Giglio announces the 2017 Fresno State lacrosse signing class

FRESNO, Calif. - Head coach Jessica Giglio announced the addition of 10 players to reload her squad for the 2018 season.

"This class is a diverse group of talented lacrosse players ready to further advance this program's successes," Giglio Said. "Adding these valuable athletes to our returning roster will make Fresno State's future bright."

The signing class includes five midfielders, three attackers, one defender and one goalkeeper.

Three additions to the roster hail from Mater Dei High School in Southern California. The Mater Dei lacrosse team has won back-to-back Orange County Championship titles and back-to-back Southern Section Championship titles.

Dawson Chalifoux is a nine-year boys box lacrosse player from Mission Senior. Chalifoux was an assistant captain for the B.C. National Team in 2013 and 2015. She helped lead the B.C. National Team to 2014 and 2015 national championship titles, and a silver medal finish in 2013. The attacker was named Mission Athlete of the Year in 2016.

Hometown: Mission, B.C. (Canada)

High School: Mission Senior
Club Team: Team B.C.

"Dawson is a strong attacker who can finish who can finish under pressure. We are excited to get her to work in with our returning attackers," said Giglio.

On why she chose to attend Fresno State, " I chose Fresno State because the team the coaching staff were very welcoming and excited for me to become a part of the team," said Chalifoux. "Playing for Fresno State also allows me to stay on the West Coast, which is a dream come true."

Lauren Gonzales is a four-year varsity midfielder from Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, Calif. She finished her senior year with 21 games played, 60 goals, 21 assists, 81 points and 41 ground balls. Gonzales helped lead Mater Dei to 2016 and 2017 Southern Section Championship titles, 2016 and 2017 Orange County Championship titles, 2014 and 2015 Trinity League Championship titles.

Hometown: Santa Ana, Calif.

High School: Mater Dei
Club Team: West Coast Starz

"Lauren is an athletic midfielder who adds a threat on both ends of the field with her speed," said Coach Giglio.

Individual Accolades

2015 Mater Dei Offensive Most Valuable Player
2015 First Team All-County OC Register
2016 Second Team All-County
2017 Second Team All-County
2017 Co-MVP Orange County Championship Game
2017 Mater Dei Coaches Award

On why she chose Fresno State, "I chose Fresno State because I can study psychology at a well-established university while playing competitive division I lacrosse," ," said Gonzales. "I will have the opportunity to play with high school and club teammates. I also have a lot of respect for the coaching staff and their appreciation for what I will bring to the Fresno State women's lacrosse team."

Denae Haeussler is a four-year varsity defender from Westview High School. Haeussler finished her senior year with 16 games played and 59 goals scored.

Hometown: San Diego, Calif.
High School: Westview HS
Club Team: West Coast Starz

"Denae is a strong defender who has height which will be a huge asset on the defensive end," said Coach Giglio.

Individual Accolades

2014 Westview Most Improved
2015 Second Team All-League
2016 First Team All-League
2016 Westview Most Valuable Player
2017 First Team All-League
2017 Westview Most Valuable Player

On why she chose Fresno State, "I chose Fresno State because of the welcoming team and coaching staff," said Haeussler. "I can't wait to be a part of the Bulldog community and make unforgettable memories."

Lauren Kiszely is a three-time varsity attacker from Notre Dame High School in Lawrenceville, N.J. She finished her senior season with 21 games played, 56 goals, 62 assist and 118 points. Kiszely helped lead Notre Dame High School to a 2015 and 2016 Mercer County Championship title. She helped lead her high school team to a 2017 CJ Group Section Championship title.

Hometown: Robbinsville, N.J.
High School: Notre Dame HS
Club Team: Ultimate Goal Lacrosse

"Lauren has a great eye for putting a feed on an attackers' stick," said Coach Giglio. "Her assisting ability will continue to make us a stronger team threat on offense."

Individual Accolades

2016 First Team All-County
2016 Third Team All-State
2017 Notre Dame Co-Most Valuable Player
2017 All-County Team
2017 CVC County Midfielder of the Year
2017 CVC Player of the Year
2017 Times of Trenton All-Area Team

On why she chose Fresno State, " I chose to attend Fresno State because of the friendly coaching staff and beautiful campus," said Kiszely. "The team made me feel at home 2,000 miles away from my hometown. Fresno State had new athletic complexes and offer many academic opportunities for student-athletes to succeed."

Hannah Krats is a four-year varsity midfielder from Dakota Ridge High School in Littleton, Colo. Krats finished her senior year with 17 games played, 67 goals, 32 assists, 99 points, 20 draw controls and 113 ground balls.

Hometown: Littleton, Colo.
High School: Dakota Ridge HS
Club Team: Denver Summit Lacrosse

"Hannah is an explosive midfielder who had great footwork," said Coach Giglio. "Her scrappiness is exciting to bring to the team."

Individual Accolades

2014 All-Conference Honorable Mention
2014 All-State Honorable Mention
2015 First Team All-Conference
2015 All-State Honorable Mention
2016 First Team All-Conference
2016 Second Team All-State
2016 Dakota Ridge HS MVP
2017 First Team All-Conference
2017 Dakota Ridge HS Female Athlete of the Year
2017 US Lacrosse All-American
2017 First Team All-State

On why she chose Fresno State, "I had a great connection with the coaches and the campus," said Krats. "I can major in nursing, and I feel like I can excel in my academics at Fresno State. I feel like I will be a part of a really special team at Fresno State.

Kennedy Mulvaney is a four-year varsity attacker from Corona del Mar High School in Newport Beach, Calif. She finished her senior season with 23 games played, 59 goals, 42 assists, 85 draw controls and 58 ground balls.

Hometown: Newport Beach, Calif.
High School: Corona del Mar HS
Club Team: Team West Coast Starz

"Kennedy is a strong attacker who is extremely versatile," said Coach Giglio. "We look forward to her adding to our offense and contributing right away."

Individual Accolades

2014 Corona del Mar High School Rookie of the Year
2014 All-League Honors
2015 All-League Honors
2016 Second Tea, All-County
2016 Pacific Coast League MVP
2016 Corona del Mar High School Most Valuable Player
2017 First Team All-County
2017 Pacific Coast League Most Valuable Player
2017 Corona del Mar High School Most Valuable Player
2017 All-American Honors
2017 Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce Top Athlete

On why she chose Fresno State, "I decided to attend Fresno State for its incredible support and dedication to provide the best possible environment for student-athletes," said Mulvaney. "I love the school spirit and I can't wait to become a part of the Bulldog community."

Abbigayle Roberts is a midfielder from St. George's Independent School in Collierville, Tenn. She finished her senior season with 16 games played, 54 goals, 24 assists, 78 points, 111 draw controls, 68 ground balls and 44 caused turnovers. St. George's Independent School's lacrosse team was ranked No. 4 in the state of Tennessee. Roberts was a member of the Tennessee National Team. She helped lead her team to the Elite 8 back-to-back years.

Hometown: Germantown, Tenn.
High School: St. George's Independent School
Club Team: Atlanta Eagle Stix

"Abbigayle is very strong off the draw control and is a strong midfielder, said Coach Giglio. " She is a physical presence all over the field."

Individual Accolades

2014 All-Regional Team
2014 All-State Team
2016 All-Regional Team
2016 All-State Team
2016 Most Valuable Player
2017 All-Regional Team
2017 All-State Team
2017 Coach's Award

On why she chose Fresno State, "I chose Fresno State because the warm and welcoming coaching staff seemed like a great fit for me," said Roberts. "The size of the school is exactly what I am looking for. I was impressed by the quality of the facilities at Fresno State. I want to pursue a career in the medical field and with a few current team members studying within that field it makes me feel like I will be able to succeed on and off the field."

Megan Walaitis is four-year varsity midfielder from Christian Brothers High School in Sacramento, Calif. Walatis finished her senior season as the all-time points leader at Christian Brothers High School. She was a two-time Nor Cal National Tournament Team member.

"Megan is a midfielder who dominates the draw control," Giglio said. " We look forward to her relentless play on both the offensive and defensive ends."

Hometown: Carmichael, Calif.
High School: Christian Brothers High School
Club Team: Stick With It Lacrosse/ Bay Area Elite

Individual Accolades

2014 Christian Brothers HS Most Valuable Player
2015 Christian Brothers HS Most Valuable Player
2016 Christian Brothers HS Most Valuable Player
2016 First Team All-Conference
2017 Christian Brothers HS Most Valuable Player
2017 First Team All-Conference

On why she chose Fresno State, "I chose Fresno State because of the approachable coaching staff and welcoming players, they made me want to be a part of their team," said Walatis. "Seeing the hard work and family atmosphere of the team only served to increase my desire to play division I lacrosse. I am honored to be able to wear a Fresno State jersey next season."

Courtney Walburger is a goalie from Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, Calif. She finished her senior season with 20 games played, 122 goals saved and 21 ground balls. Walburger helped lead Mater Dei to back-to-back OC Southern Section Championships.

Hometown: Costa Mesa, Calif.
High School: Mater Dei HS
Club Team: West Coast Starz

"Courtney is a strong goalkeeper who is a vocal presence in the cage," said Coach Giglio. "She will be a great addition to our strong goalkeeping unit."

Individual Accolades

2016 Southern Section Player of the Game
2017 First team All-County
2017 Mater Dei Defensive Most Valuable Player

On why she chose Fresno State, "I felt immediately welcomed by the team and coaches," said Walburger. "My fellow 2017 signees, the current team and coaching staff made me feel like Fresno could be a home away from home for me. I'm extremely excited to be a Bulldog and can't wait for this new adventure at Fresno State."

Mackenzie Wallevand is a four-year varsity midfielder from Mater Dei in Santa Ana, Calif. She finished her senior season with 15 games played, 41 goals, 35 assists, 76 points, 66 draw controls and 65 ground balls. Wallevand helped lead Mater Dei to 2016 and 2017 Southern Section Championship titles, 2016 and 2017 Orange County Championship titles, 2014 and 2015 Trinity League Championship titles. She was named the OC Register's Athlete of the Week during the 2016 season.

Hometown: Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.
High School: Mater Dei HS
Club Team: West Coast Starz

"Mackenzie is an aggressive player all over the field," said Coach Giglio. " Her speed and ability to get the ball in the back of the net is impressive."

Individual Accolades

2014 First Team All-League
2015 Second Team All-County
2015 Under Armour All-American
2016 OC Championship Game Most Valuable Player
2016 Mater Dei Most Valuable Player
2016 First Team All-County
2016 All-American
2016 Under Armour All-American
2017 First Team All-County
2017 Mater Dei Offensive Player of the Year
2017 Mater Dei Female Athlete of the Year

On why she chose Fresno State, " I chose Fresno State because of the feeling of family and unity that I got from the team," said Wallevand. "Fresno State is an up and coming program that gives me the opportunity to play in my home state. Fresno State has a great criminology program that has an FBI lab on campus, that really impressed me because that's my intended major. I am excited really excited for my future at Fresno State."

The 10 freshman from the 2017 signing class will join the 23 returning Bulldogs, coming off of Fresno State's most successful lacrosse season in program history.

"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" - The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160.

Fresno State Athletics

Giglio announces the 2017 Fresno State lacrosse signing class

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