ALBANY, N.Y. – The University at Albany field hockey program and head coach Phil Sykes have announced the addition of five recruits joining the 2020-21 squad.
 
"We are super excited about this recruiting class," said Sykes.  "Getting to know this group has been a fun process.   I think they will add a great deal of quality to our team.  Our midfield and defense in particular will be benefitted by their experience and skill."
 
These five players join a team that went 11-8 in 2019 and boasted 10 America East All-Conference selections, three Northeast All-Region selections, and one All-American.  The 2019 Great Danes ranked as highly as 20th nationally and recorded the program's 14th-consecutive winning season.
 
Hannah Mangan: GK | 5-8 | Dublin, Ireland (Technological University Dublin)
 


Quick Facts: Played hockey for Alexandra College, helped school's first team win Leinster League and Cup in 2014-15.  Started Senior club hockey with Pembroke Wanderers hockey club, and currently plays Senior hockey for Old Alex hockey Club.  Voted MVP 2018/19.  Is a First Degree Blackbelt in Taekwondo.
 
Sykes on Mangan:  Hannah is a high-quality goalkeeper and we are very excited to add her to our team.  She is tall, fast and athletic and fearless.  Coming from a very strong first division Irish club team, her experience will add a great deal to our defense.
 
Lara Mortz: M | 5-7 | Hamburg, Germany (Gymnasium Heidberg)
 


Quick Facts: Played for UHC Hamburg, the oldest field hockey club in Germany established in 1901.  Won the German youth Championships twice.   Once outdoor in 2015 and once indoor in 2018.  Has represented the Hamburg regional youth team from 2015-2019.
 
Sykes on Mortz:  Lara is from one of the best hockey clubs in Germany, UHC Hamburg.  Her club has produced countless Olympians and German National team players. She is a very experienced player.  Her skill, speed, and awareness will add a great deal to our midfield.
 
Robyn Murray: D/M | 5-5 | Enniskerry, Ireland (St. Gerrads H.S/Old Dominion)
 


Quick Facts: Played field hockey for Saint Gerard's School and the Muckross Hockey Club in Ireland.  Led St. Gerard's in scoring during her senior season and also helped lead the team to three cup finals, including one championship.
 
Sykes on Murray:  We are very excited to be adding Robyn to our team.  She is a junior transfer from Old Dominion.  She is a very strong, determined and skillful player.  She will spend time on our defense and midfield and possibly add some valuable elements to our short corner unit.  
 
Charlotte Triggs: M | 5-5 | Nottingham, England (Trenton College)


 
Quick Facts: Played the last few years in the English 1st Divison with Beeston Ladies under Head Coach Colin Clarke.  One of the youngest players in the top league when she first got there. 
 
Skyes on Triggs:  Charlotte is a crafty player who plays at the highest level in England.  She is from Beeston Hockey club and she is very well coached.  She will add a lot to our midfield with her composure and quality hockey brain.
 
Janelle Volk:  D/F | 5-2 | Afton, N.Y. (Afton High School)
 


Quick Facts: Two-time All-State player at Afton High School.  Team MVP and Defensive Player of the Year.  Winner of the 2019 Wicked Smart League with her club CNY. 
 
Sykes on Volk:  Janelle is a very tough, strong, and skillful player.  We think she will add a great deal to our team defense and overall depth.