ALBANY, N.Y. – The University at Albany field hockey program and head coach Phil Sykes have announced the addition of nine recruits joining the 2021-22 squad.
 
"This could be one of the biggest classes we have ever brought in," said Sykes.  "This group has a little bit of everything: speed, athleticism, experience, and a hunger to compete and succeed.  I think they will have a tremendous impact on our team and help us grow and evolve."
 
These nine players represent five countries: Belgium, Germany, Holland, Spain, and the United States.  They join a team that went 11-8 in 2019, and 5-5 in the COVID-19-affected 2021 spring season.
 
Lara Behn: GK | 5-7 | Hamburg, Germany 



Quick Facts: Behn played hockey for UHC Hamburg 1st Division Budesliga from 2019-21.  She went to the Final Four in 2019.  Behn won the youth German Championships in 2015 (Outdoor) and in 2018 (Indoor), and is a three-time winner of the North German Youth Championship.  Additionally, Behn played in the Euro Hockey Club cup in Amsterdam, and spent a semester abroad in Limerick, Ireland.
 
Sykes on Behn:  Lara is a high-level player.  Having played in the German 1st Bundesliga and at such a quality club means she is prepared for any situation.  We are beyond excited to have her joining our team and think she will be an excellent addition both on and off the field.  
 
Leah Decker: D | 5-7 | Harpursville, N.Y.



Quick Facts: An all-state player from Greene High School, Decker earned First Team All-Star honors in 2018 and 2019.  She has also earned a spot on the Max Field Hockey Top-50 Watch list.  Decker is a member of CNY field hockey club, and served as Student Council Vice President and as a Member of National Honor society.  She also races dirt bikes.
 
Sykes on Decker:  Leah is a strong and athletic player.  She has a commanding presence on the field and will add some toughness to our team.  We are excited to have her joining us and think she will add some depth and toughness to our defensive line.

Floor de Ruiter: M | 5-5 | Noordwijk, Holland



Quick Facts:  de Ruiter plays for Noordwijk Hockey club in the top Junior League in Holland.  Her club is small but achieved very high levels amongst the giants of Dutch field hockey.  She has earned a second and third place in the Dutch youth league.  
 
Sykes on de Ruiter:  Floor is a very talented player.  She is extremely competitive and always thinks several steps ahead of the play.   Her offensive determination and defensive intelligence will add so much to our team.  

Isabella Del Vecchio: F | 5-3 | Somers, N.Y.



Quick Facts:  A two-time All-League and All-Section player, Del Vecchio scored 28 goals with 33 assists over her high school career.  She played for the New York Hockey Club under former Olympian Marq Mellor.  Del Vecchio is a member of National Honor Society, and both of her parents are graduates of UAlbany.
 
Sykes on Del Vecchio: Bella is a very fast and athletic player.  She has an eagerness and hunger to improve.   We are very glad she chose UAlbany.  She will add a positive dimension to our attack.
 
Blanca Orsola: M | 5-4 | Barcelona, Spain



Quick Facts: Orsola plays for the Spanish U16 and U18 Junior National Teams.  Her club team has won the Spanish league and finished near the top in recent years.  Her Entire family are huge FC Barcelona soccer fans.  She spent a semester abroad in Scotland. 
 
Sykes on Orsola: Blanca is a dynamic and athletic player.  Her determination and competitive fire set her apart from others.  She will add to our defense and midfield in many positive ways.  
 
Alison Smisdom: M/F | 5-5 | Edegem, Belgium



Quick Facts: Smisdom is a former member of the Belgium Junior National Team.  She finished second in a 6 Nations tournament in Holland.  Alison is a starter for her club team Royal Victory hockey club.  They play in the 1st ladies division are among the top clubs in the country.  
 
Sykes on Smisdom: Alison is a very calm and crafty player.  She never seems fazed no matter how stressful a situation.  Her experience with the Junior National Team and her club team in high levels of competition will help her transition smoothly into our team.  She will add a tremendous amount to our midfield and attack.
 
Lauren Willis: F | 5-0 | Gansevoort, N.Y.



Quick Facts: Willis played high school field hockey at South Glens Falls.  Her team qualified for the Sectional final in 2018 and was named co-champions in 2021.  She is a member of ADK Field Hockey club under legendary coach Jen Sykes.  Willis is a member of the National Honor Society, and also played Ice Hockey at a high level.
 
Sykes on Willis:  I was very impressed by how coachable Lauren was.  She is constantly adding to her game.  She has an incredible effect on any team she is on because of her infectious positive attitude.  We are delighted to have her coming to Albany.
 
Julianne Zunic:  D| 5-6 | Johnson City, N.Y.



Quick Facts: Zunic is a two-time State Champion at Maine Endwell High School.  She lettered four years in both field hockey & lacrosse.  She played club field hockey for CNY.  A member of National Honor Society, Zunic is a triplet with sister Rylee, attending UAlbany, and sister Jenna, who is attending Ohio State to play field hockey.  
 
Sykes on Zunic: I have been a big fan of Jules for a long time.  She works very hard and keeps it simple.  This makes her such an effective player and teammate.   We are very excited to have her joining the Great Dane family.
 
Rylee Zunic: F | 5-6 | Johnson City, N.Y.



Quick Facts: Zunic is a two-time state champion with Maine Endwell High School.  She lettered four years in both field hockey & lacrosse.  She played club field hockey for CNY.  A member of National Honor Society Zunic is a triplet with sister Julianne, attending UAlbany, and sister Jenna, who is attending Ohio State to play field hockey.  
 
Sykes on Zunic:  Rylee has a tremendous work ethic and passion for the game.  She is going to help our forward line and bring a great deal of toughness to our team.   We are excited to have her joining the Great Dane Family.