NORFOLK, Va. – The Old Dominion women’s lacrosse team added nine student-athletes who will join the Lady Monarchs for the 2016 season, head coach Heather Holt announced on Thursday morning. Kerri Caruso, Lindsey Duty, Lauren Ey, Lauren Irvine, Katie Miller, Nicole Nabridge, Sophia Richie, Lindsay Rogers and Alyssa Sebesto will all take to the field this spring.
“This class consists of several true, natural athletes,” said Holt about the class. “As a group, they really encompass what the future of Old Dominion lacrosse will represent. Not only are they solid students, but each player competes at a high level and has the strong desire to help build our program.”
Kerri Caruso hails from Downington, Pa. where she was a varsity letter winner at Downington West High School. Caruso was a stalwart for the Whippets defense, earning All-Ches-Mont League honors twice and First Team All-Area by Phillylax.com as a senior. She also made the Philadelphia National Tournament Team three times over her career and was a member of the PA Express club lacrosse team. The 2015 team captain was also a standout in the classroom, earning US Lacrosse Academic All-American honors as a senior and graduated with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average.
“Kerri is the definition of a collegiate student-athlete,” said Holt. “Kerri’s amazing efforts in the classroom throughout her high school career have proven to carry over onto the playing field. Kerri is a tremendous competitor with the aggressive mindset that we need on our team.”
Lyndsey Duty, a Stewartstown, Pa. native, was a member of the Kennard-Dale High School lacrosse team where she helped propel the program to three York-Adams County championships and a state quarterfinal appearance. Over her career, she earned First Team All-County on three occasions and was named YAIAA All-Star in 2014. Duty was also a member of the field hockey team and was the team’s MVP twice and a YAIAA All-Star in 2014. She capped her high school career earning the Most Athletic award for the class of 2015. Academically, Duty was named to the honor roll all four years and was the President of the Varsity Club for two years.
“Lyndsey is a very versatile player,” said Holt. “Her solid stick skill and very strong work ethic makes her a force on the field. Lyndsey will be a great addition to both ends of the field with her aggressive style and high lacrosse IQ.”
Lauren Ey is from Bel Air, Md. and was a member of the varsity lacrosse team at John Carroll High School, while also participating with the NEMS lacrosse club team. As a goalkeeper, she helped the Patriot post a 13-5 overall record, with the five losses coming by a total of six goals, and an Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland Conference (IAAM) semifinals appearance. During her time between the pipes, Ey recorded a .521 save percentage as a freshman and a .548 mark as a sophomore. Outside of the high school field, Ey was invited to play on the U15 Pennsylvania Brine National team.
“Lauren is a confident and athletic goalkeeper who has a very positive attitude and style on the field,” said Holt. “Her athleticism carries over to her position, enabling her to maintain a high save percentage and make big plays outside of the crease.”
Lauren Irvine, a Wissahickon High School lacrosse member, makes her way to ODU from Ambler, Pa. As a senior, she scored 39 goals, helping her reach over 150 for her career. She also dished out 15 assists to total a career-high of 54 points for the season. The team captain helped her team win the Suburban One Conference title as a senior and for her efforts she was named to the Suburban One Conference First Team. Irvine also made an impact as a freshman and sophomore, earning Suburban One Third Team honors as a rookie and second team honors as a sophomore. She was also a member of the U15 Pennsylvania Brine National Team and received the prestigious “#13” award, which is given to the best leader and hustler on the team.
“Lauren comes to us from a winning program,” said Holt. “Her drive and determination, coupled with her strength and speed, will be a welcomed addition to our program. Lauren is a strong shooter with a great touch on the ball. Her athleticism and toughness will be a big asset to our team.”
Katie Miller joins the ODU team as the only newcomer from New York. She was a member of the Irondequoit High School women’s lacrosse and basketball teams. She was named to the All-County squad three times over her career and picked up the team’s MVP award as a junior. She was also named All-Great Rochester Honorable Mention following her junior campaign. Miller was also a standout in the classroom, as she was a member of the National Honor Society and earned the U.S. Marines Academic Achievement award and Academic All-American honors.
“Katie is a very solid student in the classroom and tough competitor on the field,” said Holt. “Her aggressiveness on the field and smart play will drive her to become an impact player for us on the field. We are excited to watch Katie develop into an even more dynamic player in the future.”
Nicole Nabridge hails from Parkland, Fla. where she was a member of the lacrosse team at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Playing at attacker her senior season, she earned First Team All-District, First Team All-County, Second Team All-Region and was awarded the team’s MVP award. Nabridge was also heavily involved in the community and received her school’s silver cord for accumulating over 250 service hours. She also worked hard in the classroom and graduated with a gold cord for posting a 3.75 cumulative GPA.
“Nicole has great potential to become a key midfielder for our squad,” said Holt. “Her fitness level and stick skills enable Nicole to play at a very fast and competitive level. She is very versatile with a strong work ethic. This passion will help fuel our team to compete at the next level.”
Sophia Richie, the only Virginia newcomer, was a three-year varsity lacrosse team member at Midlothian High School. She began her high school career in seventh grade, making the junior varsity team before moving up to varsity as an eighth grader. She helped lead her team to two Greater Richmond League Championships and was named a US Lacrosse Richmond Chapter All-Star team selection as a sophomore. During her final season, the team captain was the third-highest scorer with 37 goals and also added a team-leading 44 ground balls and 102 draw controls.
“Sophia is a very dynamic player with amazing speed and endurance,” said Holt. “Her natural quickness is a welcomed addition to our midfield and will be very positive additions to both ends of the field. We are excited to watch Sophia grow as an athlete and become a major force for us on the field.”
Lindsay Rogers, a Lyme, Conn. native, played varsity lacrosse at Westover High School and was a member of the NewLAX club lacrosse team. She capped her senior campaign with a CISAC All-League selection and was named a WNE All-Star. Rogers put together solid campaigns as a sophomore and junior, as she earned Brine All-American honors and was a NEPSWLA All-Star selection.
“We are excited to watch Lindsay develop into an even more versatile player here at ODU,” said Holt. “Lindsay is a smart player with a strong work ethic. This will drive Lindsay to make great strides at this level.”
Alyssa Sebesto travels to ODU from Parsippany, N.J., where she was a member of the Mountain Lakes High School varsity lacrosse team. Following her senior season, she was named Second Team All-County, All-Conference and All-State to go along with her First Team NJ Group One nod. She helped lead her to the Morris County Championship game for the third consecutive year and was chosen to play in the All-Star game. Sebesto was also a member of the cross country and basketball teams at Mountain Lakes. She was a team captain of the cross country team that won the conference crown and was named All-Conference Honorable Mention following the season. In basketball, she led the team in scoring, assists and steals, en route to a First-Team All-Conference and All-County selection.
“Alyssa is a multi sport athlete with great passion for the game of lacrosse,” said Holt. “Her strength and skills will add great depth to our roster. Alyssa is a natural athlete that will develop into a amazing Division I player in her time here at ODU.”
Follow @ODULacrosse on Twitter and 'Like' us on Facebook to stay up to date with the latest #ODULAX news!