EASTON, Pa. - Head coach Mick Statham of the Lafayette women's soccer program announced the addition of five student-athletes to the team on Wednesday as part of National Signing Day. Melissa Lamanna, Natalie Neumann, Sara Oswald, Haley Pursel and Rory Schauder formalized their intention to join the Leopards to comprise the Class of 2023.



#8 - Melissa Lamanna (Markham, ON, St. Brother Andre Catholic High School)

At St. Brother Andre: 4-year Varsity Tier 1 soccer starter…Captain Junior and Senior year...MVP Sophomore, Junior, and Senior year...YRAA soccer finalists ('16, '17, '18)...3 year Varsity Tier 1 field hockey starter...Captain Senior Year...MVP Sophomore, Junior, and Senior year...YRAA field hockey finalists ('17, '18)...1 year Varsity Tier 1 girls curling team...YRAA curling champions ('18)...St. John's Collegiate Soccer Tournament Champions ('16)...St. Brother Andre Female Athlete of the Year ('17, '18)...OPDL Spotlight Series feature ('17)... Played with the Markham Soccer Club '01 team since 2005...Third leading goal scorer U21 league ('18)...OPDL Cup champions ('16)...CASL Showcase champions ('16)...Two-time executive member on the Student Athletic Council...Member of the school Choir ('16-'19)...highest honors with distinction and AP level classes all 4 years at St. Brother Andre. 

Why Lafayette? When I was first introduced to Lafayette College, I immediately fell in love with the warm atmosphere and welcoming community I was greeted by. Lafayette's challenging academic program alongside their competitive athletic program provided for me a school in which I can challenge myself yet still enjoy the experience. I'm extremely eager to spend the next four years as a Leopard! Roll Pards!



#18 - Natalie Neumann (West Chester, PA / Westtown School)
    
At Westtown School: 4-year starting goalkeeper and senior captain at Westtown School...First Team All Friends School League '16-'18... Daily Local News All-Area First Team '17, Second Team '16... PAISAA State Champions '16... Friends School League Champions '17, '18... .35 GAA '18... .79 GAA '17...Athletic Leadership Development Program Westtown School '18-'19...5-year starter and co-captain at Penn Fusion Soccer Academy (ECNL/USDA) ... Atlantic Division Champs and National Quarterfinalists '18 (USDA) ... US Training Center Soccer Invitee '15-'16: Philadelphia Area Pool... EPYSA ODP State Team '13-'15... Olympic Development Program Region 1 Pool '14 ... Academic Distinction '15-'18 ... Faculty Letter of Commendation '16... Co-Head of Tour Guide Program '18-19...Dorm Prefect - Student Leadership '18-'19.

Why Lafayette? Lafayette offers the perfect combination of strong academics and a competitive D1 program, alongside many other factors. The first time I stepped onto the beautiful campus, I knew I wanted to spend my college career at Lafayette. It is truly a home-away-from-home. I'm so excited to be a Leopard! Roll Pards!



#30 - Sara Oswald (Perkasie, PA, Westtown School) 

At Westtown: 4-year starter...senior year captain...All-League First Team (grade 9, 10, 11)...'17 All-League MVP...'17 All SEPSCA First Team selection...'17 All-State First Team selection...'17 Friends League Champions...'16 PAISAA State Champion...Holds all time goal scoring record for men and women with 77 goals…At Penn Fusion: ECNL '15-17...Development Academy '17-present...'17 qualified for ECNL playoffs, Chicago, IL...'18 qualified for DA playoffs San Diego, CA…Academic Distinction all semesters...member of the Athletic Leadership Development Program.

Why Lafayette? Over the last four years I have had the opportunity to visit many college campuses around the country. In my visits to Lafayette I felt an immediate connection with the coaches and the campus. I am excited to play for an established D1 program and continue my education as a Leopard!



#17 - Haley Pursel (Quakertown, PA/Quakertown Community High School)

At Quakertown: Started every varsity game in 4-year scholastic career…team captain as a junior and senior…All-Intel/All-Conference recognition all 4 years…All Southeastern Conference Coaches selection Sophomore and Junior years…All-State selection Junior year…Conference Champions & undefeated in conference play Sophomore year…Played for FC Bucks ECNL ('13-'18)...Received Distinguished Honors all 4 years of High School…National Honor Society member…All Honors and A.P. courses.

Why Lafayette? I chose Lafayette because of the welcoming feeling I received from both of the coaches and the students on campus.  Between the competitive sports, and excellent engineering programs, I knew Lafayette was for me.   I am beyond excited to continue my athletic and academic careers at Lafayette.



#25 - Rory Schauder (Marblehead, MA, Pomfret School)

At Pomfret School: WNEPSAA All-Star...Massachusetts All-State...ECNL Top Player (NE Journal)...player to watch (NE Journal)...selected to ECNL PDP Northeast Top 60...ECNL National Champion...WNEPSAA Class B Finalist '17...senior captain...four year varsity starter...8 year club starter...NEFC Team Captain '16 and '17...School President...highest scholar honor every semester all four years...Head of School Scholar...Math National Honor Society.

Why Lafayette? I chose Lafayette because it had everything I was searching for: a competitive athletic program, a prestigious academic reputation and a beautiful campus. Additionally, the community was incredibly welcoming, and I could truly see myself being both a student and athlete at Lafayette one day. Go Leopards!