Feb. 24, 2010

George Mason women's soccer head coach Diane Drake has announced the signing of three high school seniors to national letters-of-intent as Lyndse Hokanson of Crofton, Md., Janice Johnson of Temple Hills, Md., and Abby Zielinski of Lancaster, Pa. will join the Patriots and begin play in 2010.

"The 2010 class is very talented and dynamic," Drake said. "We are thrilled to add three quality people and players into our family and we are excited for their arrival."

Hokanson, a goalkeeper, played for the Maryland State ODP Team three times and twice the squad was a national semifinalist. She has also been a two-year member of the U.S. Region I ODP Team. She was named All-State twice and she was a 2009 NSCAA/Adidas Scholar All-American. Playing for South River High School, she was invited to represent the U.S. for international friendlies in Italy and Russia and she has organized several fundraisers.

"Lyndse is a very technical and committed leader in the goal," Drake said. "She is perhaps the best organizer we have had at Mason since the days of All-American goalkeeper Sarah Coughlin."

Johnson, a forward who can also play on the outside, was named to the Virginia State ODP Team in 2007 and 2008 and in 2009, she played for the Maryland State ODP Team that went to the US ODP National Championship. Those three years, she was a part of the ODP Region I pool and team. Named Washington Post All-Met, All-State and All-County as a senior Potomoac High School, she attended the 2009 Student Congressional Leadership Conference and three times she received the Presidential Education Award.

"Janice is explosive, technical and a threatening offensive weapon," Drake said. "I suspect she will make a tremendous wave in our conference immediately. She is a goal scorer who is athletic and adept at playing several positions if needed."

Zielinski, a defender, played 14 years of club soccer and twice won the EPYSA State Cup while becoming a Region 1 finalist in 2009 playing for the Hershey Attack. Playing for Manheim Township High School where she was a four-year varsity letter winning in both soccer and basketball, she was named All-State as a senior and All-League as a junior and senior.

"Abby is a strong leader, a fearless commander in the central defense position," Drake said. "She was brought to Mason to immediately fill the shoes of four-year starter Hannah Sklar. She has extraordinary vision and ability to service out of the back."

The 2010 season will begin for Mason on Wednesday, Aug. 25 at Howard.