Sea-Hawks Welcome four to Women's Soccer Recruiting Class
A busy off-season period has yielded four more recruits for the Sea-Hawks women's soccer program. Committing to Memorial as part of the class of 2020 are striker Zoe Rowe, fullback Shawna Cosgrove, midfielder Sarah Jones, and winger Olivia Ryan.
Zoe Rowe
Rowe, who attends Queen Elizabeth Regional High, is well known locally having risen through the youth ranks with CBS Strikers and now shining with Feildians Jubilee team. She has been a standout member of the NLSA provincial teams' program and the NL Whitecaps Academy Center.
On her decision to attend Memorial and represent her home province, Rowe notes "It's been a goal of mine to compete at the highest level. Playing as a Sea-Hawk has always been the next level for me and Mike Power has helped me achieve this goal."
Approaching her rookie season, she is "really excited to be introduced to a more competitive environment. I'd love to be able to help the Sea-Hawks have success and reach the nationals." Head coach Mike Power added "We love Zoe's hunger to score goals, and she has proven to be consistent goal scorer at all levels at which she has been tested. We're confident in her ability to continue that in the AUS".
Shawna Cosgrove
Cosgrove, a natural left fullback who is a student at Charles P Allen High school, is arriving from sound player development environments in her home province of Nova Scotia. She has been a member of Suburban FC as well as the SNS provincial team and REX programs.
She revealed "I'm excited to for the season to come and I've worked extremely hard to fulfill the goal of playing at the University level. Soccer has given me so many lasting friendships and while I look forward to playing against former teammates attending other schools, I'm most excited to make connections with my new teammates."
Power commented "Shawna offers a nice blend of mobility, grit, and technique. She is also versatile and has a high overall potential."
Sarah Jones
Originally from the Burin Peninsula but recently re-located to St. John's and attending Holy Heart, Sarah Jones is a central midfielder who has also come through the NLSA provincial teams program. She has also represented the Burin Peninsula Soccer Association and the St. John's Soccer Club.
Sea-Hawks assistant coach Laura Breen said "Sarah is extremely hard working, genuine, and constantly wants to get better."
Speaking on the step up to the AUS level and her commitment to the Sea-Hawks, Jones said "I love challenging myself and the competition. It has always been on my radar to play university soccer, but with my move to St. John's I gained even more interest in Memorial's program after meeting the incredible coaching staff."
Power added "Sarah will fit quite well within our team culture."
Olivia Ryan
Olivia Ryan is a left winger known for her speed and endurance. She is a very high achieving student at Marystown Central High, and has shone while playing for the Burin Peninsula Soccer Association as well as the NLSA provincial team.
"Olivia's development has accelerated rapidly over the last 2 seasons and her ceiling is sky high" suggests coach Power. "We're really looking forward to getting to work with her."
Ryan revealed "I'm most looking forward to seeing what university soccer is all about - the training and the level of competition. I want to improve in a few areas and continue to grow as a player. Most importantly, I want to have a great first year as a Sea-Hawk."
Power finished by stating "this portion of our recruiting class offers a bundle of desirable skillsets and characteristics, and a ton of potential for the future. As a program we are committed to raising our level, and we are optimistic these players can contribute to that over time in one way or another."
These signings are in addition to the commitment of winger Claire Langille, announced in the fall. Without any players running out of eligibility following last season, and a strong incoming recruiting class, the Sea-Hawks are building for a successful 2020 season. Having reached the semi-final stage for 5 consecutive seasons, the team is looking to push one step further.