Women's soccer announces Class of 2019

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University women's soccer program and head coach Andrew Biggs are pleased to announce the Class of 2019.

This group of six future Bulldogs look to help elevate Bryant women's soccer to one of the top programs in the region and help Bryant compete for its first Northeast Conference Title.

"We are excited to welcome the Class of 2019 into our program and are really looking forward to the opportunity to start working with each of them when preseason begins this August," said Biggs. "They will help to strengthen our team on both ends of the field, and, as we become more familiar with each of their skill sets, I am confident that they will embrace the challenge of helping our team begin its move toward the top of the Northeast Conference."

Rachel Benz | M | 5-5 | Stamford, Conn. | Westhill

Four-year starting center-midfielder for head coach Dave Flowers at Westhill High School … Helped lead her team to three appearances in the state quarterfinals (2011, 13-14), including a Division title in 2014 … Earned Second Team All-FCIAC as a junior and senior (2013-14) … Also lettered in ice hockey and indoor track … Member of National Honor Society and Kiva Club, and is a math tutor.

Personal: Daughter of Guido and Tracy Benz, Rachel Lee Benz was born on Sept. 30, 1997 … She has a sister, Claudia, and a brother, Cory.

Cayla D'Amico | D/F/M | 5-6 | Grafton, Mass. | Grafton

Four-year starter for the Grafton High Indians … Earned Massachusetts All-State honors as a senior in 2014 … Three-time MIAA Central Mass. All-Star (2012-14) … Three-time Southern Worcester County League First Team All-Star (2012-14), Second Yea, SWCL as a freshman (2011) … Two-year captain as a junior and senior … Three-time Mass. State Club Cup Champion (2010, 12-13) with the FC Stars of Massachusetts with Bryant teammates Katie Nugent and Alex Spangler … Also a four-year letterwinner in track & field … Member of National Honor Society and Student Council.

Personal: Daughter of David and Cheryl D'Amico, Cayla Marie D'Amico was born on Oct. 29, 1996 … She has a brother named Anthony.

Alison Guilmette | M | 5-7 | Coventry, R.I. | Bay View

Four-year varsity letterwinner and starting at Bay View Academy in East Providence, R.I. … Helped lead her team to back-to-back Rhode Island State Semifinals as a sophomore and junior (2012-13) … Earned First Team All-Division I honors as a junior and senior (2013-14) … Won three-straight RI State Cup Championships with the Bayside FC Bolts (2012-14) … member of National Honor Society, Rho Kappa National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Model Legislators, and Student Council.

Personal: Daughter of Dave and Karen Guilmette, Alison N. Guilmette was born on June 17, 1997.

Katie Nugent | D/M | 5-9 | Newton, Mass. | Newton North

Three-year starter for head coach James Hamblin and the Newton North Tigers … Helped lead her team to a Massachusetts Division I Championship as a junior in 2013 … Earned back-to-back Baystate All-Star honors as a sophomore and junior (2012-13) … Plays club soccer for the FC Stars of Massachusetts, with Bryant teammates Cayla D'Amico and Alex Spangler, winning the Mass. State Club Cup three times (2010, 12-13) … Honor Roll student, peer tutor, and 2012 National Spanish Exam Honorable Mention.

Personal: Daughter of Niall and Petra Nugent, Katie Elizabeth Nugent was born on Feb. 14, 1997 … She has two sisters, Alyssa and Alexandra.

Alex Ralph | M | 5-7 | Peterborough, Ont. | St. Peter's Catholic

Two-year starting midfielder for St. Peter's Catholic Secondary School in Ontario, Canada … Helped lead her to an Ontario Women Soccer league Championship in 2014 and an Ontario Cup Finals appearance in 2013 … Competed internationally, winning the Dana Cup in Denmark (2010) and the Helsinki Cup in Finland (2012) … Honor Roll student, peer leader, and French Immersion Award recipient.

Personal: Daughter of Craig Ralph and Brigitte Byette, Alexandra Marie Ralph was born on Aug. 23, 1997 … She has a brother, Cedric, and a sister, Sabrina.

Alex Spangler | M | 5-0 | Acton, Mass. | Acton-Boxborough

Four-year starting midfielder for head coach Lee Billiard at Acton-Borough Regional High School … Helped lead her team to back-to-back Dual County league Championships as a junior and senior (2013-14) … Earned back-to-back Massachusetts All-State honors (2013-14), All-New England recognition (2013) and was an All-American nominee (2014) … Three-time Dual County League All-Star (2012-14) and DCL MVP as a junior in 2013 … Lowell Sun, Boston Globe, and Boston Herald All Scholastic honoree in 2013 and 2014 … Three-time Mass. State Club Cup Champion (2010, 12-13) with the FC Stars of Massachusetts with Bryant teammates Katie Nugent and Cayla D'Amico … Honor Roll student and active volunteer in the community.

Personal: Daughter of Darren and Melissa, Alexandra Lauren Spangler was born on Nov. 19, 1996 … She has a brother, Brendan and a sister, Kaitlyn, who is also a member of the Bryant women's soccer team.