Three New Additions Bring International Flair and Championship Pedigree to UAlbany Field Hockey

ALBANY, N.Y. — March 27, 2025
The University at Albany field hockey program, under the leadership of long-standing head coach Phil Sykes, has bolstered its roster with the arrival of three exciting mid-year additions. With the spring semester underway, the Great Danes are thrilled to welcome Jette Kurz, Pilar Lorenzini, and Sarah Salamen—a trio that brings international experience, dynamic energy, and championship-level talent to the team.

These new student-athletes have already begun competing with the program during the 2024 indoor season and are expected to make a major impact when the team returns to Alumni Turf for the fall 2025 campaign.

🏑 Meet the New Great Danes

Jette Kurz – Freshman Forward | Stuttgart, Germany

Standing at 5-foot-7, Jette Kurz enters the UAlbany program as a freshman with a decorated resume from Germany’s competitive field hockey system. Hailing from the prestigious HTC Stuttgarter Kickers, Kurz has shown herself to be a fierce competitor, helping her team claim a 2024 indoor championship title. Additionally, she earned a second-place finish at the German Championship with the HBW selection squad, solidifying her reputation as one of the brightest young talents in German field hockey.

Coach Sykes on Kurz:

“We are very excited to have Jette joining our team. She is a very powerful and dynamic player and will add a lot to our attack. She comes from a family that is very passionate about field hockey. Her older sister recently represented Germany at the Paris Olympics.”

Kurz’s combination of speed, skill, and instinctive playmaking makes her a welcome addition to the Great Danes’ offensive arsenal. With her Olympic bloodline and high-level European training, she’s expected to thrive in Division I play and help elevate UAlbany’s offensive tempo.

Pilar Lorenzini – Sophomore Defender/Midfielder | Mendoza, Argentina

Transferring in from Wagner College, Pilar Lorenzini brings poise, maturity, and a wealth of collegiate experience. The 5-foot-1 Mendoza native carved out a prominent role in the Northeast Conference, starting all 37 games across her freshman and sophomore seasons. She posted 16 points, notching 4 goals, 8 assists, and even contributing a defensive save—a testament to her versatility and grit on both ends of the field.

At Wagner, Lorenzini was a two-time All-Tournament selection (2023, 2024), and her leadership on and off the turf quickly earned respect. She now becomes the first Argentine player to join the UAlbany field hockey program.

Coach Sykes on Lorenzini:

“Pilar is the first player from Argentina to be a Great Dane. She is a very skillful and experienced player that will add tremendous stability to our midfield and defense. Both of her parents are coaches, and you can see this in her hockey intelligence.”

Lorenzini’s arrival brings a unique blend of Latin American flair and tactical awareness that will undoubtedly strengthen UAlbany’s defensive organization and transition play. Her calm under pressure and field vision offer a vital boost as the team eyes another run at postseason success.

Sarah Salamen – Position, Stats & Background Coming Soon

Details regarding the third mid-year addition, Sarah Salamen, will be released in the coming days. Early indications suggest she will also play a key role in UAlbany’s 2025 campaign.

🌍 Global Talent, One Unified Goal

The addition of Kurz, Lorenzini, and Salamen reflects Coach Sykes’ long-standing commitment to building a program that blends domestic talent with international excellence. With athletes from Germany, Argentina, and beyond joining the mix, the Great Danes are fostering a globally minded and culturally rich team environment.

As UAlbany turns its attention to preparing for the 2025 outdoor season, these three new Great Danes will be instrumental in setting the tone for training, competition, and team chemistry.

🗣️ Looking Ahead

With new energy, international experience, and championship potential infused into the roster, UAlbany’s field hockey squad is shaping up to be a formidable force in the upcoming season. The blend of youth and experience promises exciting play on Alumni Turf, and fans can expect high-intensity hockey with plenty of flair and finesse.

Stay tuned for more updates on the fall 2025 schedule, preseason training, and insights into how these mid-year additions will shape the team’s identity going forward.