Stanford Signs Seven

STANFORD, Calif. - Stanford grew stronger with the commitment of seven future Cardinal, who signed National Letters of Intent to join the team this fall.

Stanford will welcome Frances Carstens, Madison Connell, Sarah Johnson, Kaylie Mings, Hannah Schofield, Emily Surgent and Corinne Zanolli to The Farm. 

This is a well-balanced and high-performing class in strength and position that has national team experience," stated head coach Tara Danielson. "The high-energy and aspiration of this class will add to the high-tempo culture of Stanford field hockey."

The class will join a Stanford team that is coming off an America East Conference championship during a successful 2016 campaign.

• South African U18 Junior National Team (2016)
• U18 Inter-Provincial Tournament – Player of the Tournament (2016)
• Boland Provincial Schools Sportswoman of the Year (2016)
• Captain of the Boland Provincial U18A Team – National Champions (2016)
• Somerset College Senior School Sportswoman of the Year (2015-2016)
• Somerset West Hockey Club – Junior Player of the year (2016)
• Head Girl of Somerset College Senior School (2016)
• The Duke of Edinburgh's Award - Gold Standard (2016)

"Choosing Stanford was one of the easiest decision I've had to make simply because it's world class. On a more personal note however, I am attracted to the competitive nature of the university. I know Stanford will push me to my   limits and I'm excited to be tested academically and on the hockey field. ." » Frances Carstens

• U21 Canadian National Team
• 2015 High School Provincial Champions and MVP
• 2016 U18 National Champions (Team British Columbia) 
• 2016 Field Hockey Provincial Silver Medalist 
• 2015 Field Hockey Provincial Gold Medalist
• 2013 & 2014 Field Hockey Provincial Bronze Medalist
• 2015 Tennis Provincial Gold Medalist

Fun fact: Connell's father, Grant is a former tennis pro that competed in two Olympic Games and reached the world No. 1 ranking in doubles in addition to being a three-time Wimbledon doubles finalist. 

"I chose Stanford because of the combination academics, athletics and its inspiring atmosphere. Stanford allows me to play field hockey in a highly competitive environment, while studying at one of the best universities in the world." » Madison Connell

• USA National Indoor Team (2015-pres.)
• 2017 RohrMax Cup Champion (Vienna, Austria)
• 2017 Big Apple Tournament Champion
• Max Field Hockey Top 50 National Player Ranking
• Two-time first team All-Chesmont
• 2014 second team All-Chesmont

Fun fact: Johnson's father, Paul wrestled and played football at Western Maryland and mother, Stephanie was a gymnast at Hunter College. 

"I chose Stanford for their promising excellence both on the field and in the classroom. Every time I step on campus, I fall more in love with the university in its entirety. Stanford offers an exceptional education, elite field hockey program, and inspiring atmosphere which provides me the perfect opportunity to live out my dream." » Sarah Johnson

• U19 USA Junior National Team
• U17 USA Junior National Team (2015-2016)
• Three-time Junior National Camp participant 
• Four-time National Indoor Tournament participant
• U17 Germany Tri-Nation Tournament participant
• Named a top-50 player in 2017 Class
• 2015 regional All-American
• Two-time All-Southwest Preparatory Conference 

Fun Fact: Mings has interned with both an orthopedic and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon over the past year.

"I chose Stanford because pursuing athletics and academics at the highest level at a beautiful place is an opportunity I didn't want to pass up. "  » Kaylie Mings

• 2016 Field Hockey Federation Player of the Year
• Max Field Hockey Next 50 National Player Ranking
• USA Field Hockey National Futures Championship (2014-16)
• Three-time captain of the club field hockey team 
• Four-year letterwinner on cross country team
• Four-year letterwinner on track and field team - varsity pole vaulter

Fun Fact: Schofield has no high school field hockey experience, as it was not offered by her school.

"I chose Stanford because it will provide me with endless opportunities to excel both athletically and academically. It has been a dream of mine to attend Stanford for many years." » Hannah Schofield

• Max Field Hockey Top-50 National Player Ranking
• Two-time All-Region team
• Two-time first team All-State 
• Two-time first team All-Shore Conference
• 2014 second team All-Shore Conference
• 2016 Player of the Year
• Three-time All-Division team
• 2013 NJ Central Group 2 Champions and NJISAA Group 2 Finalist
• 2015 NJ Central Group 2 Champions; NJISAA Group 2 Finalist

Fun Fact: Mother, Karen played field hockey at Villanova University

"I chose Stanford because it has everything I was looking for in a university, including both excellent academics and athletics. I feel it is a place where I can learn, grow, and be inspired to become the best person I can be in all areas of my life." » Emily Surgent 

• USA U21 Junior National Team member
• USA U19 team (2015-2016)
• USA U17 team (2014-2015)
• USA Women's Indoor Field Hockey Team (2015-present)
• Selected to tour to England (USA U21), Germany (USA U19), Belgium (USA U17), Canada and Austria (USA Women's Indoor), and New Zealand, China, and England (WC Eagles)
• 2016 first team regional All-American
• Three-time All-Inter-Ac League, All-Mainline and All-Delco Area
• Two-time PAISSA State Champion
• Two-time NFHCA Academic All-American
• 2016 US Lacrosse Academic All-American
• Max Field Hockey Top-50 Ranking

Fun Fact: Zanolli trained in classical ballet for 11 years.

"Stanford is the perfect intersection of rigorous academics with competitive athletics that will allow me to pursue both at the highest level. From the moment I stepped onto campus, I knew Stanford was the perfect place for me. I am very excited to join the Stanford community and become a part of the field hockey team. Go Card!" » Corinne Zanolli