ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Roberts Wesleyan University women's field hockey team welcomes seven new players for the upcoming 2025 season.
The class includes six student-athletes from New York state and one from Pennsylvania.

"I love their growth mindset," coach Marissa Kocher said. "I love that they are here because of the type of culture that we are about with supporting one another. They have just come in and really not held back, and I think that has been huge for our team."

The Redhawks will open their third season as a program at home on Sept. 5 against Mercy.

Let's meet the newest Redhawks: 

Avery Carinci

Position: Forward/Midfield
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Syracuse, N.Y.  
High school: Cicero-North Syracuse
Major: Exercise Science
Before Roberts: Skilled forward and versatile midfielder was named All-CNY (Central New York) by syracuse.com following her senior season. Played on a C-NS team that reached the New York State Class A championship game as a sophomore. Also played lacrosse.
Why did you choose Roberts? "I chose Roberts because the environment was very welcoming and the team looked like they had a strong bond." 

Topeaka Covelusky

Position: Midfield/Defense
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Bloomsburg, Pa.
High school: Bloomsburg
Major: Engineering
Before Roberts: A first-team PHAC all-star, she scored two goals and added two assists for the PIAA District IV champions as a senior. Participated in state tournament twice during her high school career, also qualified for U16 and U19 National Indoor Tournaments and played in several other national tournaments. Member of National Honor Society, Educators Rising Club and Animal Rescue Club while in high school. Also participated in ballet and the Early College Program, earning her Associate's Degree.
Why did you choose Roberts? "When I discovered Roberts, they had just started their field hockey program and I wanted to be part of it to help it grow into a spectacular program and help more people learn about the sport. Roberts is a small school, which I love, and it will give me more one-on-one time with the professors and it feels more like a community." 
 

Dariyan DeWeese

Position: Defense
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Baldwinsville, N.Y.
High school: C.W. Baker
Major: Exercise Science
Before Roberts: Played three varsity seasons at Baldwinsville and served as team captain her senior year. A three-time Scholar-Athlete, she was named to the NFHCA High School National Academic squad in 2023. Also earned SCAC Metro All-League Honorable Mention in 2022 and 2024. Member of high school golf team, she participated in Environment Club and has worked as a lifeguard.
Why did you choose Roberts? "I chose Roberts because I felt like it was the perfect fit for me. It is the perfect distance away from home and the perfect size. The field hockey team instantly felt like a nurturing home, and I knew that I would be able to grow my game and as a person in this environment." 

Ryen Lago

Position: Defense
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Camden, N.Y.  
High school: Camden
Major: Psychology
Before Roberts: Started at three different positions during her three varsity seasons at Camden. Received the Coaches' Award and earned Scholar-Athlete all three seasons. Brought Morgan's Message to her high school. Activities included being a part of the Digital Media Class, Special Olympics and Youth Activation Committee. Participated in track, softball and unified bowling and basketball during high school.
Why did you choose Roberts? "Roberts Wesleyan encompassed a very welcoming and warm atmosphere where everybody wanted to see you succeed. The field hockey team was very inclusive and supportive of everyone's dreams, and it was a competitive program that instilled their own values and beliefs to make a great, consistent team."

Natalee Lawrence

Position: Forward
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Sanborn, N.Y.
High school: Starpoint
Major: Pre-Physical and Occupational Therapy
Before Roberts: Led Starpoint to the Section VI Class B championship, the school's first title in field hockey in 30 years, as a senior. Scored 27 goals and had 9 assists to finish second in Section VI on scoring while being selected All-State and earning All-Western New York honors from The Buffalo News and first-team ECIC. Also played varsity ice hockey, lacrosse and bowling in high school and was a member of the National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, Science Honor Society, English Honor Society and Social Studies Honor Society. Recognized as March 2025 Scholar-Athlete of the Month by WIVB-TV in Buffalo. Community service activities include Lock In to Lock Out Cancer, Donate Life Club and Link Crew as well as the Shawnee Volunteer Fire Company and working as an assistant coach for field hockey and ice hockey teams.
Why did you choose Roberts? "From the moment I stepped on campus for the very first time, I knew that Roberts was a place that I was meant to be and the right home where I knew I could succeed both in the classroom and on the field. I felt a connection between the staff, students, coaches, and athletes that immediately made me feel welcomed and a sense of belonging as if I was a part of their Redhawk family." 

Julia Lukasik

Position: Midfield
Year: Freshman
Hometown: North Tonawanda, N.Y.
High school: Starpoint
Major: Biology
Before Roberts: Speedy midfielder scored five goals and added seven assists as Starpoint won the Section VI Class B title her senior season. Earned first-team ECIC Division I and honorable mention All-Western New York Awards while being recognized as a Scholar-Athlete. Also played softball, hockey, track and field, unified bowling and unified basketball. Member of National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, English Honor Society and the Shakespeare Lives Club. Leader of Hot Chocolate with God and Vacation Bible School at her church for several years and volunteered at numerous field hockey camps.
Why did you choose Roberts? "I chose Roberts Wesleyan University to continue my athletic and academic journey simply because of the people and the environment there. Once I came to Roberts to visit, I was instantly greeted and welcomed with kindness. I thought that it was a great environment for me to continue my faith and to grow in ways that I didn't know I could. It also presented many opportunities where I could grow in my academic career that would put me on a good path through my future. Not to mention, Coach Marissa was the sweetest and most helpful during my decision-making process as an athlete. She was one of the main factors that heavily altered my decision to come to Roberts." 

Lyla Robertson

Position: Defense
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Camden, N.Y.
High school: Camden
Major: Nursing
Before Roberts: Won Section III championship in 2023 and was a two-time, first-team all-league selection at Camden, where she served as a captain her senior year. Played varsity volleyball and was active in her church.
Why did you choose Roberts? "Roberts felt like home. I felt so welcomed and accepted when I visited, both the academic and athletic aspects of the school are competitive and I really liked that. I also loved the fact that it is a faith-based school."