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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia field hockey coach Michele Madison has announced that Taylor Brown (Charlottesville, Va.) and Rebecca Holden (Fishing Creek, N.J.) will join the Cavalier program in the fall.

Brown is a three-time Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) all-state selection out of The Covenant School. The 2010 Division II State Player of the Year, Brown helped Covenant to two state runner-up finishes and has led the team in scoring the past three seasons. She is also a two-time Futures Elite selection.

“When I first came to Virginia, the locals told me I had to keep an eye on Taylor Brown,” Madison said. “She has played on the varsity team since seventh grade, so our staff virtually watched Taylor grow up on the hockey field and mature into a formidable competitor. She developed those vital sport skills from playing multiple sports. Taylor’s speed and tenacity will position her to challenge early for a spot in the rotation.”

“Growing up in Charlottesville, Taylor always had her eye on the Wahoo hockey program,” Brown’s parents, Todd and Nicole, said. “It wasn’t until the recruiting process began that Virginia became her measuring stick for what she was looking for in a college. Taylor is proud to be a second generation Cavalier and we are very proud of her.”

“It was a pleasure working with Taylor over the last year and watching her develop,” Brown’s coach, Keli Smith Puzo, said. “She has great hand speed, is a natural athlete and has grown in her understanding of the game’s tactics. I think she will be a wonderful asset to the Cavalier roster and I look forward to watching her compete with the ‘Hoos.”

Holden is a two-time league most valuable player out of Lower Cape May Regional High School, where she helped the team to two division championships. She totaled 560 saves and .874 save percentage during prep career. Holden also played for the Sprit of USA club team, where she participated on the national level in such events as the Junior Olympics, National Festival and Disney Showcase.

“Rebecca had an outstanding high school career under Denise Murray,” Madison said. “Her athleticism, knowledge of the goalkeeping position and work ethic provides a good base for developing her potential. She is extremely coachable and wants to learn everything there is to know about field hockey.”

“We are so happy Rebecca chose UVa, Holden’s parents, Michael and Sharon, said. “We are excited to watch her grow as a student-athlete and are looking forward to seeing what the future holds. We are extremely proud of Rebecca and her dedication in the classroom and on the field.”

“Rebecca is one of the hardest working players I have coached,” Holden’s coach, Denise Murray, said. “I was very fortunate to have such an exceptional young lady in the program to be a role model for all my other players. Rebecca’s success comes from an incredible work ethic and competitive attitude. She constantly sets personal goals for herself to consistently improve her game. I am excited to see Rebecca grow and challenge herself at the collegiate level. Lower Cape May is very proud of her and knows she will represent the Lady Tigers well.”

Taylor Brown
5-3 • Forward
Charlottesville, Va./Covenant

High School
• Three-time VISAA all-state selection
• 2010 VISAA Division II Player of the Year
• Three-time all-state tournament team
• Four-time All-League of Independent Schools honoree
• Led Covenant in scoring for three seasons
• Two-time Futures Elite selection
• Played on Field Hockey Life club team
• Served as team captain
• Honor Roll member
• Also played lacrosse

Personal
• Daughter of Todd and Nicole Brown
• Has a younger brother, Hunter
• Enjoys hanging out with friends and family

Rebecca Holden
5-2 • Goalkeeper
Fishing Creek, N.J./Lower Cape May

High School
• Two-time first team All-CAL Division
• Two-time Herald First Team League MVP
• Led squad to two CAL Division championships
• Totaled 560 saves and .874 save percentage during prep career
• Served as team captain
• Played for Spirit of USA club team
• Participated in Junior Olympics, National Festival and Disney Showcase
• Won gold medal in 2011 at the National Festival
• National Honor Society member
• Served as president of Tri-M Music Honor Society
• Also played softball

Personal
• Daughter of Michael and Sharon Holden
• Has an older sister, Amber, and two younger brothers, Michael and Gregory
• Enjoys music, art, reading, writing and theater
• Intends to major in English or education

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