Field Hockey Welcomes Eight Newcomers

University of Louisville field hockey coach Justine Sowry has announced the addition of eight prospective student-athletes. Maitland Demand, Mia Duchars, Embry Jane Imorde, Brigid Lowry, Paulina Mayer, Sofia Pendolino, Aimee Plumb and Charlotte van Oirschot will join the Cardinals in the fall of 2020.

"The 2020 fall season cannot get here fast enough," said Sowry. "We are excited to welcome a talented, enthusiastic and passionate group of young women from all over the world to our Louisville Field Hockey family. This class brings athleticism, versatility and an energy that will no doubt add depth to our motivated squad and build upon our historic season last year."

Maitland Demand Signing Graphic

Maitland Demand | Midfielder | Waretown, N.J. | Southern Regional High School | Jersey Intensity Club

Maitland Demand joins the Cardinals from Waretown, New Jersey, where she was a four-year starter and two-year captain for Southern Regional High School.

The 2019 Atlantic City Press Field Hockey Player of the Year set a school record with 36 goals and dished out nine assists and finished her career as Southern Regional High School's all-time scoring leader with 87 goals.

The midfielder was also named Shore Conference Class A South Player of the Year and honored as a Class A South First Team All Stars after leading Southern Regional High School to its third straight Shore Conference A South title after a 14-0 campaign in conference play.

Additionally, she earned all-state third team honors and was a first team all-Group 4 honoree. She was named to the Max Field Hockey's All-New Jersey Region team and finished her high school career as a three-time All-Shore first team selection, earning the honor in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

While playing for the Jersey Intensity Club team, Demand helped the team to a top-five showing in the 2019 Disney Showcase. Her U19 squad finished the season among the top 25 club teams according to Max Field Hockey.

Demand also lettered in lacrosse.

Maitland Demand on Louisville
"I chose UofL because from the moment I stepped on campus, met the coaches and team it felt like home!"

Justine Sowry on Maitland Demand
"Maitland has a love for field hockey and for Cardinal Field Hockey program. Her energy and passion were immediately felt when she stepped foot onto campus and we look forward to her positively influencing her teammates around her. Her determination, passion and will to succeed will ensure that she will flourish in this environment.

Mia Duchars Signing Graphic

Mia Duchars | Midfielder | St. Louis, Mo. | MICDS | Gateway Field Hockey Club

USA Field Hockey Under-17 team member Mia Duchars joins the Cardinals from St. Louis, Missouri, where she was a varsity team captain for 2019 Midwest Field Hockey Tournament Champion Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School (MICDS).

The two-time National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) third team All-American and All-Region selection (2018, 2019) led her team and conference in assists for the past three seasons.

Duchars was twice named Metro League Player of the Year (2018, 2019) leading the state in assists and assists-per-game and ranked fifth in Missouri in total points in 2018. She is also a two-time St. Louis Post-Dispatch first-team All-Metro selection (2016, 2017) and All-Conference honoree.

The four-time MICDS Best Varsity Midfielder was a Max Field Hockey third team All-America selection in 2018 and 2019. Additionally, Duchas was a two-time Max Field Hockey All-Region pick (2018, 2019).

She was named to the USA Field Hockey U-17 squad after attending the National Team Training Camp in 2018 and 2019. The three-time Junior Olympic and NFC Stars and Stripes Elite selection participated in the National Futures Championship the past five years.

While playing for the Gateway Field Hockey Club, she competed in five National Club Championships.

Duchars is also successful in the classroom, earning NFHCA National Academic Squad honors in 2018 and 2019.

Mia Duchars on Louisville
"I immediately felt at home on campus. The coaches supported my vision of my future as a field hockey player and the players welcomed me like family. The University of Louisville provides me with incredible opportunities academically while competing at the highest level of field hockey."

Justine Sowry on Mia Duchars
"We were very excited when Mia committed to our Cardinal family. After her first campus visit, it was clear that she would be a great fit for the program. Seeing her grow, develop and improve her skills set over the last few years has been impressive to watch. Mia has a quiet calm demeanor but equally can do damage to an unsuspecting opponent."

EJ Imorde Signing Graphic

Embry Jane Imorde | Forward | Louisville, Ky. | Sacred Heart Academy |IFHCK Club

Louisville native Embry Jane "EJ" Imorde chose to play for her hometown Cardinals following a stellar career Sacred Heart Academy and with the IFHCK club program.

While playing for the 2018 state champion Valkyries, the forward/midfielder tallied 37 goals and dished out 22 assists during her varsity career. She was a 2019 Kentucky Miss Field Hockey finalist and a two-time all-state selection, earning first team honors in 2019 and a second team nod in 2018.

Additionally, Imorde was a Max Field Hockey Top 50 Player in the class of 2020 and was featured on the MaxPreps All-American Watch List.

While playing in the USA Field Hockey Futures program, she competed in the National Future Championship (2017-19), was a USA Field Hockey Junior National Camp selection and a Stars and Stripes Elite Games participant (2018, 2019). Imorde also participated in the AAU Junior Olympics.

Her success also extends to the classroom as an National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Academic Squad and a Scholar of Distinction.

Embry Jane Imorde on Louisville
"Growing up near the University of Louisville allowed me the opportunity to watch what it's like to play for an elite program. I am blessed to be given the opportunity to play Division I field hockey at such a high caliber while obtaining a great education. The coaching staff, facilities and energy of the program are so appealing to me. I can't wait to be a part of this team. Go Cards!"

Justine Sowry on EJ Imorde
"EJ will be a strong addition to our striker line this season. Her skills may take time to adjust and adapt to the collegiate level, but her blistering speed and athleticism will set her apart from her peers. We are thrilled that we have one of the best staying in Louisville to pursue both her academic and athletic career."

Brigid Lowry Signing Graphic

Brigid Lowry | Midfielder | Wayne, Pa. | Radnor High School |Mainline Mayhem Field Hockey Club

Brigid Lowry joins the Cardinals from Wayne, Pennsylvania where she was a four-year varsity starter for Radnor High School. As a senior, she led her team in goals and assists in a 15-2 campaign and a second-place finish in the Central League. The 2019 All-Main Line first-team selection was also chosen to play in the Phila FH Senior All-Star game.

As a junior, she earned All-Delco, All-Mainline and All-Central Athletic League second team honors. She is also a two-time All-Main Line honorable mention in 2016 and 2017.

Lowry also lettered in lacrosse.

Brigid Lowry on Louisville
"I chose the University of Louisville because of its outstanding field hockey program, incredible coaching staff, beautiful campus and amazing academics."

Justine Sowry on Brigid Lowry
"Brigid is a perfect fit for our program and will add to the depth on multiple positional lines. She is athletic, competitive and has a positive spirit that will be an awesome addition to our team dynamic. Her strong fundamental skill set coupled with her team first style of play will enable her to positively contribute to our team this fall and beyond."

Paulina Mayer | Back | Baden-Württemberg, Germany | Mannheimer Hockey Club

Paulina Mayer comes to Louisville from Baden-Württemberg, Germany, where she was a member of the German Under-16 national team and played for Mannheimer Hockey Club.

As a member of the German U16 national team, the defender helped her squad win the Six Nations Tournament which took place in the Netherlands.

She also played for the Baden-Wuerttemberg State Champion teams on the U14 and U16 levels from 2016 through 2019. Additionally, Mayer's U16 team was the Southern German Champion in 2020, while her U14 squad captured the same title in 2018. Mayer's U16 team won the 2019 German Championship and took second place at the All-Star State Teams Championship in 2017 and 2018.

Paulina Mayer on Louisville
"I fell in love with Louisville when I met the coaches for the first time because they directly gave me the feeling of belonging to the Cardinal Family and when they showed me the campus, I was really impressed by all the facilities Louisville offers to their students! I am so excited and humbled to be part of this hard-working, successful field hockey team full of happiness and team spirit!"

Associate Head Coach Lucas Piccioli on Paulina Mayer
"We are extremely excited to welcome Paulina to our field hockey family. Her defensive presence, ability to read the game and her extensive toolbox make her a very complete player and someone who we expect to contribute to the program from the get-go. Paulina's hockey pedigree is very impressive.

Sofia Pendolina Signing Graphic

Sofia Pendolino | Midfielder | Hummelstown, Pa. | Lower Dauphin | Nook Hockey

A member of the USA Field Hockey Under-17 Team, Sofia Pendolino joins the Cardinals from Hummelstown, Pa., where she was a varsity starter for 2019 Mid-Penn Keystone Division Champion and two-time state-runner up Lower Dauphin School.

She was recently named a nominee for the John Travers Award which recognizes the top student-athletes from central Pennsylvania and was included among the Max Field Hockey Top 10 Players in the class of 2020. The midfielder earned National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) All-America first team honors in 2019 and was a second team selection in 2018. Pendolino was 2019 Pennsylvania High School Field Hockey Coaches Association (PHCFHCA) first team selection and two-time Mid-Penn first team honoree helped lead Lower Dauphin to back-to-back district titles in 2018 and 2019. In 2018, she was named to the Max Field Hockey first team All-PA Region team.

While playing in the USA Field Hockey system, Pendolino was named to the U17 National Team and was selected for the squad's Germany Tour in 2019. She is also a two-time Futures Stars and Stripes selection, Futures Gold Medal Winner (2018, 2019) and AAU Junior Olympics Gold Medal Winner (2018).

As a member of the Nook Hockey club, she helped her team win the U19 Festival Championship, post a third place finish in the Regional Club Championships.

Sofia Pendolino on Louisville
"I love everything about Louisville! Coaches, players, facilities, campus, and the city! Every time I am in Louisville, I can't wait until I go back."

Justine Sowry on Sofia Pendolino
"Sofia will most likely add depth and competition within our backfield. She hails from a strong high school and club program and her motivation to succeed has earned her numerous USA accomplishments. She is a tenacious, tough and aggressive defender and her athleticism, competitiveness and strong work ethic will immediately be felt amongst our squad."

Aimee Plumb Signing Graphic

Aimee Plumb | Midfielder/Forward | Canterbury, Kent, England | St. Lawrence College, Ramsgate

Aimee Plumb joins the Cardinals from Canterbury, England. The midfielder/forward has been a member of England's Under-18 national team for the past two years and, prior to that, was a member of the U16 squad for two years.

While representing England Hockey, Plumb competed against Germany, Ireland, Belgium, Holland, Scotland and Wales. She served as captain of England's U16 squad which won the bronze medal in the Six Nations tournament in Ireland.

In 2020, Plumb was the captain of her prep school, St. Lawrence College, and helped lead the team to the Gold Medal at the Tier 2 Hockey Finals. Additionally, she captained her team to a Silver Medal in the National Club U18 Girls Indoor Hockey Finals.

Additionally, Plumb was the U16 winner of the Hockey Writers' Higgins National Youth Award. She was named the England Futures Cup Saxon Tigers Player of the Tournament at the U15 and U17 levels and has competed in the National Schools Indoor Hockey Finals in each of the past five years.

In 2019, Plumb participated in a sport exchange program with South Africa and helped the first XI squad to the regional semifinal and final. She has been a member of the Canterbury Ladies 1^st XI team and played in the Premier League since 2016.

In addition to field hockey, Plumb also plays tennis, cricket and netball.

Aimee Plumb on Louisville
"Justine, Lucas and the staff create a tight-knit squad where family and care is top priority. There seems to be the perfect balance of hard work and fun, and I am excited to be a part of such a high achieving team."

Associate Head Coach Lucas Piccioli on Aimee Plumb
"Aimee comes to Louisville as a versatile player than can play in multiple positions. What makes Aimee special is her ability to recognize when to attack as well as her relentless defensive work. Aimee's experience at club and international level will make an immediate impact in the team. We look forward to watching her develop her game further here at UofL."

Charlie van Oirschot signing graphic

Charlie van Oirschot | Midfielder | Haarlem, The Netherlands | Stedelijk Gymnasium Haarlem | Hockey Club Bloemendaal

Charlotte "Charlie" van Oirschot joins the Cardinals from Haarlem, The Netherlands, where she was a member of the Dutch U16 team and plays for Hockey Club Bloemendaal.

The midfielder was selected to play for the Dutch U16 team in 2016 and served as the team captain in 2017-18, she went on to compete in several matches with the U18 team. She had also previously played for the Dutch U15 team.

Van Oirschot has competed in the National Elite League since 2016, placing third in 2019 and 2020 and finishing second in 2017 and finished second in the Dutch Regional Indoor Championship (2016-17).

While playing for her club, van Oirschot helped her team finish second in the region in 2015. She was also selected to play in the National Elite Netherlands competition in both indoor and outdoor in 2014.

Charlie van Oirschot on Louisville
"I immediately noticed how nice the coaches were when I first got to know them, for me it's very important to feel at home and Louisville gave me that feeling."

Associate Head Coach Lucas Piccioli on Charlie van Oirschot
"Charlie is well-capable to play anywhere in the front six positions on the field and that versatility makes her a great match for our program. Charlie's work ethic and defensive work make her a great fit to our program. Charlie has a remarkable ability to stay involved in the play, whether is in attack or defense. We cannot wait to have Charlie join the team."

University of Louisville Athletics

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