Feb. 24, 2012
SPRINGFIELD -
The Missouri State field hockey squad has added three more signees for the 2012 season. Bears' head coach Gabby Gomez-Sosa and assistant coach Erika Dombkowski confirmed the addition of Dominique Leyva, Kimberleigh Eng, and Jessi Pope Friday (Feb. 24) evening.
Dominique Leyva, Forward - San Diego, California, Serra High
Leyva was on the 2009 and 2010 CIF Championship squad. She earned the honor of Outstanding Offensive Player in 2008 and 2010. Leyva earned First-Team Division II All-CIF San Diego team accolades, as well as First-Team Eastern-League. She was a member of the 2011 Cal Cup U-19 Championship team and also plays lacrosse at Serra High.
"We are very excited to have Dominique join our team", said Bears' assistant coach Dombkowski, "She is an aggressive forward and a force to be reckoned with in front of the goal. She has strong stick skills and great speed. Dominique will be a great contributor on the forward line and we look forward to seeing her develop as a player through the next four years."
Kimberleigh Eng, Forward - Woodbridge, Virginia, C.D Hylton High
Eng was a four year starter at C.D. Hylton High and was named team captain her senior season. She was a two-time Potomac News All-Area honorable mention, as well as a second-team honoree in 2010 and a first-team honoree in 2011. Eng was a three-time first-team all-district selection, making second-team in her freshman season. She was a first-team regional selection in 2010 and a second-team selection in 2011. Eng was also a 2009 Prince William County First-Team selection and a 2010 All-Metro Area honorable mention. Eng also played club for the NOVA Elite FHC.
"Kimberleigh is going to be a difference maker on the forward line with her speed, agility and talent for goal scoring," said Dombkowski, "She will add depth to our attack and we are looking forward to watching her progress here throughout her next four years."
Jessi Pope, Defender - Stafford, Virginia, Brooke Point High
A two-time second-team all-district selection, Pope was the Brooke Point High team captain in 2011. She scored nine goals as a defender her senior season. Pope was voted team defensive MVP in 2011 and team MVP in 2010. She was the Coaches' Award Recipient, as well as an at-large All-American scholar. Pope earned the National Athletic Award (2010 and 2011) and all-district academic awards (2009, 2010, 2011). She received Academic Achievement honors from 2009-2011. Pope also plays club for NOVA Elite FHC with fellow Bears' signee Kimberleigh Eng. She is a two-sport athlete at Brooke Point High, also participating in tennis.
"Jessi is a smart, agile defender," said Dombkowski, "She is selfless on the field and is a true team player. Jessi is aggressive, strong, and works well with her teammates. She is going to help lead our defense with her ability to deceive opponents and her can-do attitude."
