Feb. 7, 2005

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Head coach Missy Meharg announced that six players have signed National Letters of Intent to play for the Maryland field hockey team. Danielle Keeley (Elkton, Md.), Alicia Grater (Gilbertsville, Pa.), Ellen Ott (Schwenksville, Pa.), Louisa Powell (Chevy Chase, Md.), Susie Rowe (London, England) and Sarah Scholl (Center Valley, Pa.) will join the Terrapin squad beginning the fall of 2005.

"The class of 2005-06 is academically and athletically potent. The balance of positions and where they are from regionally, are what this program needs," said Meharg. "Sarah Scholl (Pa.) and Danielle Keeley (Md.) add vigorous attack running and finishing on goal. Louisa Powell (Md.) gives great depth to our defensive midfield, while both Susie Rowe (England) and Ellen Ott (Pa.) have the skill and game awareness to impact our defense. Goalkeeper Alicia Grater (Md.) is athletic, charismatic and ready to add depth and competition to our goaltending unit."

"What is most exciting is the attitude of these new Terps," continued Meharg. "They know how hard they will need to prepare over the next six months to compete with and challenge a very strong and eager 2005 Maryland Hockey squad."

One of two players joining the squad from the state of Maryland, Keeley will graduate from North East High School where she helped her team to a 25-5 record over her last two seasons while helping the team reach the Maryland State semifinals. A native of Elkton, she was named the team's Offensive Most Valuable Player as a senior, tallying 41 goals and 29 assists in her last two years. Keely is a two-time all-county pick and was an Honorable Mention All-State honoree. Keely also excelled in the classroom, serving as Student Government President and on the Student Advisory to the Superintendent of Cecil County Public Schools.

"Danielle is fast. Her natural speed and finishing skills will be a great addition to our team attack."

From Chevy Chase, Md., Powell earned four varsity letters from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School where the team captured the 2A state title twice and 3A state championship crown once. Hailing from the same school as current Mid-Atlantic All-Region pick Emily Beach, Powell was selected to the all-county and all-state teams as senior, while also playing in the Senior All-Star game. She was also voted the team's Defensive MVP in 2004. Powell has also held the position of Class Treasurer all four years.

"Louisa is a very skillful defensive midfielder," said Meharg. "She has great tackling abilities and showed strong, vocal leadership during her high school team's state title run"

Alicia Grater, Ellen Ott and Sarah Scholl come to College Park from the Keystone State. A goalkeeper, Grater (Gilbertsville) was selected to play in the Philadelphia All-Star game as a senior. As team captain of the Boyertown Area High School field hockey squad, she was named first team all-conference and all-area in her final season while boasting an 0.82 goals against average. A National Honor Society student and ranked in the top 15 percent of her class, she participated in the 2003 Junior Olympics and is a 2005 Futures Elite Selection.

"Alicia is a very spirited athlete. Her fun, eager character coupled with quality goalkeeping background, will provide the necessary depth to defend the cage."

Ott also comes to College Park with an impressive list of credentials. A midfielder, she was named Pioneer Athletic Conference Player of the Year as a senior at Perkiomen Valley High. A three-time all-league pick, she was a second team All-American honoree in 2004 while also earning a spot on the all-state squad. An Honor Roll student, she had 17 goals and 16 assists while leading her squad to an undefeated season and a conference title as a senior.

"Ellen is a natural hockey player. She will come in with Division I-level skills and provide stability and strength in the backfield."

Out of Center Valley, Pa., Scholl was a four-year letterwinner in field hockey at Southern Lehigh High School where she was selected first team All-Colonial League, all-state and Most Valuable Player in her final season. She led the team to back-to-back conference titles in 2003 and 2004 and a District XI crown in 2002. A two-year Student Council President, she tallied 23 goals and 13 assists as a midfielder in 2004.

"We are very excited about Sarah. She is a quick, feisty and hardworking forward with unlimited potential."

Susie Rowe brings international experience with her, coming to College Park from London, England. She was a member of the Under-18 English National team. A member of the East U-17 squad, she led her squad to the regional tournament title as captain of the team.

"Susie is an elite-level athlete in both hockey and cricket for her country of England. She is very physically fit, mentally versatile and a mature hockey player."

Meharg's Terrapins are coming off back-to-back NCAA final four appearances. Maryland went 17-6 on the season and finished ranked No. 2 in the nation.

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