June 7, 2012

Women's Lacrosse Announces 2012 Recruiting Class

Head Pride women's lacrosse coach Rob Bickerstaff announced his 2012-13 incoming recruiting class on Thursday. Greensboro will welcome four new players to the team for the upcoming season - Alexa Besch, Kaleigh Hemstock, Kirstin Norris, and Jennifer Walker.

"I'm really excited about these girls," coach Bickerstaff said. "We have a great group here that we can begin to re-lay the foundation of success at Greensboro College."

Besch joins The Pride from her hometown of St. Louis, MO. A midfielder from Nerinx Hall High School, Besch was two-time All-Conference selection, including Second Team honors in 2012. She helped lead her team to the State Championship during her sophomore campaign in 2010. After posting 21 goals as a junior in 2011, Besch netted 12 goals, with two assists and 11 ground balls as a senior. In addition, she played for the Brave Lacrosse Club Team.

Besch chose Greensboro College because "I love the location and the atmosphere of the campus. Everyone seems so friendly and open and I love the lively feeling I get while on campus. I also chose Greensboro because of the opportunities with their Athletic Training program."

Hemstock comes to Greensboro from North Haven, CT. A graduate of North Haven High School, Hemstock was a four year varsity player in goal. During her senior season, she made 278 saves with a save percentage of .776, and was nominated MVP of her team.

Hemstock selected Greensboro College because "the athletic training program is very successful and I felt that it was the perfect school for me. I also loved the opportunity to play college lacrosse in North Carolina."

Norris comes to Greensboro from Bushwood, MD. Norris played three years on varsity at Chopticon High School as a midfielder. She finished her senior campaign with 23 goals, six assists, 12 ground balls, 13 interceptions and 27 draw controls.

Norris selected Greensboro College because "it is beautiful and I miss Jessica Pogue."

Walker joins The Pride from Dunkirk, MD. An Academic All-American in 2012, Walker was a varsity defender for two years at Southern High School, where she was named her team's Defensive Most Valuable Player in 2011. In 2012, she helped guide herteam to the state playoffs. Walker was also a four year Scholar Athlete during her career. In addition, she contributed to the CCLax Club Team.

Walker picked Greensboro College because "I love the school - it is a very pretty campus. It is small and it is not too far from home. I was also looking to play lacrosse and was offered the opportunity at Greensboro."

"We really did a good job of getting great student-athlete's on both sides of the ball," coach Bickerstaff explained.

"Alexa has great championship experience, and is a stellar athlete. She was counted on to do a lot more than just score for her team. Kirstin is an amazing two sport athlete - playing basketball as well as lacrosse in high school - and will be counted to contribute immediately," said Bickerstaff.

"Then defensively, we bring that same sort of championship experience with Kaleigh and Jenn. Kaleigh is a heckuva goalie, who turned down some D1 opportunities to be a part of our team and our Athletic Training program. Her save percentage this year says enough about the type of goalie she is. Jenn has a ton of experience through her club team and high school team. She is a lock-down defender who can take the ball away," Bickerstaff added.