COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The highly-successful Maryland field hockey program will welcome two of the nation's best high school players this January as part of the first phase of Maryland's class of 2016. Lizzy Dessoye and Ena Belch signed on to enroll in the University of Maryland in January 2016, head coach Missy Meharg and her staff announced Wednesday.

"Lizzy and Ena are prepared and excited to begin their college lives in College Park in January of 2016," Meharg said. "Starting their academic curriculums, training with the team and high performance staff while adjusting socially and culturally works well for fall sport student- athletes. Maryland's spring semester starting at the end of January makes early academic entrance a smoother reality. Lizzy and Ena will set the pace and be experienced leaders for their fellow 2016 classmates and signees. We look forward to sharing these amazing Terps-to-be in the near future."

The rest of the Terps' 2016 signing class will come to College Park next summer.

LIZZY DESSOYE
Forward
Mountain Top, Pa. • Crestwood High School

About Dessoye: Member of U.S. Under-19 Team...named First Team All-State and NFHCA All-Pennsylvania Region Second Team...high school team was state runner-up in 2013 and 2014 and state champion in 2012.

Meharg on Dessoye: "Lizzy has similar hands and feet as her sister, Anna. As a present member of our U.S. Under-19 National Team she has hockey desire. Enrolling early will help Lizzy develop as we work on our team attack for 2016. Lizzy's parents, Dale and Karen, have been at Maryland with Anna for four years. They have been unconditionally supportive on and off the field. To have another four years with them is special for everyone.” 

Patsy Moratori, coach of Crestwood High School, on Dessoye: “Lizzy has a tremendous amount of speed and talent. Her skill set and her speed of execution make her one of the most dangerous and talented athletes to have ever played at Crestwood."

Dessoye on Maryland: “I chose Maryland because I really loved the feel of the campus, and the constant high positive energy given by the field hockey team and the coaches."

ENA BELCH
Midfield/Forward
Annapolis, Md. • Broadneck High School

About Belch: Starter for Broadneck High School...has over 20 goals and 24 assists in her senior season... so far, named First Team All-County as a senior ...named First Team All-State in 2014...named Second Team All-Country as a junior in 2014...made First Team Capital Newspaper All-County, Second Team All-Met by the Washington Post, NFHCA All-Mid Atlantic Region and Max Field Hockey All-Mid Atlantic Region as a junior in 2014...also ran track and played lacrosse...played for the club team Spark.

Meharg on Belch: "Ena has so much character and grit. She has been is in the regional USA Field Hockey program, which I've had the opportunity to coach for three years. She's very versatile. She can play in any line of the field and has unmatched contagious desire, so looking forward to having her in College Park."

Jesse Larson, coach of Spark club team, on Belch: “Ena's playing style has always been expressive of her joy. As she matures, the joy has deepened to reflect her dedication, competitiveness and focus."

Belch on Maryland: "I chose Maryland because of the team and the coaches. The atmosphere that the team creates is unlike anything else. I have grown up watching Maryland play in countless championships, winning many. Coach Meharg has taught me before, and her coaching style is what really entices me. She challenges her athletes while respecting them, creating an amazing bond. I look forward to working with her and the other coaches. The level of play is going to be a fun challenge, I'm excited to grow as a player. The University of Maryland also offers an amazing education and will set me up for a successful future. I look forward to my next four years here! Go Terps!"

- Terps -