During the nationwide recruiting campaign for the 2004 season, the Syracuse field hockey coaching staff found a gem in a clam shell – a fantastic prospect in an unknown place.

In the small town of York Springs, Pa.., high school senior forward Jess Lerew was putting up big-time numbers for the Bermudian Springs field hockey team. The Eagles forward scored 13 goals and helped the squad set a school record with a 13-6 mark.

Lerew’s offensive capabilities have carried over with the Orange. In the past two games, the freshman nailed two goals, including a key score against Hofstra to force overtime. The Orange eventually prevailed, 2-1, in penalty strokes. Tonight at 7:30, Syracuse and Lerew hope to continue a two-game winning streak against Penn State at Coyne Field.

For Lerew’s accolades, she was named the Big East Offensive Player of the Week. The honor showed much more recognition than Lerew was used to back at home, even when the Eagles performed well.

‘We’re a small school,’ Bermudian Springs coach Neil Bixler said. ‘We don’t get a lot of publicity. There was a chance some schools may have overlooked her.’

But not SU. Head coach Kathleen Parker and assistant coach Mary McCracken scouted Lerew at the Mid-Penn All-Star game in Hershey, Pa.

‘It’s hard getting noticed,’ Lerew said. ‘But coach McCracken and coach Parker really helped. They listened and paid attention to everybody. They didn’t overpass you just because you were from a small school.’

Drexel and Appalachian State showed strong interest, as well. But the fashion design program at those schools was not as strong as it is at Syracuse, Lerew thought.

It helps when the field hockey coaching staff takes a recruiting trip down to Florida, too. Parker and McCracken traveled down to Palm Beach, Fla., for the Thanksgiving Day hockey festival, sponsored by the U.S. Field Hockey Association. There, Lerew fully exposed her talent, sticking it out with competitive players from across the country.

‘We knew she was the type of person who could really blossom in college,’ Parker said. ‘We just hit the tip of the iceberg here. She has a lot of natural talent that will later be revealed.’

After the Orange struggled hitting balls in the cage earlier this season, Lerew’s scoring capabilities could come in handy. Attacking has never been a problem, but SU’s execution never resulted in a score. Things have changed in the past two games.

‘I’ve learned a lot from the upperclassmen,’ Lerew said. ‘They always set you up so well by the goal. It’s them working hard to get the ball down the field.’

Lerew has also learned of Parker’s philosophy, which emphasizes a strong defensive effort – including the forwards. Parker likens the structure to a zone defense in basketball. Once the forwards miss a shot or turn the ball over, they need to be at the front of the defensive attack line at midfield, giving some of the backfield members some relief while increasing the pressure.

‘Coming out of high school, (forwards) don’t even know what defense means,’ Parker said. ‘All they do is shoot the ball, and if they miss, they’ll suspect the other players will pick it up.’

So far Lerew has responded well, which doesn’t surprise her former high school coach.

‘She was always at a skill level above other players,’ Bixler said. ‘She could run the field and not get tired.’

Part of Lerew’s prolonged endurance could be attributed to her track involvement throughout high school. Participating in the 800-, 4-x-400-, and 4-x-800-meter events, she used the sport to condition herself in preparation for the next field hockey season.

Enhancing her skills came at a price. For Lerew to play club field hockey in the winter, she gave up her love for basketball. Lerew made the decision to quit the team sophomore year.

‘My dad, mom and I all sat down and made a pro-con list,’ Lerew said. ‘Basketball really helps you to develop athletically. But it was something that if you want to continue (at the next level) and if you’re from a smaller school, you have to specialize in one or two sports. It’s hard to play all three and be as good at one.’

The decision brought great success for Bermudian Springs. And SU hopes it has already started for its program.

Published on September 21, 2004 at 12:00 pm