WASHINGTON - Georgetown University Field Hockey Head Coach Shannon Soares has selected the captains and 2017 Leadership Council for the 2017 season. Seniors Megan Parsons (Chester Springs, Pa./Villa Maria) and Mackenzie Schneider (Norfolk, Va./Maury) along with junior Katie Maransky (Blue Bell, Pa./Mount Saint Joseph's Academy) will lead the Hoyas in the upcoming year. Additionally, juniors Helena Masiello (East Greenbush, N.Y./Columbia) and Samantha Hickey (Coatesville, Pa./Villa Maria) as well as sophomores Ashley Leverrett (Pasadena, Md./Indian Creek), Lindsay Getz (Northfield, Ill./Loyola Academy) and Cameron Rogers (Richmond, Va./Trinity Episcopal) were named to the 2017 Leadership Council.

The captains were selected following a unique hiring process that includes submission of application materials including a cover letter, resume, two letters of reference from character references and an extensive written statement on how the individual intends to propel the program forward.

Following completion of the application process, the candidates were then granted an in-person interview with the hiring committee. Committee members included Soares, Assistant Coach Meaghan Neylon, Volunteer Assistant Coach Molly MacDonnell, Assistant Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Leadership and Development Dr. Michael Lorenzen and Sports Performance Coach Mark Highsmith.

After the completion of interviews, the committee then evaluated each candidate and selected the best fit individuals for the role, regardless of the number of qualified candidates. Each candidate was then brought back in, provided feedback on how they performed in the process and notified of the committee's decision. That candidate then had the opportunity to accept or to decline the position - like a real job.

"As a staff, we are very excited about the three young women who will lead our program as captains for the 2017 season," said Soares. "Megan, Mackenzie and Katie each bring different personality styles, experiences and strengths to our program. They have shown great maturity and perspective throughout the last six months and have gained the respect of their teammates and our staff. They each understand what it means to put the team first and have shown a desire and ability to put our four program standards into action. We look forward to working with them on a daily basis and thank them in advance for their time and service to our program."

In addition to the 2017 captains, Soares named the five members of the leadership council. The captains will oversee and work very closely with the council. The current student-athletes played a significant role in the selection process for the council.

The leadership council is made up of young women on the team who are considered emerging leaders within the program. The role is completely service-based as each member serves as an advocate for those individuals on the team who are not in leadership positions. The council members spend a great deal of time meeting one-on-one with their assigned peers and the top priority of these meetings is relationship building.

"While it takes a significant amount of time and energy for both student-athletes and staff, I believe our very detailed process for selecting captains and leadership council members separates us from the pack," said Soares. "Our leadership structure is one that focuses on advocacy, relationship building, open communication, transparency and feedback. We believe it's the most effective way [for us] for working toward a healthy and productive program culture."

Georgetown returns 13 players in 2017 and will welcome seven freshmen in the fall.