TEMPE, Ariz. – Arizona State women's lacrosse head coach Courtney Martinez Connor announced Friday the team captains for the 2018 inaugural season. Per a team vote, the junior duo of Kerri Clayton and Rachel Gregory will lead the Sun Devils as they take the field for the first time in program history in just a matter of weeks.
"I am excited about the team's selection of Kerri and Rachel as this year's captains," said head coach Courtney Martinez Connor. "Kerri and Rachel have been key members of our program both on and off the field since they arrived in Tempe. They both possess tremendous leadership qualities that are essential to lead our team in its inaugural season."
Clayton, a native of Baltimore, Md., came to Tempe after spending her freshman year at Jacksonville University where she appeared in 14 games and made four starts. She joined the Sun Devils as a member of the first class who received a "bonus year" to come to campus to practice and scrimmage with the new team.
"The relationships that we have on the team are special, and to be a first year program and competing in such a strong conference those relationships are what are going to help us excel," said Clayton. "I am honored that my teammates have trusted me and chosen Rachel and I to represent this team in the best possible way because I want nothing more than for this program to be rewarded for all the hard work we have done behind closed doors."
Gregory, from Babylon, N.Y., came to Tempe from Hofstra University where she was a CAA Commissioner's Academic Award recipient.
"I believe that teamwork and communication are two very crucial aspects in creating a successful team," Gregory added. "I am so excited to have the opportunity to implement those aspects of the game as a captain, and to be a part of creating a team culture of integrity, trust and hard work."
Clayton plays as an attacker for the Sun Devils and Gregory serves as a defender, meaning the team will have leaders on opposite sides of the field.
"We are really excited for these young women to lead our team," Martinez Connor said. "They have a wealth of knowledge, experience and maturity throughout their playing careers that will benefit our young team."
In addition to the two captains, the team also chose six additional players to serve as part of the leadership council, a group of freshmen and sophomores who will help develop the young team as the program starts its establishing years.
In the freshmen group, midfielders Emily Glagolev and Maddy Hunter and defender Maria Villanti will provide leadership. For the sophomores, goalkeeper Berkeley Bonneau, defender Kristina Coppinger and midfielder Mia Harp will take the helm.
"The leadership council is a testament to the girls' hard work and dedication to this program," Martinez Connor explained. "Our staff knows they will all do a fantastic job in their roles and help continue to build the legacy or our new program."
The Sun Devils begin their 2018 inaugural season in just four weeks, traveling to Kennesaw, Ga. and Deland, Fla. to take on Kennesaw State and Stetson, respectively.
"I am excited about the team's selection of Kerri and Rachel as this year's captains," said head coach Courtney Martinez Connor. "Kerri and Rachel have been key members of our program both on and off the field since they arrived in Tempe. They both possess tremendous leadership qualities that are essential to lead our team in its inaugural season."
Clayton, a native of Baltimore, Md., came to Tempe after spending her freshman year at Jacksonville University where she appeared in 14 games and made four starts. She joined the Sun Devils as a member of the first class who received a "bonus year" to come to campus to practice and scrimmage with the new team.
"The relationships that we have on the team are special, and to be a first year program and competing in such a strong conference those relationships are what are going to help us excel," said Clayton. "I am honored that my teammates have trusted me and chosen Rachel and I to represent this team in the best possible way because I want nothing more than for this program to be rewarded for all the hard work we have done behind closed doors."
Gregory, from Babylon, N.Y., came to Tempe from Hofstra University where she was a CAA Commissioner's Academic Award recipient.
"I believe that teamwork and communication are two very crucial aspects in creating a successful team," Gregory added. "I am so excited to have the opportunity to implement those aspects of the game as a captain, and to be a part of creating a team culture of integrity, trust and hard work."
Clayton plays as an attacker for the Sun Devils and Gregory serves as a defender, meaning the team will have leaders on opposite sides of the field.
"We are really excited for these young women to lead our team," Martinez Connor said. "They have a wealth of knowledge, experience and maturity throughout their playing careers that will benefit our young team."
In addition to the two captains, the team also chose six additional players to serve as part of the leadership council, a group of freshmen and sophomores who will help develop the young team as the program starts its establishing years.
In the freshmen group, midfielders Emily Glagolev and Maddy Hunter and defender Maria Villanti will provide leadership. For the sophomores, goalkeeper Berkeley Bonneau, defender Kristina Coppinger and midfielder Mia Harp will take the helm.
"The leadership council is a testament to the girls' hard work and dedication to this program," Martinez Connor explained. "Our staff knows they will all do a fantastic job in their roles and help continue to build the legacy or our new program."
The Sun Devils begin their 2018 inaugural season in just four weeks, traveling to Kennesaw, Ga. and Deland, Fla. to take on Kennesaw State and Stetson, respectively.