Dec. 13, 2007

FAIRFAX, Va. - The George Mason University Athletics Department, along with women's lacrosse head coach, Amy Bokker, announced today the signing of four players to National Letters of Intent to begin playing for the Patriots starting with the 2009 season. The signees include Emily Ellisen (Paoli, Pa./Great Valley), Katie Gerhard (Centennial, Colo./Arapahoe), Joy Oberlin (Phoenix, Md./Dulaney) and Julianne Tela (Alexandria, Va./Bishop Ireton).

"We are very excited to welcome the class of 2012 to the Mason Lacrosse program," Bokker said. "All four incoming players come from outstanding high school programs and will bring a winning tradition to our team. Each of them has a strong work ethic and passion for the game that will help take the program to new heights during their four years at Mason."

Ellisen is a 6'1" midfielder, whose height and athleticism make her a great addition to the Mason women's lacrosse program. She was a member of the Great Valley team that captured the 2007 Southern Chester County League title. In addition to helping lead her lacrosse team to the championship, Ellisen also is a standout basketball player for the Great Valley Patriots, earning a number of accolades during the 2006-07 season, including First-Team All-League honors.

Gerhard, who will enter her fourth year as a starter at the midfield position for Arapahoe High School during the 2008 season, was named First-Team All-League as a freshman and junior, and Second-Team All-League as a sophomore. She was a high school All-America nominee in 2007, as well as the Most Valuable Player for the Warriors, helping lead the team to a 15-3 record, the best in school history. She was also selected to the National Team from Colorado in 2006 and 2007.

Oberlin comes to the Patriots from Dulaney High School in Phoenix, Md. She has been a key to the team's success on the defensive end of the field throughout her high school career, helping Dulaney win the state championship during her sophomore year and finish as the state runners-up her junior season. Oberlin is also a standout on the soccer field, as well as an excellent student, being named a Scholar-Athlete for her work in the classroom.

Tela is a local product from Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, Va. She is a low attacker, who led her high school team in total scoring during her junior year with 48 goals and 21 assists. She has earned a slew of honors, including First-Team All-State, First-Team Washington Catholic Athletic Conference, First-Team All-Gazette and Honorable Mention Washington Post All-Met. In addition to her lacrosse skills, Tela also starred on the cross country course for Bishop Ireton.

George Mason begins its 2008 women's lacrosse schedule with a home game against Johns Hopkins on Feb. 23.