BOONE, N.C. – App State field hockey head coach
Meghan Dawson and her coaching staff are excited to announce the addition of two student-athletes to the 2020 signing class.
The Mountaineers add Scotland native Lucy Bliss and Netherlands native Julia Mars to the 2020 class, bringing the class total to six future Mountaineers.
"I am delighted to welcome these two incredible young women to the class of 2020," Dawson said. "Lucy and Julia both bring a wealth of experience on the field and will add to our group academically. I cannot wait for them to join our group and have them help us push toward a MAC championship!"
The 2020 signing class now comprises two forwards, two defenders, a midfielder and a goalkeeper. App State signed Grace Ball, Leah Hurwitz, Peyton Ritchey and Talayna Viscuso in the fall. For more information on the first four members of the 2020 class, click on the link attached to the top of this release.
Lucy Bliss | 5'3 | Defender/Midfielder | Kilmacolm, Scotland | St Columba's School
A talented defender/midfielder from Kilmacolm, Scotland, Bliss adds experience at the international level to App State's roster. Bliss played for the Scotland International squad in the U16 and U18 age groups. She also made appearances at the Scottish National Championships at the U14, U16 and U18 levels, finishing as the U18 runner-up in 2019. At St Columba's School, Bliss has been the top goal scorer each year since the seventh grade. The Kilmacolm, Scotland native played at St Columba's for head coach Laura Carlton, where she was named the captain for the school's first team. In club competition, Bliss played for Clydesdale Hockey Club in Glasgow, Scotland, for head coach Fran Lonergan. Aside from field hockey, Bliss was named her school's tennis champion and junior school's swimming champion. Born on July 12, 2002, Bliss is the daughter of Simon and Dawn Bliss. Her hobbies include golf, skiing and sailing. Bliss plans to major in business when she arrives at App State.
Julia Mars | 5'7 | Defender | Badhoevedorp, Netherlands | St. Ignatius Gymnasium
A standout defender from Badhoevedorp, Netherlands, Mars adds depth to App State's back line. Mars played club field hockey for SBHC Xenios Amsterdam for head coach Tim van Oort at the national sub-top class level. Mars attended high school at St. Ignatius Gymnasium in Amsterdam, but she only played field hockey at the club level. Born on Dec. 21, 2002, Mars is the daughter of Erik and Esther Mars. Mars has two older siblings, Isabelle (18) and Matthies (21). Her hobbies include playing tennis. Mars plans to study psychology at App State with hopes of one day earning a doctorate in the Netherlands.
Dawson on Lucy Bliss:
"Lucy has experience at the international level, playing with the Scottish U16 and U18 teams, which will help her adjust to our playing style in the U.S. She sees the game exceptionally well, and that allows her to always find an opening on the field."
Dawson on Julia Mars:
"Julia is an exciting defender who uses her athleticism to come up with big tackles on the field and uses her vision to outlet the ball."
