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Lacrosse Inks Four in Signing Period

September 17, 1996

Nashville -- The Vanderbilt women's lacrosse team has signed four players for the 1998 season, including an All-American recruit. Beatrice Toepke, Amanda Rice, April Tellam and Kathryn Cower will be attending Vanderbilt in the fall of 1997 and will compete in Wendy Steven's program in the spring of 1998.

Beatrice Toepke
All-American and All-League defender as a junior at Greenwich Academy in Connecticut; led her team in interceptions and to an 18-1-1 record; expected to play big part in coach Steven's defense; played hockey and lacrosse for legendary coach Angela Tammaro; daughter of Utz and Beverly Toepke; "Bea hails from an outstanding program that teaches team defense. She will fit in beautifully with our current defensive talent. Her ability to anticipate the pass is what sets her apart from every other player around her. We're excited she is joining our program," says coach Wendy Stevens.

Kathryn Cower
Three sport star in lacrosse, soccer and volleyball at Fayetteville Manlius in Manlius, N.Y.; will play attack for Coach Stevens; captain of all three teams; active in community events; member of Section III Class A Championship Soccer Team; First Team All-League in lacrosse as a sophomore and junior; member of NYSPHSAA Div. II Class A Championship Lacrosse Team as freshman; USWLA National Tournament Team member as a junior; NYSPHSAA Scholar Athlete Award, three straight years; leading team scorer at All Star Express Tournament in Annapolis, Md.; daughter of John and Linda Cower; "An aggressive ambidextrous shot maker, she has tremendous potential to be a deadly close," says coach Wendy Stevens.

Amanda Rice
Standout soccer and lacrosse player at Penridge High School in Perkasie, Pa.; aggressive speedy midfielder who plays a power game; expected to be an explosive spark in the midfield; Suburban I All-League First Team as a sophomore and junior; team MVP as a sophomore; daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Rice; "Amanda has tremendous untapped potential from her outstanding all-around athletic ability. She will be a player who's development will explode over the next four years. Her ability to be in the right place at the right time as well as her uncanny ability to see the entire field leads to excellent decisions with the ball. Amanda will be a tremendous asset for us in the midfield," explains coach Wendy Stevens.

April Tellam
Three sport star in lacrosse, soccer and basketball at an outstanding program at Agnes Irwin High School in Rosemont, Pa.; captain of all three teams; president of athletic association; will play in the midfield as an attack wing for coach Stevens; four year honor student; active in community events; daughter of Barbara Tellam; "April is an outstanding young woman whose polished stick skills will be a reliable asset for the entire team in the midfield. April is an outstanding edition to our program," states coach Wendy Stevens.