With so many young and new faces on the team, the River Hawks will look for veteran leadership from their four captains: Alex Salim (East Islip, N.Y.), Grace Hansen (Stamford, Conn.), Layton Nass (Manhasset, N.Y.) and Megan Brockbank (Bayport, N.Y.).
Salim, a graduate student goalie, who transferred from Campbell University, participated in 39 games, including 27 starts. Over her four years, she logged over 1650 minutes in net, tallying 288 saves on 831 shots faced. During her senior year, she was named First Team All-Big South while also winning back-to-back Big South Defensive Player of the Week.
“Alex, who transferred in, she’s 23, she’s very mature, she’s measured. When she speaks, they listen,” Miller explained about her only graduate student.
Hansen, a junior midfielder, was one of the most impactful players for the River Hawks last year, as she finished sixth on the team with 10 goals and 13 points, while also finishing fourth in ground balls and caused turnovers.
Nass, a junior defender, started in all 12 games for the River Hawks last year, tallying 24 ground balls, 19 caused turnovers and 25 draw controls. She also contributed to the offense with a goal on four shots.
“Grace is a communicator,” Miller commented. “She’s smart, she’s got a great sports IQ and she handles people really well. Layton definitely brings that competitive, harder edge. The combination of the two is really a reflection of the entire junior class.”
Brockbank, the sophomore attack who made a quick impact in her first season, started in 11 of 12 games, recording a team-high 21 assists alongside 11 goals. Her 32 points were the second most on the team and led to her selection to the America East All-Rookie team.
“Megan is busy, she’s all over the place. She is always hustling, always having fun, and I think she brings an energy to the field that is necessary,” Miller added. “We are out there working hard every single day, having fun is part of it, you want them to enjoy what they’re doing.
