Boston College Athletics
Women's Soccer Adds Six New Faces
February 20, 2007 | Women's Soccer
Feb. 20, 2007
CHESTNUT HILL, MA - Boston College women's soccer head coach Alison Foley announced the addition of six players to the program for the 2007 season. The program has received commitments from the NSCAA National Player of the Year, Hannah Cerrone of Wappingers Falls, NY along with four solid newcomers in Braintree's Amy Caldwell; Brooke Knowlton of Rexford, NY; Chelsea Regan of Raritan, New Jersey, Jillian MacNeil of Marshfield, MA and Jessica Leonard from Grosse Point, Michigan.
"We are extremely excited about our 2011 class. This year's graduating class has done so much for BC soccer and are truly the group that made us a nationally dominant program, so we needed to secure one of the best classes in the country, '' said Head Coach Alison Foley. "Our incoming group of student-athletes have all played or are currently playing on the national team. Success at the national level is something we were looking for in this class but the intangible ingredient is their commitment and work ethic. We feel the character of the individuals in this group is what separates them from other classes in the country. They want to be challenged and thrive in difficult situations. If you are going to compete in the ACC this trait is imperative in your players.''
The student-athletes:
Amy Caldwell - Braintree, MA - Braintree High School - Forward
Caldwell has helped Braintree High School capture two straight Division 1 State Titles. She is a two-time All-America selection and was the 2005 NSCAA Player of the Year and Gatorade Player of the Year in Massachusetts. Caldwell, who is a member of the Under-16 US National Team, recorded 112 career goals and 58 career assists while at Braintree. She is also a member of the South Coast Scorpions and was the MVP of the 2006 State Cup.
"Amy's tenacity and explosive speed makes her deadly in any wide position. She can attack and defend,'' said Foley.
Hannah Cerrone - Roy C. Ketcham - Wappingers Falls, NY - Def./Midfielder
Cerrone was named the NSCAA National Player of the Year for the 2006 season. She is also a two-time All-America selection and a four-time All-State player. Cerrone, a member of the U-17 National Team, is also a Parade All-American selection. The NSCAA New York Player of the Year, Cerrone is a member of the Lewisboro Xtreme Club team and is a 1,000 point scorer for her high school basketball team.
"Hannah is a natural leader. Her athleticism coupled with her competitive spirit is what separates her from the rest,'' said Foley.
Brooke Knowlton - Niskayuna High - Rexford, NY - Forward
Knowlton, the Niskayuna Team MVP, was the Section 2 Player of the Year and an All-State first-team selection in New York. A team captain, Knowlton also earned High School All-American honors and Suburban Council Player of the Year. She set the school record for goals in one season with 40 and is the No. 2 all-time career point leader with 211 points. She is the all-time career goal scoring leader with 91. Knowlton, a National Honor Society student, also in the US Under-17 Team Pool and has been in the program since 2004.
"Brooke is a powerful forward and has the ability to run at you and beat you or turn on you and beat you,'' said Foley.
Jillian MacNeil - Archbishop Williams - Marshfield, MA - Forward/Midfield
MacNeil played up front and in the midfield at Archbishop Williams in Braintree. An Honor Roll student, MacNeil earned Patriot Ledger All-Star honors. MacNeil currently plays for the South Coast Scorpions Club Team. A member of the track team, MacNeil was the Catholic Conference champion in the 100 meters.
"Jillian is the fastest player with the ball at her feet. She can beat people off the dribble as well as anyone in this age group,'' said Foley.
Chelsea Regan - Bridgewater-Raritan - Raritan, NJ - Midfielder/Defender
Regan, who was a third-team AP New Jersey All-State selection, is a four-year starter at center midfield for Bridgewater-Raritan. She is a New Jersey All-State, All-County and All-Conference selections. Regan, who is involved in the Olympic Development Program, was a member of the U-17 National Team in 2005. She was a member of the U-17 adidas All-Star team. Regan helped her club team, PDA Fury, capture four straight titles and advance to the national final in 2005.
"Chelsea is great in the air and has an excellent understanding of the game. She can change the point attack quickly and is competent with both her left and right foot,'' said Foley.
Jessica Leonard - University Liggett - Grosse Point, MI - Forward/Midfielder
Leonard helped University Liggett capture three state titles and her club team, Bloomfield Force, capture four state titles. She owns the school record for most goals scored in a single season with 46. Leonard is a four-time first-team All-State honoree. She also plays tennis and won the varsity state championship at No. 3 singles as a freshman.
"Jess is most dangerous in wide positions. She has great size and athleticism and hasn't come close to her potential yet as a player" said Foley.
