April 2, 2009

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Providence College Head Coach Diane Madl announced today that six student-athletes have signed a National Letter of Intent to attend Providence and compete for the field hockey team beginning in the fall of 2009. The six student-athletes are Nicole Fernandez (Tewksbury, Mass.), Emily Jensen (Blandon, Pa.), Christie Lonsky (Dingmans Ferry, Pa.), Shannon Pustis (Shrewsbury, Mass.), Emily Stehly (Valley Center, Calif.) and Kathi Weidman (Millersville, Pa.).

Fernandez comes to Providence College after four seasons of field hockey at Proctor Academy (N.H.). During her high school career, she averaged 12 goals and 20 assists per season. As a freshman in 2005, Fernandez was the recipient of the Charles Marvin Award for leadership, sportsmanship and ability. She also took home the Most Improved Player Award for varsity field hockey. In 2006, Fernandez was awarded Coaches MVP honors and in 2008 she claimed the school's Leadership Award. She also competes in ice hockey and softball.

Jensen attends Fleetwood Area High School (Pa.) and competes in field hockey and track. She earned All-County honors as a senior in 2008 and was an All-State Honorable Mention selection as a junior. Jensen also is a two-time Berks County All-Division selection (2006, 2007). She was a two-time captain of the field hockey team and led Fleetwood to back-to-back Berks County Division II Championships in 2007 and 2008. She has competed in the Futures Program since 2005 and has competed as a member of Futures Elite since 2007.

Lonsky attends Delaware Valley High School (Pa.) and competes in field hockey and track. She earned All-State Honorable Mention honors three-straight years and led Del Val to a P.I.A.A. National Ranking in District 2 and advanced to the P.I.A.A. District 2 play-offs. As a member of the track team, she and her relay teammates are the current Lackawanna League record holders in the 4x100 relay. She has captained the track team for three seasons.

Pustis attends Shrewsbury High School (Mass.), where she helped guide her team to the State Semifinals for the first time in program history in 2007. That same year, her team captured the District and League Championships. As a senior in 2008, Pustis was a part of Shrewsbury High School's first undefeated regular season in field hockey en route to the league title. She has competed in Futures since 2008 and was named Worcester County Mid-Wach A League All-Star in 2007 and 2008. Pustis also earned the school's Lisa Lorden Award for dedication and excellence in field hockey.

Stehly will make the cross-country journey to Providence College from Valley Center High School (Calif.). Stehly has been a starter on the varsity field hockey team since her freshman year in 2005 and earned her first individual post-season honors in 2006 as a member of the Valley League First Team and was tabbed as her team's Best Offensive Player. She also earned Valley League First-Team honors in 2007 and 2008. Stehly also claimed back-to-back Valley League Player of the Year honors (2007, 2008), First-Team All-North County (2007, 2008), San Diego Union Tribune All-Academic First-Team (2007, 2008). Additionally, she has been named First-Team All-CIF (2008), Jaguar Award Recipient (2008), TLN All-Star (2007) and High School MVP (2007). She has competed in Futures since 2008.

Weidman is a First-Team All-State and All-Academic selection in field hockey at Penn Manor High School (Pa.). As a goalkeeper, she posted a 50-6-1 career record, including 31 shut-out victories. She captained her field hockey team as a senior. She led her squad to the Pennsylvania State Championship in 2008 after finishing as runner-up in 2007. In addition to First-Team All-State honors, Weidman also was named Section 1 LL-League First-Team All-Star in 2007 and 2008. Weidman also has competes in lacrosse in high school and is a two-time captain.

"We are extremely excited about this 2013 class," Coach Madl said. "They bring with them a great blend of athleticism, competitiveness and a high level of success. They also bring a solid academic background, which will allow them to continue the strong academic tradition of our field hockey program. Most importantly, they are good people who will bring a commitment and great understanding of community that will represent Providence College and our athletic department very well."

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