LORETTO, Pa. (Feb. 13, 2015) – The Saint Francis U women's soccer program is proud to welcome the five outstanding student-athletes who signed to continue their athletic and scholarly endeavors with the Red Flash earlier this month. 
 
On the heels of a season that culminated with SFU's fifth consecutive postseason berth, four-time Northeast Conference Coach of the Year Brenda van Stralen and veteran assistant coach Marcelo Antonelli will add Kimberly Boyd, Julia Hernan, Jessica Keller, Shannon McGinnis and Sara Suler to its arsenal come August.
 
A second group of newcomers will be announced in the coming weeks.
 
 

Kimberly Boyd Windber, Pa./Forest Hills – Defense – 5-6
A two-sport standout at Forest Hills High School, Boyd helped garner multiple PIAA District VI and Laurel Highlands Athletics Conference titles in both soccer and track.  All told, the speedster contributed to a D6 soccer crown in 2012 in addition to a pair of conference titles (2011 & 2012).  Boyd was named All-LHAC in 2014.   She also assisted in a dynastic run by the Rangers' track & field team as it earned three consecutive LHAC titles (2012, 2013, 2014) and back-to-back District VI titles (2012 & 2013).  In 2014, her contributions landed her on the All-LHAC Girls' Track & Field Team.   She is currently a member of the T.C. Vipers club team. Prior to playing for the Vipers, Boyd played for the Laurel Highland Sizzlers.   She was also inducted into the National Junior Honor Society, National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society.	...	"We are always excited when local, talented players choose Saint Francis to continue their academic and athletic careers and Kim is one of those.  We envision her really contributing to our defense as we prepare for another tough out-of-conference schedule and compete for another trip to the NCAA tournament."                                Brenda van Stralen                                Head coach	...
Julia Hernan Pottstown, Pa./The Hill School – Goalkeeper – 5-7
While her scholastic credentials have certainly stacked up, Hernan has more than made a name for herself as a member of the Vincent United Football Club.  In 2012, she helped her squad to an appearance in the state semifinals and followed that up with Washing Area Girls Soccer League titles in 2013 and 2014.   On the high school pitch, Hernan guided The Hill School to Pennsylvania Independent School State Championships in 2011 and 2012 and a Mid-Atlantic Prep title (2011).  A four-year starter and her team's 2014 MVP and co-captain, she garnered All-Mid-Atlantic Prep League first team plaudits as a senior.		"We're excited to welcome Jules into the program and she will definitely add to our competition at the goalkeeper position. She is a very agile player and her reaction time is tremendous especially in close range shots."                                Brenda van Stralen                                Head coach
Jessica Keller Sandy Hook, Conn./Newtown – Defense – 5-8
Keller comes to Sweet Loretto after a solid stint with CFC United ECNL, U15-U18.  At Newtown High School she was a four-year starter and All-Academic Team recipient, eventually being named a team captain prior to her senior season.  In 2012, she was a part of Newtown's state title run.   A two-sport standout, Keller brought home all-state honors in track & field as a senior.  Her teammates also elected her varsity indoor captain for the 2015 campaign. In the classroom, Keller put in the same stellar effort.  As a result, she was inducted into the National Honor Society and earned high honors four years running.		"We think that Jess will be another important piece to our defensive puzzle this fall and for the next four years. She will bring athleticism and composure to our backline as we look to continue to improve in that area."                             Brenda van Stralen                             Head coach
Shannon McGinnis Macungie, Pa./Emmaus – Defense – 5-10
McGinnis totes a championship-caliber résumé to the collegiate ranks.  As a member of the Vincent United Football Club, she contributed to two Washing Area Girls Soccer League Championship runs (2013 & 2014), a 2014 Bethesda Championship and an appearance in the 2012 State Cup semifinals.   Scholastically, McGinnis made quite an impression on the opposition, eventually earning 2014 Region I All-America honors.  A senior captain, she was also selected all-area and all-state in 2014 before participating in the Girls' High School All America Soccer Game.   Her academic honors also piled high.  McGinnis was named a Conference Scholar Athlete, inducted into the National Honor and Spanish Honor societies and was a regular on the Principal's Honor Roll.		"Shannon will give us some much-needed depth as our defense continues to evolve into an elite unit.  She is a strong, athletic defender and a good ball-winner.  We're excited to get her to campus."                             Brenda van Stralen                             Head coach
Sara Suler Hermitage/Hickory – Midfield – 5-6
Suler joins the Red Flash hoping to replicate some of the success she attained previously with Beadling Soccer Club.  As a starting attacking midfield, she bolstered her team to a No. 4 ranking, nationally, in 2014 in addition to a Regional Championship.  With her on the field, Beadling strung together four state titles (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014) and made a trip to nationals in 2014. In the scholastic ranks, Suler scored 106 career goals while lifting Hickory to four Regional titles and a 2013 PIAA District VI crown.  She also dished out a school-record 77 career assists.  A 2013 and 2014 All-Pennsylvania selection, Suler was tabbed with 2013 District X Player of the Year.   She hit the books, too.  She was a fixture on the Highest Honor Roll (2010-2015), carrying a 3.9 GPA, and a 2014 inductee of the National Honor Society.		"We are very excited to sign Sara to the Red Flash women's soccer program.  She is a player that we will be expecting to step in the midfield immediately and make a difference. Sara is a very smart player who is constantly looking to connect and fits into our system of play very well."                             Brenda van Stralen                             Head coach