April 21, 2009

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Maryland women's golf team announced the signing of two new student-athletes Tuesday. Hayley Brown and Christine Shimel will be joining the Terrapins for the 2009-10 season after officially signing on to play for head coach Jason Rodenhaver.

Brown, a native of Newmarket, Ontario, played four years of golf at Sir William Mulock S.S. Twice a part of the regional championship team, Brown finished first at Provincials her freshman and junior seasons, taking second as a sophomore and senior.

"Hayley is a very well-rounded athlete," Rodenhaver said. "She is also an excellent squash and volleyball player. She is a strong player who we are looking for to play right away."

Rodenhaver said that it was her top-20 finish at the Junior World Championships in San Diego, Calif. which caught his eye.

Brown also played varsity basketball, volleyball and badminton throughout high school.

Out of Kennett Square, Pa., Christine Shimel was a Pennsylvania state champion as a senior, coming out of the Ches-Mont League to outplay all the competition. That followed on a runner-up finish as a junior.

Twice a member of the Ches-Mont League champions and once a part of the SCCL League champs, Shimel shot 69-74--143 to take the PIAA championship as a senior.

"Christine is going to be an impact player for us," Rodenhaver said. "She was a very highly-recruited Pennsylvania state champion. Christine is a good quality player and student. We're looking forward to having her here."

In addition to golf, Shimel swam the backstroke for her high school team as a freshman and sophomore.

"Both our incoming players are strong students as well as athletes," Rodenhaver said. "They are both looking to be business majors. On the course, we are excited. We should have two big impact players coming in next season."