FLC Lacrosse Signs Eleven
November 18, 2009. Durango, CO. -Fort Lewis College Women’s Lacrosse program is very proud to announce the signing of eleven student-athletes, or the “Elite Eleven” as Coach Queisser refers to them. The recruiting class will make a strong impact on the field, raising the internal competition, and bringing a high level of play and lacrosse experience to Fort Lewis College. “I am thrilled we were able to bring in eleven recruits, I wanted ten, eleven is just icing on the cake! Adding these top players to our program will allow FLC to become the competitive lacrosse program we want and strive to be,” said Queisser. “With the addition of the Elite Eleven, our program will rise to the next level- they can shoot and score, defend and re-defend, and are an overall threat. This group brings experience from all over the United States; each player will step in and be able to contribute right away.”
We would like to welcome The Elite Eleven, FLC Class of 2014: Amanda Cawker (CA), Ashley Deutschlander (MN), Nicole Krook (CO), Abby Kvidera (MN), Ally Kvidera (MN), Jessica Norby (MN), Toki Prodnuk (CA), Kylie Smith (CO), Kelsea Wallace (CO), Shelby Wichkoski (TX), and Whitney Wood (CO).
Amanda Cawker- Valley Center, CA (San Diego County) - Valley Center High School – Midfield
A three year varsity starter, Cawker is a solid midfielder, who is extremely coachable and has a deep passion for the game of lacrosse. As a Valley Center Jaguar, Cawker is the Second All-Time point leader, averaging 3 goals and 2 assists per game. Her athletic accomplishments include - 2009 member of First Team All-League, and 2009 Valley Center League Lacrosse and Field Hockey Champions. Cawker is a true student-athlete, recognized for her success in the classroom as well: Union-Tribune Scholar Athlete (San Diego County Paper), Rotary Student-Athlete of the Month, and Valley Center Scholar Athlete. Cawker is a member of San Diego Sharkz Club Lacrosse program and also plays field hockey. “I was fortunate enough to coach Amanda this summer at the CAL lacrosse camp. I was so impressed with her. She can do anything you ask: offense, defense, draw controls, plus she communicates well on the field. I am thrilled to bring in Amanda” said Queisser. Cawker chose Fort Lewis College because “it has everything I want: perfect classroom size, little town, close community feel, beautiful and peaceful surroundings, has my intended majors and minors, and everyone is so nice and welcoming.” She is the first member for her family to attend college. Cawker is majoring in Pre-Law and minoring in coaching. She plans to attend law school after her time at FLC. Proud parent is Kathleen Cawker of Valley Center, California.
Ashley Deutschlander – Carver, MN (Carver County) – The Blake School- Attack
Deutschlaner is a physically strong player with the ability to put the ball in the back of the net. She LOVES to score. She grew up playing boys lacrosse because there was no girl’s lacrosse in her area, which has really helped her game. Deutschlander is aggressive and powerful. While at the Blake School, despite knee injuries, she was named top scorer and has had a very successful high school career. “Ashley’s passion for the game will resonate through the team. She wants to play and win. I can’t wait to see her 100% healthy. She will dominate” said Queisser. Deutschlander is among three others from the state of Minnesota to join Skyhawk Lacrosse in 2010-Abby and Ally Kvidera and Jessica Norby. She also plays ice hockey. Deutschlander chose FLC because “of the amazing location and the opportunity to ply lacrosse.” Her major is undecided. Parents are Edward and Toni Deutschlander of Carver, MN.
Abby Kvidera – Plymouth, MN (Hennepin County) – Armstrong-Plymouth High School- Midfield
Abby Kvidera is a quick midfielder with excellent field sense and decision making abilities. Her experience playing all over the field will benefit her at Fort Lewis College. On her high school team, Abby is 2nd in Ground Balls, 4th for Overall Goals, and 3rd in assists. Her junior year, 2008, Abby finished the season with 6 goals, 3 assists, 21 ground balls, and 3 blocks/interceptions, helping her team to their ranking State ranking, 5th. She plays club lacrosse for Minnesota Select with twin sister, Ally, and fellow future Skyhawk, Jessica Norby. Abby also plays volleyball. “I am excited to bring in Abby, she is a positive player who listens and produces what you want to see” said of Abby. “The team is excited we are bringing in the twins, they both fit so well instantly.” When Abby was asked why she choose Fort Lewis she said, “I love the location, the team is a great bonded unit, and there is true competition.” Her major is undecided. Parents are Jerry and Kathy Kvidera of Plymouth, MN.
Ally Kvidera – Plymouth, MN (Hennepin County) – Armstrong-Plymouth High School- Midfield
Ally Kvidera will enter the 2010 Skyhawk Lacrosse program with determination, pride, and a big smile. She is a positive player who wants to improve and see the team improve. A three year varsity starter at Plymouth-Armstrong High School, Ally has been named 2007 Honorable Mention All-League, 2007 leading scorer, and 2008 2nd leading scorer. She rounded out her junior season (08) with 21 goals, 7 assists, 1 block, and 15 groundballs. “I have never coached or played with Twins, it will be fun – learning what Ally likes, Abby’s little habits, and getting to know their unique individual personalities,” said Queisser, “Ally plus twin sister Abby will be unstoppable through the midfield. They know how the other one plays; adding that dimension to our team will strengthen our transition game.” Although attending the same college was never in their mind, Ally and Abby, are thrilled to be attending FLC. Ally can’t wait for Fall 2010; she said “the beautiful campus, good academics, really fun girls on the team and coach. Everything seemed to fit. I loved it all!” Club team member, Jessica Norby will be joining the Kvidera twins at FLC. Abby is expressing interest in Exercise Science and Business Management. Parents are Jerry and Kathy Kvidera of Plymouth, MN.
Nicole Krook- Littleton, CO -Highlands Ranch High School – Midfield
Krook is full of speed and endurance, a true midfielder. She will be a great addition to the Fort Lewis College midfield system. Krook attends Highlands Ranch High School and plays for ThunderRidge, same as Kylie Smith, who is also part of the Elite Eleven signees. While playing for ThunderRidge, Krook was honored with Continental League Honorable Mention 2007 and Continental League All-League 2nd 2008. During her junior year, she led the team in ground balls, 32, and draw controls, 21. She also scored 9 goals and had 8 assists. Krook runs cross country. Her personal best was 20:26 and she placed 4th overall in the 2009 Colorado State Meet. Queisser is ready for Krook and her endurance to FLC. “Nicole has raw, natural lacrosse talent with tremendous speed. I look forward to watching her grow. She will find the athletic and academic success she is looking for at FLC.” Krook, Smith, and future FLC team mate Kelsea Wallace all play club lacrosse for Blue Sky Elite under the direction of Gary Secora. Krook chose Fort Lewis College because it will allow her to “play lacrosse and become a teacher.” Krook plans to major in Exercise Science. Father, David, was in the U.S. Navy, mother, Loretta, was in the Marine Corps, and older brother, is currently servicing our country in the U.S. Air Force- all of Littleton, CO.
Jessica Norby – Chaska, MN (Carver County) - Chaska High School– Midfield
Norby has a quick shot and is able to defend and slow the ball through the midfield. She is very dedicated to the sport and improving. Norby is a strong smart player who will flourish with a high level of competition and support. “Jess is a great shooter with a nose for the net. Her ability to place her shots is amazing. She is going to make records here at FLC.” Hailing from Chaska, MN, Norby plays on the same club team, Minnesota Select, as fellow FLC signees, the Kvidera twins. Norby is a three year varsity starter. During her junior year at Chaska High School, Norby scored 13 goals, was named Chaska High School Midfield MVP, Lake Conference Honorable Mention, and voted 2010 team captain. She also plays soccer. Norby is an outstanding student, placed on Honor Roll every semester at Chaska High School and was nominated to CHS’s Student-Athlete Leadership Committee. She is currently a CAP (Chemical Awareness and Prevention) Officer, a club that promotes staying chemically free. Her reason for choosing Fort Lewis College: “Definitely the beautiful campus and I love downtown Durango. I’m also excited in taking my lacrosse to the next level!” Norby is the first Girl’s Lacrosse player from Chaska High School to sign a National Letter of Intent with a NCAA program. She plans on majoring in Environmental Science. Parents are Kevin and Robin Norby of Chaska, MN.
Toki Prodnuk- San Diego, CA (San Diego County) – Westview High School- Attack
Prodnuk, a San Diego Native, is a small attacker with great stick skills and a sharp shot. She is extremely positive and works 110%. Prodnuk goes for a ground ball and gets it, especially in a pile of people. “I have been coaching Toki at lacrosse camps for years. She is such a sweetheart. I remember the VERY first time she played lacrosse. She just walked up to the camp director and myself and said ‘I am Toki, I have never played before, but I can’t wait to learn.’ Since that day, she has been on my radar. I have watched her grow into a great attacker over the years and am so excited she is coming to Fort Lewis!” As a Westview Wolverine, Prodnuk played 2 years on Junior Varsity leading the team as a Captain and Offensive MVP. She averaged 5 goals, and 3 assists per game. On Varsity, Prodnuk had a 53% shooting percentage scoring 15 goals. She had 5 assists, 24 ground balls, and 4 ground balls. Prodnuk is also excels in the classroom: honor roll, Principle’s List, Scholar-Athlete Award, and Ceramics Best in Class Award. She plays for San Diego Rip Club Lacrosse Program. Prodnuk chose Fort Lewis College because “Durango is a nice small town, Fort Lewis is a small college with small class sizes, the new lacrosse program, good teacher development program, many outdoor activities and SNOW!” While at Fort Lewis, Prodnuk plans to earn her teaching credential with hopes of teaching Elementary School. Proud father is Stephen Prodnuk.
Kylie Smith – Lone Tree, CO (Douglas County) – Highlands Ranch High School- Midfield
Smith is a versatile player who brings top experience with her to Fort Lewis College. She attends Highlands Ranch High School, but plays lacrosse for the Thunder Ridge High School Grizzles. Smith, a member of the Blue Sky Club Lacrosse Team and 2 year Team Colorado player, has a very impressive lacrosse resume. As a freshman on Varsity, Smith finished the 2007 season with 21 goals, 10 assists, 36 ground balls, 34 draw controls and named Honorable Mention All-League. In 2008, she had 27 goals, 10 assists, 28 ground balls, 41 draw controls and was honored as Midfielder of the Year for ThunderRidge HS and was 1st Team All-League. At the end of her junior season, 2009, Smith, a team captain, still impressed: 46 goals, 33 assists, 46 ground balls, and 36 draw controls. She was also named Attacker of the Year at ThunderRidge and 1st Team All-League. “She is a hard worker with strong stick skills and advance game sense.” Queisser says of Smith. “I am excited to watch her bring her top level of play to our program!” Smith also runs cross country. When asked why she chose Fort Lewis College, Smith responded “The beautiful campus and amazing town of Durango, and, most importantly, because of my instant connection with the team.” Uncle Duke Sullivan played basketball at Villanova. Cousin Brendan Sullivan played basketball at Boston University. Dad Craig Smith played lacrosse at Cortland State. Interested in Exercise Science or Business. Parents are Craig and Trisha Smith of Lone Tree, Colorado.
Kelsea Wallace- Westminster, CO (Jefferson County) - Jefferson Academy Charter School- Attack
Wallace has excellent game experience which translates into top notch game knowledge and field sense. She is a small feisty attacker. Wallace attends Jefferson Academy Charter School and played three years at Ralston Valley High School and this year, she transferred to play for Golden High School. She plays club lacrosse for Blue Sky Lacrosse program, along with future Skyhawks Kylie Smith and was a 2008 and 2009 Team Colorado member with fellow signees Smith and Whitney Wood. During her high school career as a three year Varsity starter, Wallace has scored 68 goals- leading her team in goals and assists. Wallace was the only freshman on Varsity in 2007, leading scorer for Ralston Valley, and #1 in Overall points 2009. Queisser commented on Wallace stating, “she is a little lacrosse powerhouse – aggressive and go-getting – great at re-defending and creating space on attack. She will be a wonderful asset to our program.” Wallace is also a three year varsity field hockey player and was named Field Hockey Most Aggressive 2008 and Honorable Mention All-Conference 2008. Wallace chose Fort Lewis College because she “loved the team and coach, loved the campus and Durango. It felt like a perfect match. I’m looking forward to spending the next chapter of my life there.” Mother, Kim Wallace is a National Lacrosse Official. Her cousin, Logan Cane, plays professional lacrosse for Rochester Knighthawks. Majoring in English with a focus in Journalism. Parents are Brian and Kim Wallace of Westminster, CO.
Shelby Wichkoski- Kingwood, TX (Harris County) - Kingwood High School-Goalie
Wichkoski is a small, quick, feisty goalie who has tremendous poise in the cage. She is a very fundamentally sound and communicates well in the cage. As a three year varsity starting for Kingwood High School, Wichkoski has earned an overall save percentage of 47.6% and her freshman year, she was named Division II MVP Defense at the Texas State Championship. She plays club lacrosse for Team Texas. “Shelby has a lot of great experience she is going to being to FLC. She has attended the finest camps and played in multiple Elite tournaments. That experience has molded her into a phenomenal goalie” said Queisser. Wichkoski is thrilled to be attending Fort Lewis, saying “I was very impressed with the school and Durango. The girls on the team are all great and I am so excited to be a part of new rising lacrosse program.” She plans to major in Psychology. Parents are Richard Mizuno and Juanita Wichkoski of Kingwood, TX.
Whitney Wood-Parker, CO (Douglas County)-Chaparral High School-Defense
Wood is a tall solid defender who uses size to her advantage. She will be great addition on defense. As a Chaparral Wolverine, Wood has been a stand out defender, averaging 5 ground balls, 2 draw controls, and 3 caused turnovers per game. Even though she is primarily a defender, Wood is not afraid to take the ball to the cage. During her fall ball league, she has scored 3 goals per game. “She is a complete defensive package!” said Queisser. Wood was a named 2nd Team Lacrosse All-League 2008 & 2009, CHS Rookie of the Year in 2008, CHS 2008 Outstanding Athlete Award, CHS Basketball 2008 MVP and a member of Team Colorado 2008. Wood finds an equal amount of success in the classroom as well: National Honor Society 2009-2010, Chaparral Honor Roll Fall 2008 & spring 2009, National Art Honor Society 2009-2010, and CHSAA 1st Team Academic All State. When asked about Wood, Queisser said, “Whitney is the strongest high school defender I have ever seen play. She is aggressive and composed. She makes excellent defensive decisions. Whitney will step the defense up!” Wood also plays basketball at Chaparral. Wood is thrilled to be attending FLC. “I chose FLC because I absolutely love the campus and the lacrosse team. I’m really excited to be a part of this rapidly growing program. I love lacrosse and being a part of a newer team gives me the opportunity to help the sport of lacrosse spread so other girls can have the same amazing opportunities I’ve had, as well as the ones I’m going to have at Fort Lewis College.” Wood said. She intends to major in Sociology with the ambition of attending medical school. Parents are Don and Shelley Wood of Parker, Colorado.