Boissonneault Adds Thorne to Inaugural Class
12/31/2019 4:33:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
Australian Midfielder Signs with Pitt
PITTSBURGH – Head lacrosse coach Emily Boissonneault announced Tuesday the addition of Australian midfielder Abby Thorne to the 2020 signing class.
Thorne becomes the sixth student-athlete to sign with the University of Pittsburgh women's lacrosse program. The first competition season is set for 2021-22.
"We are overjoyed to be adding Abby to our 2020 class," Boissonneault said. "I had the opportunity to coach against Abby this summer when I coached with Canada's U19 World Cup team and Abby represented Australia. She finished the tournament with a bronze medal and an invaluable competitive experience that she will bring to our first squad. Abby is an incredible athlete that has set impressive goals for herself and I know we can help her accomplish them at Pitt."
Thorne earned back-to-back spots on the Australian national teams (U18 and U19), and most recently competed at the 2019 Women's Lacrosse U19 World Championships in Peterborough, Canada. Australia earned bronze, while Thorne netted a goal in its game against Team USA.
"I chose Pitt as I not only believe it will challenge me academically, but will also help me to become the best player I can be by coming up against and being pushed by the best," said Thorne. "The rare opportunity to be a part of this new program is so exciting as an international student and will allow me to transition smoothly into the college life."
The South Australia native has been a member of the Brighton Lacrosse Club for the past three years. While on the U18 squad, Thorne assisted the team to a U18 state title and state league title. Thorne was named MVP of the U18 club team, state league club team, South Australian team and Nationals. As a result of her strong play throughout the season, Thorne was also named to the National U18 All-Star team.
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Thorne becomes the sixth student-athlete to sign with the University of Pittsburgh women's lacrosse program. The first competition season is set for 2021-22.
"We are overjoyed to be adding Abby to our 2020 class," Boissonneault said. "I had the opportunity to coach against Abby this summer when I coached with Canada's U19 World Cup team and Abby represented Australia. She finished the tournament with a bronze medal and an invaluable competitive experience that she will bring to our first squad. Abby is an incredible athlete that has set impressive goals for herself and I know we can help her accomplish them at Pitt."
Thorne earned back-to-back spots on the Australian national teams (U18 and U19), and most recently competed at the 2019 Women's Lacrosse U19 World Championships in Peterborough, Canada. Australia earned bronze, while Thorne netted a goal in its game against Team USA.
"I chose Pitt as I not only believe it will challenge me academically, but will also help me to become the best player I can be by coming up against and being pushed by the best," said Thorne. "The rare opportunity to be a part of this new program is so exciting as an international student and will allow me to transition smoothly into the college life."
The South Australia native has been a member of the Brighton Lacrosse Club for the past three years. While on the U18 squad, Thorne assisted the team to a U18 state title and state league title. Thorne was named MVP of the U18 club team, state league club team, South Australian team and Nationals. As a result of her strong play throughout the season, Thorne was also named to the National U18 All-Star team.
#H2P | Twitter | Instagram
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