University of Connecticut Athletics
Team Adds Four Recruits to 2002 Roster
4/29/2002 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
STORRS, CT (April 29, 2002) - The University of Connecticut field hockey team has landed four recruits during its signing period.
Laura Puddle (Thames, England), Cea Fong (Greenwich, CT), Becky Helwig (Madison, NJ) and Barbie Steffen (Oak Park, IL) will be joining the Huskies for their 2002 season.
UConn’s only international recruit for this season, Puddle, attended The Millfield School where she led her team to the 2001 National Championship and the 2002 Indoor National Championship. She was a member of the England Under-18 National team, as well as an England National Cross Country Champion for the Under-15’s in 1998.
"Laura brings international playing experience to our program," head coach Nancy Stevens said. "She is a gifted runner, as well, having been England’s National Cross Country Champion. This unique combination makes Laura an impact player for our attack."
Fong, a forward from Greenwich HS was her team’s leading scorer her senior year with 24 goals and was named First Team All-State. In addition to field hockey, she also played lacrosse and was a state champion in indoor track.
"Cea brings a track athlete’s speed and athleticism to our program," Stevens said. "She is a natural scorer who will add an exciting attacking style to our forward line."
Helwig, a midfielder from Madison HS, was First Team All-State as well as a national champion in swimming and a state finalist in track.
"Becky brings an unbeatable combination of athleticism, desire and competitive spirit to our program," Stevens said. "She led her team to the State Finals as a senior captain. Her play in the midfield is outstanding. She can dominate a game."
Steffan, the Huskies final recruit, is a midfield/back from Oak Park/River Forest HS. She was named First Team All-State and was also a state finalist in track.
"Barbie comes to us from one of the country’s top high school programs," Stevens said. "Her playing ability and leadership skills have made her one of the top players coming out of the Midwest this year."
The entire Husky squad will begin its 2002 campaign on Saturday, Aug. 31, when it plays host to Hofstra at 11:30 a.m.
