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Drew University has a long and proud history in women’s lacrosse. The Rangers have reached the Landmark Conference Championship Tournament in seven of the last eight seasons, while producing two of the last three Landmark Players of the Year.
Now, second-year head coach Jane Karger will have 2016 National Scouting Report goalkeeper prospect Isabella “Bella” Kudas on her roster to help defend that vaunted record in Madison, N.J.
A three-year starter at lacrosse powerhouse Kennebunk High School in Maine, Kudas had a breakout season last spring. Her 90-percent free-position save percentage and 56-percent save average were strong numbers in such a highly competitive league.
Kudas said lacrosse has had a huge influence on her since taking up the sport in seventh grade, late for a player who winds up on a college roster. But Brendan Kennedy, NSR National Lacrosse Director, said even though Kudas is still a relative newcomer to the sport, her learning curve has been steep. He is confident she can be a solid college goalkeeper.
“As I indicated in my scouting report, Bella is still a raw talent,” Kennedy said. “But she has worked very hard, she loves the game and I think she will make the strides necessary in college to become a really good player for Drew. She already does something which many kids in goal shy away from — communicating with the defense. Drew will not have to worry about that with Bella. She is not shy.”
There are two things apparent about Kudas. First, she is a happy person. Second, she is very close to her three siblings and friends (and has a lot of them). These are traits that should serve her well in a new setting at college four states from home.
“Bella leaving for school will be met with mixed emotions,” her mother, Sharry, wrote in an email. “She is the oldest and the one each of her siblings rely on the most — whether it’s to help them with homework or something as simple as rides. She’s always there for them.
“The girls will miss her and they are all very close, but they understand it is time for her to move on and are happy she has found a school she likes. Bella’s sister, Olivia, is a junior and her sister, Gabby, is a sophomore, so they also will be on this journey soon. As for her little brother, Jack, he is 12. He isn’t as thrilled. The distance and time away are definitely a concern for him..”
In Kudas’ personal message to college coaches, her engaging personality comes out.
“Lacrosse has helped me learn how to push myself, so I can do the best that I can, and how to balance a heavy workload,” she wrote. “It has also helped me become more active in my community. I often help the younger leagues with their goalie skills and with their stick skills in general. I’m also apart of a mentors club through my school that works with girls at our middle school with their self-esteem. This is particularly fun for me because it allows me to help and get to know other girls who I would otherwise never know.”
Kudas said Drew was a perfect fit. She plans to major in Psychology and minor in History at the NCAA Division III school with an undergraduate enrollment of about 1,400.
“At first, I didn’t really want to go see the school, but when the coach emailed me, she also mentioned some of my other interests, like horseback riding,” Kudas said. “When I visited the campus, it just felt really comfortable. Drew had lacrosse, some great academic programs, and a lot of other things that interested me as well. I was only considering a few other schools, but wasn’t really set on a specific one, until I visited Drew.”
“Whenever we discuss Drew she just lights up,” her mother said. “We are from a small, tight-knit community and Drew has that same feeling. When we see her excitement, we feel excited for her. Sure there will be adjustments, but this time is hers and we can’t wait to watch her grow. Bella has always been a kind, sweet, gentle and happy kid. She is extremely independent and has always had a strong sense of what she wanted in her life.”
Karger recognizes the newcomer’s potential.
“Bella will be a great addition to our Ranger program,” the coach said. “She is a hard worker and dedicated to continuing to improve which will lead her to great success. I have really enjoyed getting to know her through the recruiting process and am excited to keep working with her here at Drew.”
National Scouting Report is dedicated to finding scholarship opportunities for athletes who possess the talent, desire, and motivation to compete at the collegiate level. We’ve helped connect thousands of athletes with their perfect college.
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