ST. PAUL, Minn. – Concordia-St. Paul head women's lacrosse coach
Ali Jennings has announced the signing of four prep athletes to join the Golden Bears for the 2023-24 academic year.
Concordia will welcome
Kaysawn Carlson (Bloomington, Minn. / Kennedy HS),
Jenna Hamann (Plymouth, Minn. / Robbinsdale Armstrong HS),
Shelby Hansen (Cottage Grove, Minn. / Park HS) and
Margarita Lucio (St. Paul, Minn. / Cretin-Derham Hall) to the roster next year.
"We are excited to welcome these ladies to the Golden Bear family. They each bring something special to be added to the team. Not only are they great student-athletes, but they are incredible young ladies," said Coach Jennings.
Carlson, Hamann, Hansen and Lucio join a Golden Bear lacrosse program that became the first scholarship-offering program in the state of Minnesota in 2017 and has compiled a 42-43 cumulative record in six seasons of NCAA Division II membership. CSP is entering its fifth year competing in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Conference (GLIAC) as an affiliate member.
The program is led by 2022 GLIAC Coach of the Year
Ali Jennings in her second season at CSP.
Kaysawn Carlson (M, 5-4, Fr., Bloomington, Minn. / Kennedy HS)
Kennedy High School:
Has earned six lacrosse letters for the Eagles, adding three in hockey and two more in soccer as a three-sport athlete … a two-time All-Tri Metro Conference selection, also earning All-Tri Metro Honorable Mention honors … a three-time captain … earned the offensive award … as a junior in 2022, scored 39 goals with 20 assists … also earned academic letters and member of National Honor Society.
Personal:
Will major in exercise science at Concordia … aspires to become an occupational therapist … has a younger brother.
Jennings on Carlson: "Kaysawn has great speed to add to our midfield group. She's fierce and isn't afraid to get in there and get the job done. Welcome to the Golden Bear family, Kaysawn!"
Jenna Hamann (A, 5-8, Fr., Plymouth, Minn. / Robbinsdale Armstrong HS)
Robbinsdale Armstrong High School:
Earned a pair of letters in lacrosse and basketball for the Falcons … a two-time All-Section 5 and All-Northwest Suburban Conference performer … as a sophomore, registered 42 goals and 16 assists before a more assist-heavy junior season with 30 goals and 31 assists … has helped lead the program to a 21-9 record in the past two seasons including MSHSL Section 5 semifinal appearances in 2021 and 2022 and an 11-4 finish in 2022 … also a three-time academic achievement letter entering senior year … two-time Relay for Life captain.
Personal:
Has not declared a major academic area of interest but it interested in a Spanish minor at CSP … has an older sister and an older brother … her father played baseball at the University of Minnesota Duluth (1985-88).
Jennings on Hamann: "We are excited to welcome Jenna to the Golden Bear family! She's a well-balanced attacker, she's a great feeder but can also take it to the cage when the opportunity arises."
Shelby Hansen (A/M, 5-7, Fr., Cottage Grove, Minn. / Park HS)
Park High School:
A three-sport athlete for the Wolfpack, picking up four letters apiece in lacrosse, soccer and hockey … a two-time All-Suburban East Conference performer … two-time lacrosse team MVP … in 31 games in the past two seasons, has compiled 74 goals, 14 assists, 52 draw controls and 62 ground balls … helped the Wolfpack to a MSHSL Section 3 runner-up finish … an All-Suburban East conference honorable mention athlete in soccer and hockey.
Personal:
Interested in a nursing major at Concordia with sights set on becoming a trauma/psychiatric nurse … has two older sisters and an older brother.
Jennings on Hansen: "Shelby will bring speed, intensity, and drive on our offensive end. We are excited to add another lefty to the team, as well. We're excited to welcome you to the Golden Bear family, Shelby!"
Margarita Lucio (G, 5-3, Fr., St. Paul, Minn. / Cretin-Derham Hall)
Cretin-Derham Hall:
Has secured one letter entering senior year as a lacrosse player … also competes in soccer and hockey for the Raiders … named the 2022 Rookie of the Year … an All-Suburban East Conference honorable mention selection … helped the Raiders to an 11-4 overall record and reached the MSHSL Section semifinals … held a firm .503 save percentage with 85 saves and 84 goals against for an 8.22 goals against average while facing 169 shots on goal with an 8-3 record.
Personal:
Has expressed interest in an exercise science major at Concordia.
Jennings on Lucio: "We are excited to welcome Margarita to the Golden Bear family and the goalie unit. She has quick hands and feet in cage and we are excited to see what she can do in cage during her collegiate career."
