March 22, 2011

PHILADELPHIA - Three student-athletes--Colleen Kempf (Warrington, PA / Central Bucks South), Olivia Leaman (Mount Joy, PA / Donegal), and Madison Tettelbach (Lorton, VA / South County)--have signed National Letters of Intent to play field hockey at La Salle University, head coach Michelle Marks announced today.

"I could not be more pleased to welcome three incoming freshman to our squad," Marks said. "As a group, I believe they will contribute to our success both on the field and in the classroom. These three are athletic, talented, and prepared to step in and make an impact on next year's team. On behalf of the coaching staff and team, we are looking forward welcoming these young ladies and their families to the Explorer field hockey family."

Kempf, a second team all-state selection from Central Bucks South, scored 11 goals and added five assists as a senior. She is a two-time All-Suburban One League and All-Intelligencer choice and added All-Southeastern Pennsylvania honors as a senior.

She helped Central Bucks South to three straight league titles and the 2009 PIAA District One Championship, while leading the team to an undefeated regular season in 2010. Kempf is also a two-year member of the USA Futures Program

"Colleen is quick and yields great explosiveness on the ball, which makes her a dangerous threat on the attacking line," Marks said. "Her ability to eliminate a defender and accelerate with speed will make her very hard to defend. Her tough and aggressive style of play allows her to draw corners and generate scoring opportunities inside the circle."

Leaman is a two-time all-state selection, including first team honors as a senior, at Donegal High School. A four-year starter, she also earned all-league honors three times.

She also participated in the National Field Hockey Festival for four years with the OD Clan and for three years with the X-calibur Field Hockey Club.

"Olivia is a very good defender and has proven to be one of the top in the state of Pennsylvania," Marks said. "Her strength and athleticism are among her biggest assets, as well as her timing and technique on her tackles. Olivia's ability to make smart decisions on the ball and possess out of the backfield holds great potential for our defensive unit."

Tettelbach led South County High School with 18 goals and 11 assists as senior, to earn First Team All-Region and All-Patriot District honors. Also a Washington Post All-Met pick, she guided her team to the regional final four for three straight years.

South County also won the Patriot District title in 2008 and 2009 and the Northern Region title in 2009.

"Maddy is a natural and talented athlete who plays at an extraordinary pace," Marks said. "Her speed and skill make her an extremely dynamic player and her talent will elevate our overall ability to attack as a team. During her senior year, she led her team in both goals and assists, so we will be looking for Maddy to be a threat on the forward line"

La Salle opens the 2011 campaign on August 27 when it plays Davidson on the campus of American University in the nation's capital.