Philadelphia, PA - La Salle Explorer head coach Sarah Catlin announces the signing of two freshmen for the 2004 field hockey season. Colleen Nesbitt of Gap, PA and Ellen Axelsen of New Hyde Park, NY have both signed national letters of intent to play for the Explorers next season.

A center midfield and defender, Nesbitt served as a four year starter at Pequea Valley High School were she was named the team's Most Valuable Defender in 2000 and 2002 before being named the team's Most Valuable player in her senior season.

Nesbitt received Lancaster-Lebanon League honors in each of her four years, first as an Honorable Mention, then followed by two years as a second team
All-Star and she finished her career as a first team All-Star. An All-State honorable mention selection as a senior, Nesbitt also picked up Lebanon Tournament All-Tournament team honors. As a freshman, Nesbitt was named the Female Athlete of the Year.

In addition to her achievements at Pequea Valley High School, Nesbitt also competes for the X-Calibur Jersey #28 club team, where she has competed in the National Festival the past four years. A member of the National Indoor U-16 team from 2000-02, Nesbitt later joined the National Indoor U-19 team which took second place in 2003. She has also competed in the Keystone State Games.

Off the field, Nesbitt is activity in the Student Council and Varsity Club, where she serves as treasurer for both. A member of the Honor Roll, Nesbitt also is active in Tri-Varsity Field Hockey and the Softball Youth Group.

What sparked coach Catlin's interest was "her amazing defensive awareness and tactics. She also has excellent attacking skills and field vision which makes her a valuable option for any midfield or back position." Catlin sees Nesbitt "bringing the same success to our program that she brought to her high school team."

Axelsen, a goalkeeper, also boasts a long list of awards, including being a
two-time All-New York State and Newsday All-Long Island team honoree. A three-time All-Nassau County selection, Axelsen was named as the Nassau County Coaches' Association Exceptional Senior and was a member of the Nassau County Class "B" championship team in 2003. She also demonstrated her leadership skills serving as team captain.

Competing for Team Long Island at the New York State Empire Games, Axelsen received silver medals in 2002 and 2003. She also picked up a silver medal while playing for Team Troy at the National Futures Tournament in 2002.

A 2002 Junior Olympics Alternate, Axelsen competed in the USFHA National Festival the past two years and qualified for the 2003 National Indoor Tournament.

In addition to her field hockey accomplishments, Axelsen also picked up
All-Nassau County honorable mention and team Most Valuable Player awards in lacrosse. She was also a member of the New York State Class "B" basketball championship team in 2003.

A well-rounded student-athlete, Axelsen is a member of the National Honor Society and served as a delegate at the National Youth Leader Conference.

Coach Catlin on Axelsen, "Following in current goalkeeper Colleen Bolger's shoes will be a challenge. When I saw Ellen in action, I saw the same quickness and aggressive style of play. When I talked to Ellen, I realized she saw following Bolger as an opportunity, not a drawback, and I knew we had our next star between the pipes."