KINGSTON, R.I. -- April 12, 2002 -- Lindsay Fish was like many seniors who graduate from South Kingstown High School.

The 1997 local graduate wanted to leave the state for college, so she chose to enroll at Boston’s Northeastern University, rather than neighboring URI. "I felt URI was right there, so I wanted to get away to get a different perspective," said Fish.

But after a semester, the Rhode Island All-State soccer player returned home and enrolled at URI. She’s never looked back.

As a senior member of the Rams’ women’s soccer team who in 1999 was named to the Atlantic 10 Commissioner’s Honor Roll, she provided depth and experience at midfield and forward positions. She was one of eight seniors who helped make URI one of the top women’s teams in the A-10.

"Lindsay battled a plethora of injuries throughout the year, but her work ethic was tremendous every day," coach Geoff Bennett said. "She really gave us everything you could ask for day in and day out. Lindsay’s leadership was less vocal and conveyed more by example. She wasn’t a starter, but every day she came out and competed, and gave us great time off the bench. That’s a great example for the younger players."

The biological sciences major who will graduate in May has been on the dean’s list six of her eight semesters at URI and is considering a career as a physician’s assistant or continuing her education in medical school.

"She’s not only a great role model for the team, but she is a great representative of the University. She is the kind of player any coach would love to have."

"For me it has been great being at home," Fish said. "As a kid, I always went to URI soccer games, and to be able to play on the team has been really great. My family was at all the games, and friends I played with in high school came to many of the games. I have always gotten nothing but support from the University."

A member of the Golden Key Honor Society, she said the discipline of athletics helped her in the classroom.

"Because your time is so structured when you play for a team, it makes it easier to focus on academics," Fish said. "To do well, you have to realize that time off the field has to be primarily for academics."

For Information: Dave Lavallee 401-874-2116