Feb. 12, 2004

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Providence College field hockey coach Diane Madl announced on February 12 that student athletes Abby Maguire (Southbury, Conn.), Michalagh Stoddard (Norwood, Mass.) and Katherine Claeys (Lake Forest, Ill.) have each signed a National Letter of Intent to attend Providence College in the fall of 2004.

Maguire, a forward from Pomperaug High School in Southbury, Conn., was named 2003 Hartford Courant Connecticut State Player of the Year and member of the 2003 Danbury News-Times All-Area Team, Maguire registered 15 goals and 15 assists for Pomperaug as a senior. She earned All-State honors (2003) and led her team to back-to-back Class L Connecticut State Championships in 2002 and 2003, in which she earned Most Valuable Player honors each year. Maguire scored the game-winning goal in each of the State Championship games. Pomperaug posted a 43-0 record in Maguire's final two seasons (2002, 2003). She also was named to the 2003 SWC All-Academic Team for field hockey and basketball. While at Pomperaug, Maguire was coached by Linda Dirga. She is the daughter of Susan and Francis Maguire.

Stoddard, a back/midfield, is a two-time Team Defensive Most Valuable Player and Boston Globe All-Star Team selection (2002, 2003). She also earned Patriot Ledger All-Scholastic recognition in 2002 and 2003, and was the recipient of the Nancy DiNatale Taylor prize at Thayer Academy in Braintree, Mass. Stoddard helped to guide her team to two NEPSAC Championships in 2000 and 2001. While at Thayer Academy, she played for Patti Bossio. She is the daughter of Robert and Seanna Stoddard.

Claeys, a goalkeeper, has been involved with the Furtures' Program since 1999 as a part of the U-16 and U-19 groups. She was selected as a member of the 2001 and 2003 National Futures' Tournament and was a junior olympic alternate in 2001. As a junior she helped Lake Forest High School capture its third-consecutive Illinois State Championship title. Claeys will be joining former high school teammate and current Providence College team member, Meredith Jones. While at Lake Forest, she played for Head Coach Tamara McHaney. She is the daughter of Jerome and Barbara Claeys.