Moon Township, Pa. - After signing a local player to a National Letter of Intent earlier in the spring semester, the Robert Morris University field hockey program and head coach Olivia Netzler went out of the United States for her second commitment for the 2013 season.  By way of the English Premier League, Chloe McIlwaine (Belfast, Ireland / Northumbria University) will join the Colonials for the upcoming season.

McIlwaine grew up in Ireland where she started playing the sport with the Lurgan Ladies Hockey Club at a young age.  She continued her playing career in her home country until 2010 when she started playing in the English Premier League.  During her two years in England, McIlwaine spent time with the Whitley Bay and Tynemouth Hockey Club which plays in the second tier of the league.

Before attending Northumbria University, McIlwaine represented Ulster at the under-16 and under-18 levels of competition.  McIlwaine was also selected to anunder-19 Irish team that traveled to Holland twice for UNICEF International Invitational tournaments.  While at Northumbria, McIlwaine was a team captain and president of the hockey club at the school.  At every level of competition, McIlwaine has been recognized with various awards including Player of the Year honors and Club Contribution recognition.

"We are excited to have a player with the experience that Chloe possesses," said Netzler.  "She will bring a great deal of knowledge and leadership to our defensive line.  I am excited to see her play with our existing team while adding depth to our current roster."

McIlwaine will join Kylie Luke (Ligonier, Pa. / Greater Latrobe) as new members for the 2013 season after the Colonials only lost two seniors from the 2012 squad.  McIlwaine will join two-time All-NEC Second Team honoree Michelle Lewthwaite (Macarthur, Australia / Westfield Sports) on the RMU defense as the Colonials look to improve on a 5-13 season from 2012.