Feb. 22, 2008

Stockton, Calif. - University of the Pacific Head Field Hockey Coach Linda MacDonald announced today the signing of six student-athletes for the 2008-09 season. Lauren Jeanot, Robin Nelson, Christina Niccum, Amanda Spellman, Doreen Stern and Courtney Weaving will all enter Pacific in the fall of 2008.

Jeanot is a senior at Presentation High School in San Jose, Calif. She was a Blossom Valley All-League selection in both 2005 and 2006, and was the team captain and team MVP in 2007. Her ability to play both offense and defense helped make her a "Futures" participant in 2006 and 2007.

Nelson will graduate this spring from Live Oak High School in Morgan Hill, Calif. She was the team captain and team's MVP in 2007. A 2006 and 2007 Blossom Valley All-League First Team selection, she is a member of the Endangered Species club team.

Niccum will enter Pacific as a sophomore after a year at Ball State. She graduated from Royal High School in Simi Valley, Calif. in 2006. The sister of current Tiger Ashley Niccum, she played club field hockey for Camarillo Cougars and helped her team to the Moorpark Club Championship. She also represented California at the Women's National Championships in Virginia Beach, Va. last summer.

A senior at Gilroy High School in Gilroy, Calif., Spellman joins the Tigers at the forward and midfielder positions. She earned All-Central Coast Section Honorable Mention honors in 2007, as well as First Team All-Tri County Athletic League honors. A two year captain, she was named the team's Most Valuable Offensive Player as a senior.

Stern joins the Tigers after a successful career at Westmont High School in Campbell, Calif. She was a Blossom Valley All-League selection in both 2006 and 2007, earning second team honors as a junior and a first team award as a senior. The team captain in each of her final two seasons, she earned the team's Most Valuable Player award as a senior. A midfielder, Doreen was selected to represent Northern California during the USA Field Hockey Regional Rumble in 2007.

A forward and midfielder from New Preston, Conn., Weaving joins the Tigers after an outstanding career at Shepaug Valley High School. She earned CHCSA All-State honors in both her final three seasons, getting second team accolades as a sophomore and junior and was named to the first team in 2007. She was as three-time All-Berkshire League honoree, and led her team in scoring in each of her final two seasons.

"I am excited about the athleticism and work ethic of this group," said MacDonald. "Courtney, Doreen, Amanda and Robin will definitely give us added strength and speed in the offense as midfielders and forwards. Lauren has the flexibility to play both offense and defense and Christina come with a lot of experience at different levels. She and senior Kelly Miller (returning from an injury) will compete for the starting position. As a class, I feel this group will add experience and enthusiasm to the current team."