East's Donahue 1st girl soccer player to sign with Div. 1 school

She will attend Western Michigan University this fall


Lapeer East senior Ariana Donahue became the first-ever girls soccer player from Lapeer Community Schools to get a scholarship from a Division 1 school February 15 when she signed to play for Western Michigan University this fall.

While at East, Donahue’s accomplishments on the soccer field include starting all four years and earning All- Conference, All-District and All-Regional honors the past two seasons while leading the team in scoring.

She also was named to the All-State Second Team in 2010. Having been designated as Team MVP a year ago, Donahue, who plans to major in either psychology or journalism, also managed to lead the Flint Metro League tn 2009-10 with the most goals scored at 28 and notched 63 points as a junior, placing her fifth in the state for scoring after nabbing Honorable Mention All-State accolades as a sophomore.

“This is great. I’ve been playing (soccer) since I was seven, so this was my goal, to get a scholarship from a Division 1 school, so I’m really happy,” said Donahue. “My family has been with me every step of the way, so it’s really nice to have them here today.

“I really liked the campus and the general feel, but the coach (Suzie Grech) was probably the biggest thing for me. I really liked her. She said I would make a big impact (next season). I think she’s going to play me at center/mid, which is the position I’m used to playing, so I’m really looking forward to it.”

Besides friends and family, also enjoying the glow of Donahue’s on-field success was Lapeer East varsity girls soccer coach Chad Kenny, who helped guide the Lady Eagles all the way to the 2010 regional finals against Bloomfield Hills Marian.

“We take pride in all of our kids, but seeing Ariana accomplish what she’s been able to accomplish on the grander scale has definitely been a special thing,” said Kenny.

Having also considered Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Oakland University and the University of Wisconsin, Donahue’s development was a multi-faceted process that took many forms over time. This includes spending four years with the Michigan Hawks, the fourth-ranked girls soccer club in the nation.

Donahue’s other notable accomplishments include being the first female soccer player from the county to make the state and regional Olympic Development Program team.

She also boasts an impressive academic record, holding a 3.9 GPA and has been a 4-year starter on the Eagles Cross County Team and a four-year scholar athlete. She was named Academic All-State in 2009 and 2010.

Photos by Michael Selecky
Photo captions:
(top) Ariana Donahue signs her letter of intent to attend Western Michigan University flanked by her father, Richard, sister, Brennah, and mother, Susana.

(bottom)Ariana poses with coach Chad Kenny and teammates at Lapeer East.

Three Lapeer sports teams advance in the post season

Lapeer East girls' soccer and boys' baseball continue their already successful seasons. Last night the girls' soccer team defeated Warren Regina in a thrilling 1-0 match. The Flint Journal has great photos and a story. The team now faces a tough challenge facing Birmingham Marian Thursday night in the Regional championship game. Photos and story in The County Press.

Lapeer West softball defeated Lapeer East and Grand Blanc last Saturday and advanced to the next level Saturday, June 12, against Flint Kearsley. The County Press has some great coverage as well.

Lapeer East baseball downed Brandon last Saturday to win the District title and advance. The County Press had photos and story in Wednesday's paper.

Lapeer East grad signs with Concordia University, two West girls play in softball tourney

If you missed it there is a story in The County Press about Lapeer East grad Paul Neumeyer signing to play soccer at Concordia University.

Also a story in The County Press about Lapeer West softball stand out players and graduates Emily Jones and Bridget Miller playing in the Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association All-Star Game in East Lansing recently.

Congratulations to these students.

Five Lapeer East, two Lapeer West Girls' soccer players make County Press "Dream Team"

Five Lapeer East Girl's soccer team members and two from Lapeer West Girls' soccer team made The County Press soccer "Dream Team" for 2009.

You can read the story here.

Lapeer East Girls' Soccer "Team of the Year," Coach Kinzer, "Coach of the Year"

The Lapeer County Press named the Lapeer East High School Girls' soccer team the "Team of the Year," and named its coach, Mr. Bill Kinzer, "Coach of the Year."

You can read the story here.

Congratulations!

Three Lapeer East girls' soccer players sign to play collegiate soccer at ceremony

Three Lapeer East girls’ soccer players publicly affirmed their commitments to play collegiate soccer at a press conference at 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 in the Lapeer East Media Center.

Seniors Kelsey Hizelberger, Kristen Tomczyk and Lauren Kobylik were joined by family and friends at the ceremony.

Kelsey, who has scored 39 goals, which puts her in seventh place on the school’s all-time scoring list, signed with Savannah college of Arts & Design in Savannah, Georgia. In addition to her goals, Kelsey has 23 career assists and plays club soccer for the Bloomfield Force, a Michigan Division 1 premier team.

“Kelsey is a very talented attacking player,” said Bill Kinzer, her coach. “She’s one of those rare difference makers who can affect the outcome of a game by herself.”

Kristen Tomczyk has played a variety of positions for the East Eagles and is a “natural defender.”

Her East career includes 20 goals and 8 assists. Kristen signed to play for Saginaw Valley State University. She plays club soccer for the Livonia United, a Michigan Division 1 premier team.

“Kristen is a skilled, athletic and versatile soccer player,” said Bill Kinzer, her coach. “One of the greatest things about her is her ability to make all of the players around her better.”

With 12 career goals and 22 assists, Lauren Kobylik accepted an offer to play her college soccer with Notre Dame College in Euclid, Ohio. She also played club soccer for the Livonia United team.

“Lauren will do really well at the collegiate level,” said Bill Kinzer, her coach. “Her first touch is super, and she’s a very strong tactical player.” More signing photos here.

East girls' varsity soccer players to publicly sign college soccer commitments April 1

Three Lapeer East girls soccer plays will publicly acknowledge commitments to play collegiate soccer at a press conference at 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 in the Lapeer East Media Center.

Seniors Kelsey Hizelberger, Kristen Tomczyk and Lauren Kobylik are beginning their fourth year as varsity soccer players at Lapeer East High School.

Kelsey, who has scored 39 goals, which puts her in seventh place on the school’s all-time scoring list, will sign with Savannah college of Arts & Design in Savannah, Georgia. In addition to her goals, Kelsey has 23 career assists and plays club soccer for the Bloomfield Force, a Michigan Division 1 premier team.

“Kelsey is a very talented attacking player,” said Bill Kinzer, her coach. “She’s one of those rare difference makers who can affect the outcome of a game by herself.”

Kristen Tomczyk has played a varitety of positions for the East Eagles and is a “natural defender.” Her East career includes 20 goals and 8 assists. Kristen will sign to play for Saginaw Valley State University. She plays club soccer for the Livonia United, a Michigan Division 1 premier team.

“Kristen is a skilled, athletic and versatile soccer player,” said Bill Kinzer, her coach. “One of the greatest things about her is her ability to make all of the players around her better.”

With 12 career goals and 22 assists, Lauren Kobylik will play her college soccer with Notre Dame College in Euclid, Ohio. She also played club soccer for the Livonia United team.

“Lauren will do really well at the collegiate level,” said Bill Kinzer, her coach. “Her first touch is super, and she’s a very strong tactical player.”