Field Hockey Inks Four
February 07, 2006 | Field Hockey
Feb. 7, 2006
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - - University of Louisville field hockey coach Pam Bustin has announced that four student-athletes have signed National Letters-of-Intent to continue their education and playing careers and the University of Louisville. Jenna Ahern, Heather Bustanoby, Kayla May and Kirsty McConnell will be eligible to compete in the fall of 2006.
"We are absolutely welcoming the collective talent and pride of the class of 2010," said Bustin. "Each of these players hails from extremely successful high schools and club programs. They are all accustomed to intense competition and have had great coaching."
Ahern, a midfielder/forward from Elizabethtown, Pa., was a four-year starter at Elizabethtown Area High School where she tallied 36 goals and 38 assists in her career. She earned All-State first team honors as a senior and was named to the second team her junior year. Ahern was also a two-time Section I first team All-Star.
"I am so happy to announce that Jenna is a Louisville Cardinal," said Bustin. "I believe that Jenna's work ethic and pride for the jersey she wears and the team it represents will help develop her into one of Louisville's finest. Jenna's combination of speed, strength and skill should help in her transition to Division I hockey. Jenna decided long ago that this is where she wanted to be and now it's official."
Bustanoby, a goalkeeper from Virginia Beach, Va., played for 2005 Virginia state runner-up and Co-District Champion Princess Anne High School. Her team won the state championship in 2004. As a senior, Bustanoby was named All-Beach District Player of the Year and earned first team All-Beach, All-Region and All-State honors.
"We are so fortunate to have one of the best high school goalkeepers in the country choose Team Cardinal," said Bustin. "Heather is intense and has dedicated herself to winning. She is a gifted athlete and a fierce competitor. We look forward to her immediate impact on our defensive flexibility."
May, a forward from Johnstown, N.Y., played for Johnstown High School, where she set the school record for most goals in a game (5), season (38) and career (65). She was a two-time Section II, Class B first team All-Star while playing for the 2005 Section II, Class B runner-up and the 2003 Section II, Class B champion.
"Kayla has enjoyed athletic success in every sport she has played," said Bustin. "She is a natural, gifted athlete who has, fortunately for us, chosen field hockey. Her speed and determination to score will be welcomed on Team Cardinal."
McConnell, a back/midfielder from Glasgow, Scotland, was a member of the National U18 training squad in 2005 and the U16 National Team in 2003. McConnell played for the 2005 `A' National Plate Final runner-up, and 2004 Scotland Interdistrict champion Giffnock Hockey Club. She also received the 2005 Outstanding Sporting Achievement Award and won the Bob Williamson Trophy for Outstanding Sporting Achievement in 2003.
"Kirsty brings a different hockey perspective to Louisville," said Bustin. "Her experience gained through the Scottish hockey system will add a new look to our style. She is a versatile player who loves every aspect of the sport. We are thrilled that Kirsty and the University of Louisville found each other."
"We know that each of our signees can contribute to the strong academic pride of Team Cardinal," said Bustin. "We are proud that they have chosen to join the Cardinal Field Hockey family and are prepared to help us win championships."
U of L finished the 2005 season with a 14-7 overall record and was ranked 12th in the final National Field Hockey Coaches Association poll.
