The University of Pennsylvania field hockey head coach, Colleen Fink, has announced the addition of eight young women to the program. Gracyn Banks, Lily Clarkson, Madison Fagan, Madison Jiranek, Sarah Lavers, Julia Russo, Ashley Wetzel and Madison Woods will join the squad in August as freshmen for the 2018 season, with three hailing from New Jersey, three moving North from Virginia, one coming from northern Pennsylvania, and another bringing her talents from England.
"I think this Class represents a great example of our goal in recruiting" said Fink, who enters her ninth season with the Quakers in 2018. "There is both depth of ability and breadth of positional skill. In addition to the field hockey capabilities of these young women, they are an amazing group of kind-hearted, hard-working and supportive teammates, attributes we always prioritize when evaluating for future Quakers. I am so incredibly excited to see how they fit into the Penn Field Hockey scheme and welcome them into our family!"
Playing one of the most difficult schedules in the country last year, Penn went 9-8 overall and tied for third place in the Ivy League with a 4-3 mark. The Quakers will return 14 letter winners for the 2018 season led by All-Ivy selections Alexa Schneck and Paige Meily.
GRACYN BANKS
Burlington, N.J. | Burlington Township
High School: Lettered four years in both field hockey and softball, and served as captain for both sports … In field hockey, honored as team MVP three consecutive years (2015, 16, 17) and Outstanding Offensive Player twice (2015, 17) … As a senior, set school records for goals, assists and points, earning first-team all-conference, all-county and All-Group 3 … Also named to the BCSL Senior All-Star team … As a junior, first-team all-conference and all-county and second-team All-South Jersey … Honored as the BCSL Player of the Year and September/October Player of the Month by NJ.com … As a sophomore, first-team all-conference and second-team all-county and named NJ.com Sophomore of the Year … In softball, two-time first-team all-conference and one-time second-team all-conference … Also earned first-team all-county and second-team all-county once each … As a senior, helped the team to a 13-8-0 record and Patriot Division title … Also selected to compete in the Carpenter Cup … National Honor Society and Key Club member … Worked in Student Government all four years … Competed on the South Jersey Edge club team, helping squad to four consecutive National Indoor championships (2014-17) and three National Hockey Festival titles (2014, 16, 17) … Member of the U19 and U17 National Indoor teams (2016, 17) along with the U21 National Indoor practice squad (2017) … National Society of High School Scholars member … Wendy's High School Heisman recipient … Honored with the NFHCA National Academic Squad Award … Earned Above and Beyond Award for work with Project Stop Hunger Now.
Personal: Daughter of Wendy and Michael Banks … Plans to enroll in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Coach Fink: "has simplified her game with focusing on shadowing the play, creating doubling situations and initiating the counter attack. She could be a real asset in the attacking corner unit due to her strength and deception. We feel very fortunate to have Gracyn join our program to continue her high level growth."
MEET GRACYN…
Favorite Quote: "In order to succeed, we must first believe that we can." -Nikos Kazantzakis
Most Embarrassing Moment: Peeing my pants on the bus in first grade while I was sitting next to my crush.
Proudest Athletic Moment: Making the USA Women's National Indoor Team
Pump Up Song: "Yeah!" by Usher feat. Lil John
TV Show/Movie: Fixer Upper
Favorite Athlete of All Time: Marty Biron
Why Penn? I felt like I was at home when I stepped on campus for the first time. I love that it is in the city but still has the campus feel.
LILY CLARKSON
Virginia Beach, Va. | Norfolk Academy
High School: Four-year letter winner in field hockey, along with two years in track & field and one in soccer … With field hockey, played a role in three Virginia Independent Schools Athletics Association (VISAA) state championships (2014, 16, 17) and three Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools (TCIS) titles (2015, 16, 17) … As a senior, helped lead team to an undefeated 25-0 season and a No. 2 national ranking … Voted first-team all-state twice (2016, 17) and second-team once (2015) along with first-team All-TCIS twice (2016, 17) … Also placed on the NFHCA High School National Academic Squad (2016) … Competed for six years with the National Futures Championship (2012-17) … Assisted AAU Junior Olympic squad to a gold medal (2016) … Also played club field hockey with TCOYO, bolstering the squad to a second-place finish at U16 (2016) and a fourth-place finish at U21 (2017) … With track & field, helped school secure a conference title (2017) … Placed on the honor roll as a junior, sophomore and freshman … Earned gold distinction on both the National Spanish and Latin exams … Started her own business selling homemade granola bars called "Lil Energy," with product available in school bookstore.
Personal: Daughter of Angie and Dan Clarkson … Plans to enroll in the Wharton School of Business.
Coach Fink: "Lily loves the sport of field hockey. She brings a level of energy and spunk that exudes her love of the game. We see great versatility in her game and feel she can be utilized almost anywhere on the field. She joins us from one from one of the best high school programs in Virginia and brings that competitiveness with her to Penn. We see a tremendous amount of potential in her game."
MEET LILY…
Favorite Quote: "Champions aren't made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them—a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have the skill, and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill." - Muhammad Ali
Most Embarrassing Moment: Sometimes when I'm racing in a track event and pushing myself really hard I pee my pants by the end of the race.
Proudest Athletic Moment: When I fulfilled my lifelong dream of becoming a division one athlete and
committing to the University of Pennsylvania.
Pump Up Song: "300 Violin Orchestra"
TV show/movie: Miracle
Favorite Athlete of All Time: Kate Barber
Why Penn? I chose Penn for the athle2c and academic challenge. I love the urban campus and all of the opportunities it has to offer. I can't wait to begin my experience here!
MADDY FAGAN
Charlottesville, Va. | The Covenant School
High School: Lettered five times in high school, starting at Covenant School and then at Towson (Md.) High School … Two-year captain … Helped Covenant School to 2016 Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) state championship … As a senior at Towson, team MVP as well as Baltimore County Public School All-Division Team and Baltimore County All-Star after recording 17 goals and 10 assists … Two-time first-team All-VISAA at Covenant School … Was the team's leading scorer all five years of high school … Competed at National Futures Championship from 2014-17 .. Junior Olympics selection in 2016, participant in 2015 … Also lettered in soccer, basketball, and track & field … Captain of the soccer and track teams … Smith College Book Award recipient … Covenant Award recipient … class representative for House of Iustitia.
Personal: Daughter of Ellen-Ashton (E.A.) Jackson and Daniel Fagan … Mother is the head field hockey coach at Towson University and played her collegiate field hockey at Mary Washington College.
Coach Fink: "Maddy is a crafty and shifty attacker. She can get through trouble and traffic and attack open space with speed and vision. She is highly motivated to surpass her potential and has a very high work rate. Madison is tenacious and will be a real threat offensively."
MEET MADDY…
Favorite Quote: "Remember that guy who gave up? Neither does anyone else." -Anonymous
Most Embarrassing Moment: While skiing for one of my first times, I went down a Black Diamond with my dad. At the end of the course, he told me I should work on my turns. So, the next Wme I went down the mountain, I decided to go straight down and toppled, headfirst into a sign.
Proudest Athletic Moment: Winning States
Pump Up Song: "Piece of Me" by Britney Spears
TV Show/Movie: Miracle
Favorite Athlete of all Time: Katie Bam
Why Penn? The atmosphere around Penn is contagious. Not only do people learn at Penn, they want to
make the world a better place, and I wait to make my contribution.
MADISON JIRANEK
Richmond, Va. | St. Catherine's School
High School: Lettered three years in field hockey, four in lacrosse, and two in indoor track … Served as team captain for both field hockey (twice) and lacrosse … In field hockey, helped squad to the 2017 League of Independent Schools (LIS) final and state semifinal … First-team all-state as a senior, second-team all-state as a junior … Two-time All-LIS (2016, 17) … With track & field, played a role in securing the 2017 LIS and state championships for St. Catherine's … Individually, won the 55-meter hurdles at the 2017 LIS Championships … In lacrosse, helped team to 2016 LIS final … Voted to the US Lacrosse All-American and All-Academic teams (2017), as well as second-team All-state (2017), and first-team (2017) and second-team All-Metro (2016) and All-LIS (2016, 17) … Junior Cum Laude Society … Earned St. Catherine's School Junior Scholar award, given to the junior with the highest GPA … Washington & Lee Book Award recipient … AP Scholar with Distinction … Nominated for the Lexus Leadership Award … Served as a staff writer and later editor (2017) for school newspaper, Arcadian.
Personal: Daughter of Eleanore and Bill Jiranek … Father and uncle played collegiate lacrosse at Princeton University … Brother, Nathaniel, currently rows heavyweight crew at Princeton … Has two cousins who play college lacrosse, Kate Kelly at Bowdoin and Aileen Kelly at UMass … Plans to enroll in the Wharton School of Business.
Coach Fink: "Pure athleticism is what comes to mind when thinking of Madison Jiranek. Madison is strong on the ball, offensive oriented, tough and a work horse. Her versatility, speed and a knack for creating exciting play set her apart. Through her continued work and development she will be become a major offensive and midfield staple for the Quakers!"
MEET MADISON…
Favorite Quote: "The true test of a man's character is what he does when no one is watching." – John Wooden
Most embarrassing moment: Accidentally hugging the mom of my crush in Lower School in front of my crush all the while thinking it was my mom.
Proudest Athletic moment: Beating our rival school (Collegiate) in lacrosse for the first time in 19 years
Pump Up Song: "Pon de Replay" by Rihanna
TV Show/Movie: The Vampire Diaries (TV show), Bride and Prejudice (movie)
Favorite Athlete of all time: Sydney McLaughlin
Why Penn? When I stepped on Penn's campus, I immediately knew it was the place for me. I fell in love with the beautiful views and the vibrant city of Philadelphia. But one aspect that drew me in the most was the coaches. What I love about them is how they are happy and bubbly all the time. They have so much passion and Penn spirit that it made me excited just talking to them. With that, I am looking forward to playing my two favorite sports in college!
SARAH LAVERS
Harpenden, England | St. Albans for Girls
High School: Lettered four years in lacrosse and also played netball and competed in track & field (shot put, discus) … Competed in field hockey at St. Albans Hockey Club … Played first-team goalkeeper at the Senior National League Indoor, eventually earning a promotion to Division I National League in 2015 … Helped squad to fifth-place finish in 2016 and fourth-place finish in 2017 … Also played first-team goalkeeper at the Senior National League Outdoor, assisting team to fifth-place in National League East (2017) … Selected to play for the Junior County (Hertfordshire) and Regional (East) teams … With lacrosse, started every year in goal at high school … Organized a history club at St. Albans … Served on the editorial board for school magazine … Also played the flute and sang in school choir.
Personal: Daughter of Gill and Mark Lavers … Plans to enroll in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Coach Fink: "Sarah will be great in goal for Penn! She has great set position and composure as the shot come in. Her clears are accurate and strong. She has strong hand eye coordination and glove work. I am excited to see her work with our defensive unit as a whole and embody our defensive mentality.'
MEET SARAH…
Favorite Quote: "It always seems impossible until it's done" - Nelson Mandela
Most Embarrassing Moment: Having a clip of me on national TV aged 8 being periodically
resurfaced and ridiculed by my friends
Proudest Athletic Moment: Making England trials in two sports
Pump Up Song: "You've Got the Dirtee Love" — Florence + the Machine and Dizzee Rascal
TV show/Movie: Summer Heights High
Favorite Athlete of All Time: Maddie Hinch. Goalkeeper for the Gold Medal Winning Olympic GB
Hockey Team when they won on Penalty shuffles in 2016
Why Penn? The opportunity to live, learn and play in the US is something that I have dreamed of. Penn fulfils all my dreams: academic excellence, a fantastic campus in a vibrant city and the opportunity to play hockey to a high level with an amazing backdrop
JULIA RUSSO
Roseland, N.J. | West Essex
High School: Four-year letter winner in field hockey … Served as team captain … As a junior, helped team to the North 2 Group 2 title … Voted second-team All-American (2016) and first-team All-Region (2015, 2016, 2017), along with first-team Super Essex American Division and Union-Essex All-Division (2016, 2017) … Also named Best Offensive Player on team two consecutive seasons (2016, 2017), along with team MVP as a senior … Selected to play on the Junior Olympics squad (2015, 2016), helping secure the bronze medal in the former … Finished career with 108 goals and 79 assists … Yearbook, Italian and Key Club member.
Personal: Daughter of Kristi and Michael Russo … Plans to enroll in the School of Engineering and Applied Science.
Coach Fink: "Julia is a dynamic player who utilizes her speed and athleticism in all aspects of the game. She has great shot release time, a quick hands and can generate a lot of power. She plays with grace and composure and is sheer joy to watch. She will be relied on heavily during her career to help assist in producing a lot of offense for the Quakers."
MEET JULIA…
Favorite Quote: "Work hard beats talent when talent doesn't work hard"
Most Embarrassing Moment: My freshman year of high school I accidentally walked into the boys' bathroom.
Proudest Athletic Moment: My junior year of high school my team won the TOC (tournament of champions) for the first time in school history.
Pump Up Song: "Power" by Kanye West
Movie/ TV Show: The Great Gatsby
Favorite Athlete of All Time: Simone Biles
Why Penn? Academically and athletically Penn is the full package. Penn offers unbelievable resources and opportunities that I look forward to utilizing. On an athletic standpoint, I came from a high school team where my teammates and coaches acted as my second family which is something that became very important to me. Between the coaching staff and girls on the team, Penn is where I feel the most comfortable and supported. Ever since I was little one of my favorite places to be was in a city. The first time I visited Penn I instantly fell in love with the campus and the whole environment. I love how Penn can be very demanding between academics and athletics. That is something that has always caught my eye because I am someone who is always looking to be challenged. Go Quakers!
ASHLEY WETZEL
Medford, N.J. | Shawnee
High School: Lettered four years in field hockey … Served as team captain … Helped team to three Group 4 Conference semifinals (2014, 16, 17) … Currently ranks eighth among scorers in school history … Second-team all-county (2017) and all-conference (2016) as well as Burlington County Sophomore & Junior of the Year (2015, 2016) … Also competed in club play with the WC Eagles, bolstering the squad to back-to-back U19 National Indoor Tournament appearances (2016, 17), a U16 National Indoor Tournament appearance (2016), and a Shooting Stars Festival appearance (2015) … Also secured a bronze medal in the National Futures Championship (2014) … National Girls and Women in Sports organization member … National Merit Scholar commended student … Spanish Club, Fight Against Chiari Club and FCCLA president … National Honor Society member … Amnesty International Corresponding Secretary and Campaign Coordinator … Vice President of Volunteering … Read Across American Event Chair.
Personal: Daughter of Toni and Robert Wetzel … cousin, Joey Gorman, played baseball for Saint Joseph's and ranked as an elite pitcher within the Catholic League during high school at Neumann-Goretti … Plans to enroll in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Coach Fink: "Ashley has great game sense and overall understanding of tactics. She uses her off field smarts to analyze the game. She works hard off the ball to help build numbers and creates quick counterattack opportunities. Her hockey IQ partnered with her technical skill will help her to develop into a great on field leader."
MEET ASHLEY…
Favorite Quote: "It isn't the mountains ahead to climb that wear you down. It's the pebble in your shoe." - Muhammad Ali
Most Embarrassing Moment: In sixth grade, I had to do a presentation on a project about a city in Egypt. Unfortunately, I made the project too big to fit in the classroom doorway, so I had to present it in the cafeteria with my whole class standing around me. Then, in the middle of it, I fainted. I woke up on the ground, my whole class gone, and had to be escorted out of the school in a wheelchair.
Proudest Athletic moment: Getting selected as a 2017 captain for my high school's field hockey team
Pump Up Song: "Till I Collapse" by Eminem
TV show/Movie: Grey's Anatomy
Favorite Athlete of All Time: Carson Wentz
Why Penn? It has always been my dream to go to an Ivy League school. I chose Penn due to the overall atmosphere. Not only is the university a historic place in itself, founded by Ben Franklin, but also I feel that I fit in really well with the people here. It provides a number of amazing opportunities for my future as I pursue a challenging career in the medical field. Also, while maintaining high academic prestige, I chose Penn for its successful field hockey program and overall athletic department.
MADISON WOODS
Kingston, Pa. | Wyoming Valley West
High School: Lettered four years in both field hockey and track & field … Served as three-year team captain for field hockey … Played a major role in a District 2 AAA championship (2014) and back-to-back District 2 AA titles (2015, 16), compiling a 49-17-2 record along the way … As a senior, propelled Wyoming Valley West to a 20-3 mark and PIAA State AA championship appearance … Voted first-team Wyoming Valley All-Star four years straight (2014, 15, 16, 17) … Pennsylvania State Field Hockey Coaches Association All-State Class AA first-team selection (2015, 16, 17) … Citizen's Voice All-Star first-team choice (2015, 16, 17) … two-time NFHCA National Academic squad selection (2016, 17) and NFHCA All-Region first-team choice as a senior (2017) … Selected to compete with the National Futures Championship three consecutive years (2014, 15, 16) … Competed at the AAU Junior Olympics twice, winning a gold medal on one occasion (2015) … Named the Times Leader Player of the Year (2017) … Class of 2018 and Spanish Club president … Medical Explorers vice-president … National Honor Society member … Received a Citizenship Award.
Personal: Daughter of Susan and Allen Woods … Plans to enroll in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Coach Fink: "Madison is the less offensive in the trio of Madisons in the Class of 2022 although she did score some important goals for her High School in the post season! Madison is steadfast in the backfield and relentless defensively. She is calm and composed in her decision making but moves fast and with great quickness. We are excited for her to be a staple in the defensive unit during her career."
MEET MADISON…
Favorite Quote: "Do, or do not. There is no try." - Yoda, Star Wars
Most Embarrassing Moment: One time in fourth grade, I was so excited to answer a question that I fell out of my seat and hit my face off the desk. I had to get stitches.
Proudest Athletic Moment: Scoring the game-winning goal with three seconds remaining in the state semifinal game.
Pump-up Song: "Low" by Flo Rida (ft. T-pain)
TV Show/Movie: The Shawshank Redemption
Favorite Athlete of All Time: Buster Posey
Why Penn? I love Penn's campus and its beautiful architecture, as well as its location. I also appreciate
Penn's strong academic reputation and the abundance of opportunities provided in service and research. Most importantly, the competitive field hockey program is led by the most supportive and driven coaches and players.
