Women’s Hockey releases recruiting class

MEQUON, Wis. – The Concordia Wisconsin women's hockey program and head coach Steve Fabiilli are pleased to announce the latest group of incoming student-athletes for the upcoming 2020-21 athletic year. The NCAA passed legislation for Division III, which allows incoming student-athletes to sign a celebratory form to show they have committed to a respective institution and athletic program. CUW looks to add eight players.

Jenna Branovan

A forward from Mequon, Wisconsin, Branovan comes to CUW from Homestead High School and the Milwaukee Jr. Admirals. She is the daughter of Marie and David and is the sister of Jordan, Joshua and Jacob. She plans on majoring in business.

"I chose Concordia because it felt like home when I stepped on campus," said Branovan. "When I met the team, I felt very welcomed and already a part of the team."

Amanda Carney

A defender from Aurora, Ontario, Carney attended St. Peter Catholic High School and played for the Jr. Lady Grads. She is the daughter of Leah and Stephen and is the sister of Kaitlyn and Matthew. Carney is an honour roll student and was the MVP of her school hockey team. She was also the captain of the soccer club that was third in the province during her junior year.

"I chose CUW because it allows me to continue my passion for hockey while pursuing a career in nursing," said Carney.

Natalia Etter

A forward from Bonveresse, Switzerland, comes to Concordia the way of Fremont High School in Sunnyvale, California, and the Boston Shamrocks. Etter is the daughter of Marjorie and Michel and the sister of Noah and Sacha. She plans on majoring in psychology at CUW. She was named to the Principal's Honor Roll during her sophomore and junior years. Etter was the top scorer for the San Jose Sharks 16U team during the 2016-17 season with 27 goals in 37 games. Named the team captain for the 2018-19 season.

"What I am most excited about in the coming four years is meeting new people and competing at a higher level in hockey," said Etter.

Brooke Gibson

A forward from LaSalle, Ontario, Gibson played for the Southwest Wildcats and attended St. Thomas of Villanova. Gibson is the daughter of Al and Diane and is the sister of Andrew. She won the Youth Volunteer Award in 2020 and played 113 games in the PWHL. She scored four goals and seven assists in the 2019-20 season. Gibson plans to major in elementary education.

"I chose CUW because as soon as I visited the campus and arena it felt like home," said Gibson. "The coaches and players were very welcoming, and it felt like everyone was one big family. I knew I wanted to spend the next four years at CUW. I am very excited to be a part of the Falcon family."

Autumn Lindgren

A forward from Plymouth, Minnesota, Lindgren attended Armstrong High School. Lindgren is the daughter of Doug and Shelly and is the sister of Brandon and Noah.  She intends to major in environmental studies. At Armstrong, she was the captain during her senior year, a MIP varsity player in 2018 and earned a varsity letter for three years. During the 2019-20 season, she finished with three goals and three assists in 24 games.

"I instantly fell in love with campus views when I arrived for a visit last May," said Lindgren. "It was important to me to continue my sports and academic career somewhere I can feel at home."

Ashlyn Marshall

A forward from Vail, Colorado, Marshall comes to CUW from Columbine High School and Team Colorado U19. Marshall is the daughter of Bill and Diana. She plans to major in athletic training and was a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. In 2017, she was an HPHL Hobey Baker nominee. During the 2019-20 season, she scored seven goals and two assists.

"I chose CUW because the school supported both my academic and athletic aspirations," said Marshall. "The campus is stunning and close to some of my family. I'm excited to be a falcon for the next four years."

Hailey Mattson

A defender from Crystal, Minnesota, Mattson lands at CUW from Armstrong High School. She is the daughter of Natashia and the sister of Makayla and Brianna. During the 2019-20 season, she won the Hobey Baker Character Award and was named the team captain. The 2018-19 season saw Mattson claim the Carla Berg Award, Defensive Player of the Year Award, an All-Conference Honorable Mention selection and a spot on the Holiday Classic All-Tournament Team. She also was named the Defensive Player of the Year in 2017-18, earned four varsity letters and won the JV Lunchbox Award in the 2015-16 season. She intends to major in diagnostic medical sonography.

"I chose CUW because they have a great sonography program and I felt at home there," said Mattson.

Sarah Varga

A goalie from Janesville, Wisconsin, Varga attended Parker High School and transferred from UW-River Falls. She is the daughter of Kim and Carl and is the sister of Adam. She was on the Accelerated Honor Roll for four years and earned academic letters her sophomore through senior years. She claimed the Wall Award for the best stats at a youth hockey tournament. She was the assistant captain for the local youth hockey team in the 2015-16 season. Varga earned her athletic letter during her sophomore year. Won silver (2018) and bronze (2019) medals with the Madison Capitols in the Can/Am Tier 1 AA Challenge Cup.

"I chose CUW because the team is a family and because the school and campus are beautiful," said Varga. "I am so excited to be part of this amazing family….Oh, and play hockey with them."