On Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2016, Central Bucks South seniors Courtney Dietzel, Sarah Poli, Erin Putnam and Tori Wigand were recognized at a special signing ceremony for committing to play lacrosse at the collegiate level. To view photos of the event, please visit the Photo Gallery at the following link: http://photos.suburbanonesports.com/g/111815_signings_mjs#l__mg_4318_59_3_20
“They’re all amazing,” coach Janique Craig said. “They all came in their freshman year together. They were the first group that actually had experience coming in, and they changed the program around because of their dedication to lacrosse and to the team and to the program.
“I think that’s why we’ve been successful because of that core group. From offseason workouts to charity events to fundraisers to everything – their commitment, hard work and dedication to the team – they’re just amazing girls.”
Courtney Dietzel – Drexel University (Lacrosse)
Major: Business & Engineering
Final list of colleges: Drexel University, Boston University, Dartmouth College
Reasons for choosing Drexel: “Right away, I knew that Drexel was the right fit for me. Coaches Hannah Rudloff and Mary Moran were so welcoming, and I was impressed with the program they have built these past couple of years. I knew that I would not only be challenged athletically here but academically as well. Drexel’s co-op program is the best way for me to get the experience I need in the business and engineering field. I am so lucky to have the opportunity to continue playing while receiving a great education.”
What was the progression that led you to playing lacrosse at the collegiate level? “I started playing lacrosse in first grade, and it has undoubtedly been something I have always been passionate about. I began to think about playing college when I joined Ultimate Lacrosse Club. I looked up to my coaches and older sisters who were all student-athletes in college. I decided in middle school that I would not be ready to give up the sport I love so soon.
“Recruiting started in the summer after ninth grade, and the whole process was about a year long. It was early to be looking at colleges, but I enjoyed the experiences that lacrosse and my club opened me up to.”
Coach Janique Craig says: “Courtney is a dynamic player. She plays defense, offense, midfield. She typically plays one of the stronger players on our opponent’s team. She’s a leader on the field, very vocal. She really fills in the midfield position – defense, offense and our transition go-to girl.”
About Courtney:
Favorite food: Mac ‘N Cheese
Favorite movie: She’s the Man
Favorite music: Christmas Music
Sarah Poli – Saint Joseph’s University (Lacrosse)
Major: Undecided
Final list of colleges: St. Joseph’s University, Drexel University, Robert Morris University, Iona College, American University
Reasons for choosing St. Joe’s: “I fell in love with St. Joe’s as soon as I stepped on campus. I have a family history at SJU; both my mom, Barb Poli, and my aunt, Debbie Black, played three Division One sports for them (field hockey, basketball and softball), and my aunt was inducted into their Hall of Fame. The coaches and the team made me feel extremely welcome during my visits, and the women’s lacrosse program is quickly excelling under Coach Kahoe’s new advisory. I’m extremely honored and excited to become a Hawk!”
What was the progression that led you to playing lacrosse at the collegiate level? “I started playing lacrosse in fifth grade for the Lady Bulldogs under Coach Dietzel and Coach Dougherty. I played for them until eighth grade and then played a transition year of summer lacrosse for Bucks Select leading into my freshman year, which really helped me out in understanding how to control the game.
“When I made varsity my freshman year, Coach Craig told me she saw a lot of potential in me and believed that with a lot of hard work and dedication to the sport, she could see me going D1. I’d always wanted to continue playing a sport through college, but I didn’t know if it was possible with the high competition in each of the sports I played. Even if I did get the chance to play at the collegiate level, I never pictured it being in lacrosse; I always thought if I’d make it for anything, I’d be playing volleyball. My high school coach, Janique Craig, guided me through the recruitment process and helped me get seen by a multitude of college scouts. I continued to play summer lacrosse, switching over to play for Ultimate under Coach Duck and DJ, who also aided me in the recruiting process. I received my offer from St. Joe’s in November of 2014 and finally made a verbal commitment to play for the women’s lacrosse team in March 2015. I’m extremely grateful for everyone, especially my parents and coaches, who have helped me and supported me along the way.
Coach Janique Craig says: “Sarah is a center/midfielder attack wing. She’s a four-year starter and ran my attack her freshman year with Courtney Dietzel. If a coach trusts two freshmen to run their attack and run their team, that says a lot about the two players, and that was Courtney and Sarah. The maturity they had and the skill level at their age was above average. They both succeed at 1v1s too. They’re great 1v1, and they see each other.
“Sarah stepped up into more of a vocal leader but she leads by example – just by hard work. Her strength is her attack and her shot - her shot placement, finding the proper player in off-ball movement, settling our attack and running our attack. She’s been doing it since she’s been a freshman.
About Sarah:
Favorite food: Apples
Favorite movie: The Blind Side
Favorite music: Country
Erin Putnam – University of Scranton (Lacrosse)
Major: Physical Therapy
Final list of colleges: Scranton, Ithaca, St. Joe’s
Reasons for choosing Scranton: “I love the feel of the campus and the academic programs they offer. I love the coaching staff and I feel like I really fit in well with the dynamic of the team.”
What was the progression that led you to playing your sport at the collegiate level? I have been playing lacrosse since fourth grade, and I have always known that I wanted it to be a part of my future. I started thinking about playing in college when I joined a club lacrosse team, Ultimate Lacrosse. My recruiting process started the summer going into my sophomore year with the help of my club coaches, Jenn Duckenfield and Michele DeJuliis. I played in many recruiting tournaments where college coaches would come watch me play.”
Coach Janique Craig says: “Erin is my goalkeeper, and she will be a three-year starter. Erin has worked so hard with her club team and during the offseason. She has such dedication to the sport of lacrosse. She’s been so helpful, especially with our younger goalie. Her strengths are her game knowledge, her directing the defense and she’s good under pressure. She definitely will be missed next year along with the other girls.”
About Erin
Favorite food: Spaghetti and Meatballs
Favorite movie: The Proposal
Favorite music: 21 Pilots
“All three of them have made a great impact in our program. They’ve been with us for a while now, so it’s really exciting to see them have this opportunity, to see them grow as individuals and as players. We’re really proud of what they’ve done. These kids are obviously all experienced and have good backgrounds in the sport, but their work ethic, their dedication and they’re good teammates to everyone on the team, and it’s just fun to watch them develop as a total unit. To give themselves the opportunity that they have is exciting. All of them have excelled. That’s why they are where they are today.”
---Ultimate Lacrosse Club coach Michele DeJuliis about club team
members Courtney Dietzel, Sarah Poli and Erin Putnam
Tori Wigand – Bloomsburg University (Lacrosse)
Major: Exercise Science
Final list of colleges: Bloomsburg, Kutztown, Penn State, TCNJ
Reasons for choosing Bloomsburg: “The campus is beautiful, the team and coaches were all very welcoming, the athletic facilities are very nice, the campus was the perfect size for me, and it has the majors/classes I want to study.”
What was the progression that led you to playing lacrosse at the collegiate level? “The summer after my sophomore year while playing in tournaments with my club team, I started to hear from a lot of college coaches, and I realized then that playing in college was a possibility. I started visiting colleges, attending clinics and meeting with coaches, and by the middle of my junior year, I could see it becoming a reality. After a bunch of visits to Bloomsburg and getting chances to really know the team, coach and campus, I knew that is where I wanted to go.”
Coach Janique Craig says: “Tori is a low attacker and is also a four-year starter. Tori’s always been my secret threat. She has the best skills on the team – the quick hands, gorgeous shot. Teams focused on Courtney and Sarah, and they didn’t realize how talented Tori is. The catches and moves she makes and shots are just incredible.”
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