SPORTS

DAVIDSON, N.C. – Davidson field hockey head coach Ginny Turner has announced the six new additions to her 2018 roster, welcoming five incoming freshmen and one transfer. Ranging from five different states, the new Wildcats will add depth to an already-strong defensive core, with four girls possessing the ability to play backs, another two with experience as midfielders, and one forward. The ‘Cats will also add a new keeper to the roster.

Those six will join a contingent of 16 returners, led by defensive senior stalwart Courtney Byler. In her three seasons in a DCFH uniform, Byler has set the single-season records for assists (2016, 11), and ranks third all-time with 13 career defensive saves.  Byler and the incoming six join the rest of the Wildcats in welcoming Georgetown on August 24. This is the sixth time in the last seven seasons the ‘Cats begin their campaign facing the Hoyas.

“Caitlin [Walsh, assistant coach] and I are thrilled to welcome these six ladies to the DCFH family,” Turner said. “This class is a great addition to our team. They are very athletic, well rounded players who believe in the DCFH values. They bring a variety of skills and experiences which will help build on the great foundation we already have. I expect them to make immediate contributions and an impact to Davidson in all aspects of the community, academics, and for our field hockey program.”

6          VALERIE HAJEK           Charlottesville, Va.                     BACK
Hajek spent her freshman season at Towson University, where she played in 16 games and started the first 12, registering her first career points against future league opponent Lock Haven. Before playing with the Tigers, Valerie attended Western Albemarle High School as a four-year starter and two-year captain. The 2015 district and conference Player of the Year, Hajek also ran track, competing in the New Balance Outdoor Championships in 2014 and leading her team to an indoor title in 2017.

12        CHOLE APPLEBY          Charlotte, N.C.                        MIDFIELD/BACK
A four-year starter at nearby Providence Day School , Chloe was a three-time all-conference selection and twice made the all-state team after serving as captain her senior season. Voted the Defensive MVP at PDS during her junior season, Appleby was also a member of National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society.

1          GRAYSON BUBEN      Charlotte, N.C.                        FORWARD                  
A local standout at Providence Day School with Appleby, Buben notched 11 goals and 20 assists during her senior campaign after 10 goals and 12 helpers as a junior. A four-year starter, Buben recorded five game-winning goals during her sophomore season, with two coming in overtime and was a three-time All-State and All-Conference selection. Grayson was named the Offensive MVP at PDS during the 2015 season, and was voted to the state all-tournament teams in both her junior and senior years.

85        TESSA EVARTS            Lancaster, Pa.                         GOALKEEPER
A two-year captain at Garrison Forest School, Evarts led the Grizzly Bears to bookend state final appearances (2014, 2017), with semi-final trips in 2016 and 2017. As starting keeper, Evarts tallied a stellar .811 save percentage with 24 shutouts in her career.  During her senior campaign, Tessa collected 125 saves to accompany seven shutouts and a goals against average of just 1.43.

11        IZZY MOODY              Lake Bluff, Ill.                              BACK
A four-year starter and two-time captain at Lake Forest Academy, Moody became the youngest player in Illinois state history to score a goal in a shoot-out during her freshman campaign. Voted Defensive MVP during her junior season and Team MVP in her finale, Moody was a two-time state all-star selection. A 10-time letter winner at LFA, Izzy was also a member of the varsity squash team and a four-year starter for the Caxys’ soccer team.

10        JULIA SMITH               Wilmington, Del.                       MIDFIELD/BACK
A three-year starter at midfield and defense for Tower Hill School, Julia led the Hillers to runner-up finishes in the state tournament during both her junior and senior seasons. An all-conference and all-state selection, Julia also played club for the Delaware Sharks where she participated at the National Indoor Tournament. Smith was also an all-state and all-conference selection as a four-year starter on the Tower Hill soccer team, and was a four-time letter winner as a middle distance runner.