Hofstra University field hockey head coach Kathy De Angelis has announced the signing of four student-athletes and one transfer student to attend Hofstra University and play field hockey in the fall of 2004.

The group includes midfielder/forward Leslie DeSimone of Livingston, New Jersey (Mt. Olive H.S./ Old Dominion University), midfielder Elizabeth Huebner of Toledo, Ohio (Ottawa Hills H.S.), defender/midfielder Ayanna McClean of Trinidad and Tobago (South East Port of Spain Secondary School), goalkeeper Nadine Surak of Long Branch, New Jersey (Shore Regional H.S.), and forward Laura Passalacqua of Red Bank, New Jersey ( Rancocas Valley H.S.).

Huebner was a standout midfielder at Ottawa Hills High School where she was the 2003 Offensive Player of the Year and leading point scorer.  She received first team All-Ohio honors in 2003, and played in the 2003 Ohio All-Star game.  A National Honor Society and Student Council member, she is listed in the Who's Who of  American High School Students and National Student Leadership Council in Washington, DC.

Surak led the Blue Devils of Shore Regional to the state title in 2002, the "B" Central title in 2002, and the Shore Conference title in 2002 and 2003. She was named to the All-Shore first team as a senior.  She recorded 12 shutouts, a 0.67 goals against average and set a school record with 25 saves in one game.  Surak received the 2003 Outstanding Defensive Player Award.  She is a member of the National Honor Society, and is listed among the Who's Who of American High School Students. 

McClean, a native of Trinidad and Tobago,  was a member of the 2003 National Team that participated in the Pan Am Games in Santo Domingo. In 2002 she received Most Valuable Player honors at the Invitational Club Indoor Tournament, and was a member of the National Team that went to four National Tournaments in Chile.  In 2001 McClean was captain of the South East Port of Spain Secondary School's hockey team, which placed second in their field competition and first in the youth indoor competition.  She was also a member of the 2000 Junior National training squad.  She is currently training with the Trinidad and Tobago National Team.

Passalacqua was a four-year starter at Rancocas Valley High School where she was a second team All-New Jersey pick in 2003, as well as a 2002 and 2003 first team All-Burlington County Liberty Division selection.  She also earned first team All-South Jersey accolades as a senior after making the second team as a junior.  Passalacqua was also a four-year letterwinner in varsity track, winning MVP honors from 2001 through 2003.

DeSimone transfers to Hofstra from Old Dominion, where she played in six games in 2003 after red-shirting in 2002.  She was a standout at Mount Olive High School, leading her team to the New Jersey state sectional championship in 2001.  She received all-state group three and all-county honors in 2000 and 2001.  She holds the school record for most assists in a season (16), set in 2000 and 2001.  In her high school career, she tallied 72 goals and 46 assists for 190 points. DeSimone also played in the National Futures Tournament from 1999 through 2002.

?œWe are very pleased with the qualities these newcomers will bring to the Pride, ?œ said De Angelis, who will begin her seventh season at Hofstra this fall.  ?œTheir competitiveness and skill level will enhance our squad, and add to the talent and depth of our returning players.?ť 

Hofstra, a member of the Colonial Athletic Association, posted a record of 12-8 last season.

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