March 8, 2006

BALTIMORE, MD - Johns Hopkins women's lacrosse head coach Janine Tucker has announced that nine players have committed to join the Blue Jay team in the 2006-07 academic year. Bretton Bathras (Severn), Kimberly Dubansky (McDonogh), Danielle Ensley (Severna Park), Angela Hughes (North Carroll), Paige Ibello (Maryvale), Lizze O'Farrell (Mt. De Sales), Lizzie Rupp (St. Stephen's & St. Agnes), Erin Russell (Severn), and Samantha Schrum (St. Mary's) have chosen to stay local and play for a rising top-10 Division I program beginning next year.

"These nine young women bring a tremendous amount of speed, skill and athleticism to our women's lacrosse team. They will complement our upperclassmen extremely well," stated Tucker. "We anticipate great things from this recruiting class, and are thrilled to have them join our Blue Jay family."

Bathras, who led Severn in goals and points as a junior, was a high school all-American in 2005. She earned the Mullinix Award as the best attacker on her high school team as her team finished as the 2005 IAAM Conference runners-up. Bathras was a member of the All-Galaxy Team as a sophomore and junior.

"I chose JHU because it appealed to me as a great opportunity to be academically challenged while being coached by an exceptional coaching staff in a top 10 Division I program," said Bathras.

Dubansky is four-sport athlete for McDonogh, earning 11 varsity letters in lacrosse, soccer, basketball and track. She led McDonogh to the 2005 IAAM A-2 Championship. Dubansky was named all-conference and all-county as a junior and an honorable mention all-American. She is a Dean's List student and named an Honorable Mention Maryland Distinguished Scholar. She is one of 15 students named a Rollins-Leutkemeyer Leader.

"I chose JHU lacrosse because of the great coaches and team chemistry," stated Dubansky. "I also chose JHU to be close to home so my parents can watch our games. Johns Hopkins is a prestigious university with a great lacrosse history and a national championship in the future!"

Ensley led Severna Park to the 2003 and 2005 Anne Arundel County Championships. A national All-Academic selection, she was named to the All-County team and to the 2004 National School Girls' Team.

"I chose to attend JHU because it's the best of both worlds," Ensley said. "It's an awesome academic opportunity with a great chance to excel in life, but it's also an outstanding opportunity to be on a great Division I lacrosse team. I am so excited about having these opportunities and being a part of a rising team that is building an excellent tradition."

Hughes was named "Most Athletic" at North Carroll High School. She was a two-year selection to the Mid-Atlantic Team and a member of the ROME Lacrosse Club.

"I chose JHU because as soon as I met the coaching staff and team, Johns Hopkins felt like a close-knit family," stated Hughes. "They made me and my family feel welcomed right away. Also, I wanted to play for a competitive team that offers an incredible education. JHU does just that for me."

Ibello earned seven varsity letters at Maryvale in lacrosse, field hockey and track. She was an honor roll student and was named the MVP and captain of her field hockey team. Ibello earned First Team All-County honors in field hockey.

"I chose to attend Johns Hopkins because the second I walked onto the campus, everything just fit," said Ibello. "I was attracted to the nursing school at Hopkins and I loved the campus. The best part was the girls on the lacrosse team and the unbelievable coaches." O'Farrell, a 2004 national high school All-Academic selection, was named to the Mid-Atlantic National Tournament Team 2. She was a three-time class president for Mt. De Sales and was the recipient of the St. Francis de Sales Service Award. O'Farrell was an Honorable Mention Maryland Distinguished Scholar.

"I can't wait to become a part of the Blue Jay family," O'Farrell said. "The coaches, team, and school have a dedication to the sport that is unmatched, and they are passionate about sharing their love of the sport with youth players around Baltimore."

Rupp, a three-year starter on for St. Stephen's & St. Agnes, led her team to the ISL league and tournament championships in 2004 and 2005. She was named to the Mid-Atlantic Team 3 in 2004 and Team 1 in 2005. Rupp was an All-American and a second-team Washington Post All-Met in 2005. Her team finished 2005 ranked second in the nation. A Dean's List student, Rupp is a Normandy Scholar and was the Sophomore Class President.

"As soon as I met the coaches at Hopkins, I knew this was the school for me," said Rupp. "The Hopkins team is incredibly outgoing and has the drive and the talent to win a national championship. I love the tradition of lacrosse at Hopkins."

Russell is a three-sport athlete for Severn, playing lacrosse, soccer and basketball. She led her soccer team to an undefeated conference record and the conference championship in 2005. Russell was voted an All-Star at the Galaxy Nationals for her club lacrosse team.

"I chose JHU for many different reasons," Russell said. "I really liked the campus and always knew I wanted to go close to home. I like the strong athletics and academics as well. I am excited next year to move to that next level in academics and lacrosse."

Schrum played soccer, field hockey and basketball in addition to lacrosse for St. Mary's. She earned First Team All-Galaxy honors in 2004 and 2005. She was named First Team All-County by the Washington Post, Baltimore Sun, and Capital-Gazette. Schrum was a US Lacrosse Honorable Mention All-American as well as a US Lacrosse All-Academic selection. She led her lacrosse team to the 2005 IAAM A1 Conference Championship.

"I chose Johns Hopkins because it provides a complete package to the student-athlete," said Schrum. "The university's challenging academic program will prepare me for my future career. As a student-athlete, I will be coached by dynamic female coaches in a quality Division I lacrosse program."