New Paltz, NY — The State University of New York at New Paltz women's soccer team announced its incoming class for the 2023 season Monday.
 
The six incoming Hawks hope to add depth to an already talented roster that set a new foundation of success after a historic run last season. SUNY New Paltz finished with 11 wins, tied for third most in program history, while their six SUNYAC victories were the most ever in conference. They went on a six-game winning streak through the year, which set a program record, while their 19 goals scored in the SUNYAC and 31 assists recorded set new program records.
 
The five incoming members are primed to contribute to a SUNYAC title run, which has alluded the program since 2011.
 
"We are incredibly excited to welcome MJ, Jill, Grace, Ashley, Erin and Laney," said SUNY New Paltz head coach Mike Eckberg. "They all bring multiple tangibles and intangibles to New Paltz Women's Soccer. The championship mindset is real and not some distant fairy tale.
 
"There are underlying themes they share: a no-nonsense blue-collar work ethic, an authentic dedication to the development of their craft and a pure heart to put their teammates' interests ahead of their own."
 
Read more about each incoming Hawk below:

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Jillian John '27
Elwood-John H. Glenn High School
Greenlawn, NY
Long Island Soccer Club
Forward/Midfield
 
John, hailing from Greenlawn, NY starred for Long Island Soccer club. She was a two-year varsity starter at John Glenn High School where she scored eight goals with five assists for the Knights in 2022 and had a career game against Wyandanch, netting for goals in the win.
 
John will see time in the midfield for the Hawks who continue to boast one of the deepest lineups up front and in the middle of the field heading into their 2023 season.
 
"Jill is a savvy and sophisticated midfielder," Eckberg said. "She reads the field extremely well, technically sound on the ball, and tactically knows when to be simple and how to be special. Ultimately, it comes down to her quickness and decision making that excites us about JJ. Her impact in our midfield will be highly touted."
 
 
Madelyn Jachimiak '27
Wallkill High School
Wallkill, NY
Nirvana 360 FC
Goalkeeper
 
Jachimiak, also known as "MJ" was an All-Section 9, Class A First-Team selection for Wallkill High School last season. She was a two-year varsity starter in goal and even saw some minutes in the field as well, showing off her foot skills and athleticism.
 
The Wallkill, NY native has attended four SUNY New Paltz women's clinics as a prospective student-athlete and finally joins the Hawks this fall to fortify a goalkeeping unit alongside incumbent and All-SUNYAC selection Maddie Franklin.
 
"MJ is a true competitor, coachable, team-first heart and attitude," Eckberg said. "She is incredibly humble and legitimately one of the most selfless student-athletes I have ever met. Her partnership with Maddie in goal will spearhead their collective development… She has been a Hawk at heart for years to come and we can't wait to see her impact on our program and her peers this fall."
 
 
Grace Norelius '27
Sachem High School North
Holbrook, NY
Long Island Slammers
Forward
 
Norelius was a four-year varsity letter winner for Sachem North and helped lead her team to a Section IX, Class AA quarterfinal appearance last fall. During her senior campaign she scored six goals with two assists after coming off a junior campaign where she netted six goals with four assists. She was a 2022 Coaches Award recipient and played club for the Long Island Slammers.
 
The Holbrook, NY native will add additional speed to the Hawks attacking front and will provide depth to a stacked forward line that includes SUNYAC Rookie of the Year Brooke Kelleher, All-Region pick Rachel Eisert, along with incumbents Parris Burke, Gaby Treble, fifth-year captain Ally Donovan, along with incoming freshman Ashley O'Hara and Marist transfer Laney Schmitz (see below).  
 
"Grace is a simple but incredibly deceptive attacker," Eckberg said. "She plays the game in such a simple and effective way, linking up with others, pressing defenders or making an extra pass. On top of that, her pace is illusive and can stretch opponent's back line. She is ultra-dynamic off the ball and can change gears without notice. Her presence in our attack will be unique and a difference maker."
 
 
Ashley O'Hara '27
Shenendehowa High School
Clifton Park, NY
Capital United SC
Forward
 
O'Hara starred for Capital United and was a member of the Shenendehowa varsity team, helping the Plainsmen to a Section II, Class AA finals appearance and a New York State Class AA finals berth in 2021, which included a Suburban Council Championship as well during that run.
 
"Ashley's desire to be a Hawk was like no other," Eckberg said. "Her sacrifices, commitment, demeanor and pure passion to be a Hawk were extremely noticeable throughout the recruiting process. Ashley will flourish this fal. She takes any and all opportunities and runs with it. She has a great tempo on the ball and an extremely high work rate working box to box. Ashley will be highly influential in our attack, in our daily grind and in our overall process as a program."
 
The Clifton Park, NY native will continue to add depth to SUNY New Paltz's attack and has the potential to become a pivotal part in the ascension of the program as they strive to earn a conference title and a place in the NCAA Tournament.
 
"Everyone has been so welcoming already and has me feel connected as a whole," O'Hara said. "I couldn't ask for a better coach, support system and university."
 
 
Erin Savarese '27
Sachem North High School
Holbrook, NY
Long Island Slammers
Defense/Midfield
 
Savarese joins Norelius as a member of the Long Island Slammers and Sachem North varsity programs, playing defense and midfield. She was a two-year varsity starter for the Flaming Arrows and was an All-Suffolk County selection last fall, finishing her varsity career with a goal and two assists.
 
The Holbrook, NY native will bring competitiveness and toughness to the Hawks, as she'll see time within the midfield and defensive line. She'll be critical in winning the battle in the middle of the field, especially within a physical SUNYAC conference.
 
"To quote Erin's club coach, 'her work rate is off the charts,'" Eckeberg said. "Fierce competitor, gritty, fearless — her impact will be felt the second she steps onto South Turf. Every time we saw Erin compete, she set a higher work rate. It was incredible. She gets stuck into tackles, competes with passion and truly leaves everything on the field every opportunity she gets. Her peer-to-peer impact on the field will be unmatched."
 

Laney Schmitz '26
Connetquot High School (Marist College Transfer)
Bohemia, NY
Forward
 
Schmitz transfers to SUNY New Paltz after spending last season on Division I Marist College's women's soccer's roster. While at Connetquot High School, she was an All-County selection as a sophomore, junior and senior, and was an All-State selection in 2019.
 
"I chose SUNY new Paltz because after touring campus with the girls on the women's soccer team, I felt at home," she said. "I felt the loving atmosphere as soon as I stepped on campus and the girls welcomed me. Thinking about going to SUNY New Paltz made me nothing but excited so I keep it was the right place for me."
 
The addition of Schmitz might prove crucial in pushing SUNY New Paltz atop of the league standings, as she'll be paired with arguably one of the best players in the conference in Eisert, while also complimenting an already stacked forward line. The duo have the potential to form a formable pair, skilled and physical up front, flanked by speed on the outside.
 
"Laney will be instrumental in our attack," Eckberg said. "Her ideas, ability to execute in the moment and dictating the tempo on and off the ball are first class. Simply put, her soccer IQ is unmatched. Opposing defenders will get lost in the sauce. Her technical ability, presence back to goal, combination in between the lines, attacking and finishing mentality are sublime. She is a true conductor and composer on attack."

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