Women's Lax Welcomes Eight-Member Class of 2019

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Eight incoming freshmen as part of the class of 2019 are slated to join the Brown University women's lacrosse program for the 2016 season, head coach Keely McDonald '00 announced on Wednesday.

"The Brown class of 2019 is a unique one. All eight women are high achievers, fierce competitors, and tremendous people," McDonald said. "Their combined character, positive attitude, and athleticism will allow them to fit seamlessly into the program and our 2016 goals."

The group represents five states across the East Coast and contains an array of attacking and midfield players as well as a defender. New Jersey, New York, and Virginia each boast a pair of rookies while the states of Pennsylvania and Connecticut are also represented within this year's incoming class.

The class includes attacker Abby Bailey (Alexandra, Va.), attacker Amanda Keogh (Manhasset, N.Y.), midfielder Sophie MacFarlane (Wynnewood, Pa.), attacker/midfielder Hafsa Moinuddin (Cheshire, Conn.), defender Caitlyn O'Berry (McLean, Va.), midfielder Alex O'Donnell (Mooorestown, N.J.), midfielder Grace Plassche (Clinton, N.J.), and midfielder Zoe Verni (Mamaroneck, N.Y.).

Abby Bailey
Hometown: Alexandria, Va.
High School: St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School
Height: 5-3
Position: Attack
Bailey Facts: Academic All-American … Led team in assists junior year.
Why Brown? "Brown has the best combination of high-level athletics and academics, along with the beautiful location."

Amanda Keogh
Hometown: Manhasset, N.Y.
High School: Manhasset
Height: 5-4
Position: Attack
Keogh Facts: All County Honorable Mention- Field Hockey … All County- Field Hockey … Fran McCall Unsung Hero- Lacrosse … Academic All American- Field Hockey … Scholar Athlete- Field Hockey and Lacrosse … 2014 New York State Champions- Lacrosse.
Why Brown? "I choose Brown because of the undeniable happiness you see in each and every student when stepping on to campus. I also choose Brown because I'm extremely excited to experience the open curriculum and use it to help determine my interests."

Sophie MacFarlane
Hometown: Wynnewood, Pa.
High School: Friends' Central School
Height: 5-5
Position: Midfield
MacFarlane Facts: PASLA Student-Athlete of the Year 2015 … scored over 100 career goals … Outstanding Senior Athlete Award 2015 … senior captain in 2015 … First team All Main Line 2015 … First team All Friends League 2015 … PAISAA State Champions 2014 … National Tournament Philly 3 lacrosse team 2013.
Why Brown? "I loved the team and coaching staff, who were extremely supportive. I also loved the open curriculum and the general feel of the campus and school. I thought it would be a place where I could participate in competitive athletics and rigorous academics."

Hafsa Moinuddin
Hometown: Cheshire, Conn.
High School: The Hotchkiss School
Height: 5-7
Position: Attack/Midfield
Moinuddin Facts: As a senior, posted 45 goals, 40 assists, 28 ground balls, and 39 draw controls … NEPSWLA All-Star as a senior … US Lacrosse First Team All-American 2015 … Won 'The Kelly Stone Lacrosse Prize' 2014-2015.
Why Brown? "I chose Brown because the open curriculum will give me the freedom to explore and expand on my academic interests while also giving me the opportunity to play D1 lacrosse. Brown seemed to offer the most ideal and fulfilling student-athlete experience."

Caitlyn O'Berry
Hometown: McLean, Va.
High School: Connelly School of the Holy Child
Height: 5-9
Position: Defense
O'Berry Facts: Freshman Athlete of the Year … Scholar Athlete Award 9th-12th Grade … Varsity Lacrosse, Soccer and Swim Captain 12th grade … Selected for Second Team All Gazzette for Lacrosse as a senior … Received the Kosch-Craig Award … Academic All-American for Lacrosse as a junior and senior.
Why Brown? "I chose Brown because of the open curriculum and the ability to create a major that is unique to me. I was also drawn to the coaches of the Brown Lacrosse team and the friendly, but committed aspect that encompasses the team."

Alex O'Donnell
Hometown: Moorestown, N.J.
High School: Moorestown
Height: 5-9
Position: Midfield
O'Donnell Facts: Posted totals of 46 goals, 17 assists, and 26 ground balls as a senior … as a junior, totaled 29 goals, eight assists, and 18 ground balls … All-League, 2014, All-County, 2015, and All-South Jersey, 2015 … Qualified for Academic All-American and South Jersey Senior All-Star Game.
Why Brown? "From the moment I stepped on campus I felt at home. I chose Brown because it was the perfect fit for me as a student, person, and player. I love the open curriculum as it allows me to create my own education while at Brown. All the people here are so friendly and inviting. Finally, I love the team and coaching staff for Brown Lacrosse and look forward to working with them for the next four years."

Grace Plassche
Hometown: Clinton, N.J.
High School: North Hunterdon
Height: 5-4
Position: Midfield
Plassche Facts: Lacrosse Skylands Conference First Team (2015) … Lacrosse Skylands Conference Second Team (2013, 2014) … US Lacrosse Academic All American (2014, 2015) … Skylands Conference Scholar Athlete (2015) … Team MVP.
Why Brown? "I chose Brown because it meets all of my desires both athletically and academically. I feel as though Brown allows me to play lacrosse at a high level while pursuing a challenging academic curriculum."

Zoe Verni
Hometown: Mamaroneck, N.Y.
High School: Rye Country Day
Height: 5-11
Position: Midfield
Verni Facts: Posted 91 goals and 48 assists over four seasons at Rye Country Day, including 47 goals and 25 assists as a senior … US Lacrosse All American 2014 and 2015 … US Lacrosse All Academic 2015 … Western New England All Star 2014 and 2015 … NYC Mayor's Cup All Star Team … Hudson Valley Nationals Team 2014 … NYSAIS Champions 2014, 2015, FAA Champions 2015 … Team posted perfect season in 2015 (18-0).
Why Brown? "I chose Brown for the academic freedom through the open curriculum and for the opportunity to play my favorite sport at the highest level. When I first visited the campus, I immediately felt at home thanks to the friendly students and professors and supportive teammates and coaching staff."