NEW YORK – Columbia field hockey has added four incoming first-years ahead of the 2022 season, as announced by head coach Katie DeSandis on Friday.
 
The class of 2026, which hails from three different state (New Jersey, Pennsylvania, California) is highlighted by three NFHCA Scholars of Distinction and a pair of National Invitation Tournament pool winners.

"Every year is an exciting year to welcome in our newest set of Lions, but this one especially so due to this groups' true love and dedication to Columbia and this program," noted DeSandis. "These four chose Columbia based on who we are and what we're striving for via Zoom 'visits', self-guided tours, and putting in the work to learn the ins and outs of our University and program.  Combine this commitment with this classes' talent, character, and vision for this program and we know they will make their mark from day one. Counting down to August!"
 
Gianna Cillufo | Episcopal Academy | Newtown Square, PA | GK
 
HIGH SCHOOL
First Team All-County (2021)…First Team All-State (2021)…First Team All-Mainline (2021)…NFHCA Scholar of Distinction (2020 & 2021, cumulative GPA > 3.9)…Team won 2021 & 2018 state championship…Competed for WC Eagles Field Hockey Club…NIT Pool Winner (2019-2021)…Club ranked #1, nationally in 2021…Holland Cup Champions (2019)…Disney Champions (2020, 2021)…Also competed in Ice Hockey and Lacrosse…Recipient of the Susan P. and Richard M. Armstrong Scholarship (2018-2021)
 
PERSONAL
Born November, 7, 2003…Parents are Gloria and Joseph…Father attended UPenn, competed in Ice Hockey…Uncle Paul graduated from Columbia Law (1989)
 
CHOSE COLUMBIA BECAUSE… "Columbia offers the opportunity to educational and athletic careers in a diverse, unique, and exciting city."
 
Samantha Petrucco | Oak Knoll | Short Hills, NJ | M
 
HIGH SCHOOL
Competed in field hockey and track & field at Oak Knoll…Senior captain for field hockey, indoor track, and outdoor track…Field hockey accolades include…First Team All-County (2021)…First Team All-Conference (2021)…First Team All-Non Public (2021)…Honorable Mention All-County (2020)…Honorable Mention All-Conference (2020)…High School team went 63-4-1…Competed for New Heights Field Hockey Club…NIT Pool Winner (2019-2021)…2021 USA Field Hockey National Nexus Championship Selection…Track accolades include…First Team All-Non Public 400m (2021)…Second Team All-County (200m, 2021)…Competed at New Balance High School National Championships (400m, 2021)…Oak Knoll Winter Track Outstanding Runner (2021)…First Team All-Conference (400m, 2020)…Team MVP (2020)…Graduated Cum Laude (top 10% of class)…Two-Time NFHCA Scholar of Distinction (cumulative GPA > 3.9)…Maxima Cum Laude, National Latin Exam (2021)
 
PERSONAL
Born August, 11, 2004…Parents are David and Wana Petrucco…Enrolled in Columbia College…Plans to major in Biology…Speaks fluent Thai
 
CHOSE COLUMBIA BECAUSE… "The world-class academics and fantastic athletic program all located within the greatest city in the world."
 
Sophia Abate | Seneca High School | Medford Lakes, NJ | F
 
HIGH SCHOOL
Four-time Sectional Champion & State Finalist (2018-2021)…First Team All-South Jersey (2021)…First Team All-Conference (2019, 2021)…Second Team All-Conference (2018, 2020)…First Team All-Group 2 (2021)…Second Team All-Group 2 (2019, 2020)…Junior Olympic Selection, Third Place (2019)…Tallied 68 goals with 25 assists during high school career…Also competed in basketball, lacrosse, and golf…NFHCA Scholar of Distinction (2021, cumulative GPA > 3.9)…NFHCA National Academic Team (2020, 2021)…Graduated top 15%.

PERSONAL
Born February, 26, 2004…Parents are Lori and Vince…Enrolled in Columbia College…Plans to Major in Business Management…Mother played field hockey at Maryland (1993), was also a member of U.S. National Squads (1991-1995)…Aunt Maura played field hockey at Arcadia (2003-2007)…Aunt Danielle played field hockey at UConn (1996…2000)…Uncle Hank played professional football from 2000-2011 (Eagles, Browns, Rams)
 
CHOSE COLUMBIA BECAUSE…" Columbia  offers a very strong academic environment, which was essential to my search. Additionally, the Field Hockey team has a competitive but fun program that I couldn't resist joining. I instantly felt at home speaking and playing with the coaches and players."
 
Mia Karine Myklebust | Leigh High School | Los Gatos, CA | M
 
HIGH SCHOOL
Ranked Top 50 in MAXPREPS Field Hockey Class of 2022…Selected to 2020 USA Field Hockey Junior National Team Selection Camp…Competed in USAFH National Futures Championship (2018 & 2019), Competed is USAFH Nexus National Championship (2021)…Three-time All-League MVP (2019-2021)…Four-time All-League First Team (2018-2021)…As a senior, ranked second in California for points (75), third in goals (28), and sixth in assists (19)…High school team was BVAL League Winners from 2018-2021…member of the California Scholarship Federation… Leigh High School scholar Athlete…AP Scholar Awardee…Also competed in soccer and track.
 
PERSONAL
Born March, 23, 2004…Parents are Linda and Truls…Mother played field hockey at Stanford (1982-1985)…Father attended Cornell…Has a twin sister…Enrolled in Columbia College…Plans to major in Neuroscience…Speaks both English and Norwegian.
 
CHOSE COLUMBIA BECAUSE… "Columbia offers the perfect combination of competitive academics and athletics. Receiving an education from a top tier school located in a city I've always wanted to experience while also being able to compete with a high level field hockey program is an opportunity that I'm beyond grateful for and blessed to have received."
 
For the latest on Columbia field hockey, follow @CULionsFH on social media and GoColumbiaLions.com for more updates.