthcare Initiative Club for fundraising towards the local health care clinic.
 
Why Lehigh?
"I knew from my first visit that Lehigh would be the perfect fit for me. Not only will I be entering a competitive athletic environment, but I will also be receiving a prestigious education. I admire the close relationships within the team and with the coaches, and I cannot wait to be a part of that for the next four years."
 
Coach Lambinus on Roth:
Ava's career scoring record on her highly-successful George Mason High School team is a product of her high work rate, creative attacking play and natural instincts. All soccer programs look for attacking players who have the ability to put the ball in the back of the net and we think Ava's ability will translate well in our program. We have seen her play as both a midfielder and forward and believe her versatility is an indicator of her soccer acumen. She also has a good physical bite that allows her to play bigger than her size.  Ava is a great addition to our attacking group and we look forward to helping her succeed at Lehigh. 
 
Jessica Sacco – Defender/Midfielder – Hamilton, N.J. – Engineering
Sacco is the second player to join the class of 2019 from the Hun School of Princeton and the third from the Garden State. She is a four-year starter and two-year captain for the Raiders, along with fellow newcomer Ashley Maziarz. In 2014, she was on the Trentonian All-Prep First Team, Mercer 33 County team and the Mid Atlantic Prep League All-Academic team. She played in the Mercer County All-Star Game and was named the MVP. The Hun School also recognized her as the team MVP. Sacco was also a three-time All-State honoree and she was named to the 2012 and 2014 Star Ledger All-Prep teams. She finished her senior year with a NJISAA Prep A State Championship. Sacco plays club soccer for Coach Dan Mannella with FC Bucks Fury ECNL, where she helped the team to a 2014 ECNL American Cup National Championship. They were also 2012 Pennsylvania East State Champions and Region 1 Champions. Off the field, Sacco has been on the high honor roll every year. She received the Presidential Award for Academic excellence and was also a 2012 National Society of High School Scholar. In 2013, she received the honor of being a Cum Laude inductee.  
 
Why Lehigh?
"I chose Lehigh because I wanted a school where I could pursue both my academic and athletic ambitions. The engineering program is one of the best, and after spending time with the team, I knew these were girls I wanted to play soccer with for these next four years." 
 
Coach Lambinus on Sacco:
Jess is a player who stood out to us early in the recruiting process on her FC Bucks team for her energy and understanding of the game in the midfield. There is a certain calmness to her play and the game slows down (in a good way) when she has the ball. That ability brings out the best in the players around her on the field. Jess also excels at winning balls in the air. At the college level she has the ability to play as a "box to box" midfielder who can impact both sides of the ball. Jess' accomplishments in the classroom speak for themselves and she will continue our tradition of highly successful female student-athletes engineers of LUWS.  
 
Clare Severe - Midfielder/Defender – Bethesda, Md. – Engineering
Severe comes to Lehigh from the DC-metro area as a four-year starter for the Walt Whitman High School varsity soccer team. She was a two-year captain for the Vikings and helped them win the Maryland 4A State Championship both years. The Washington Post named Severe the 2014 fall season All-Met Player of the Year. She was also the 2014 All-Gazette Player of the Year and a NSCAA All-American honoree. From 2010-2014, she was a member of the (Montgomery Rush) MRM Coyotes, the 2012 USYS National Champions. The Coyotes won the Maryland State Cups five consecutive years, won the 2013 USYS National League and made three national championship appearances. For the 2014-15 season, she moved to the Bethesda U18 ECNL team. Severe also played Maryland ODP from 2009-2012 and was a member of the 2013 Region I Inter-Regional team that competed in Boca. Severe is also an accomplished track athlete at Whitman. She is a three time Maryland State Champion in the 800m (once indoor, twice outdoor). In 2013, she was the Maryland 4a State Champion for the 1600m in both indoor and outdoor track. She was also a member of the 4x800m State Champion relay team during the 2014 indoor season. She was named to the All-Gazette first team every track season starting spring of her freshman year.
 
Why Lehigh?
"Lehigh has everything that I want in a school. I feel at home on its friendly, beautiful campus and I will have the opportunity to receive an excellent education and excel on the field."
 
Coach Lambinus on Severe:
We first met Clare at one of our clinics and immediately knew she would be a great fit for Lehigh. She plays with a fearlessness that combined with her work ethic and overall ability, makes her a truly exceptional soccer player. She became the perfect package when we found out her soccer ability was matched by her accomplishments in the classroom and on the track.  We love Clare's passion for the game of soccer and we are convinced she will positively impact all the student-athletes in our program. It is no coincidence that Clare has been a central figure on so many successful teams in her career so far.
 
Lehigh Women's Soccer Class of 2019
 

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