Villanova, Pa. -

Villanova women's lacrosse coach Julie Young has signed six new Wildcats for the 2015-16 season. The recruiting class features student-athletes from two different states, including one from Connecticut and the rest of the class from New Jersey. The well-rounded class also features three midfielders, one defender and an attacker.

The class includes: Julia Arrix (Defender, Darien, Conn.), Christine Graziano (Midfield, Mendham, N.J.), Devon Brown (Attack, Morristown, N.J.), Carlye Maita (Mendham, N.J.), Maggie O'Neil (Midfield, Morrisstown, N.J.) and Jillian Swikart (Midfield/Attack, Rumson, N.J.).

Complete bios on the signees are below (in alphabetical order):

Julia Arrix
Defender
Darien, Conn.
Darien High

Daughter of Bob and Margaret Arrix ââ'¬Â¦ Father graduated from Villanova in '82 ââ'¬Â¦ Four-year letterwinner in ice hockey ââ'¬Â¦ Two-year varsity letterwinner in lacrosse under coach Lisa Lindley ââ'¬Â¦Accolades for lacrosse include All-County in 2014 ââ'¬Â¦ County Champions in 2012, 2013 and 2014 ââ'¬Â¦ CT Class L State Champions in 2013 and 2014 ââ'¬Â¦ Member of the CT Chargers for four years ââ'¬Â¦ One-year member of CT Grizzlies ââ'¬Â¦ Multiple family members involved with varsity lacrosse programs across the country including twin brother Robby (Hamilton College, current), cousin Allie Whelan (Villanova, 2007-2009), cousin Chris Whelan (Hamilton College, 2009-2013), uncle Kevin, Tom and Chris ââ'¬Â¦ Played at Duke and New Hampshire respectively ââ'¬Â¦ Grandfather played football at Notre Dame (1952).

"Villanova is a perfect fit academically and athletically for me. Every winter my father would bring me to a Villanova men's basketball game. We would watch almost every game as a family growing up as well, so from a young age I have wanted to become a Wildcat. In addition, the women's lacrosse program is getting better and better each season and I cannot wait to be a part of its growth and success."

Devon Brown
Attack
Morristown, N.J.
Ridge High

Daughter of David and Lori Brown ââ'¬Â¦ Four-year member of Ridge High lacrosse program under coach Barbara Erickson ââ'¬Â¦ Lacrosse accolades include First Team All-Conference in 2013 and 2014 ââ'¬Â¦ First Team All-Area in 2014 ââ'¬Â¦ Second Team All-State of New Jersey in 2014 ââ'¬Â¦ Team accolades include ââ'¬Â¦ Skyland Conference winner in 2012, 2013 and 2014 ââ'¬Â¦ Somerset County Championship in 2012, 2013 and 2014 ââ'¬Â¦ Group Four Championship in 2014 ââ'¬Â¦ Led program with 137 goals and 78 assists ââ'¬Â¦ Academic All-American in 2014 ââ'¬Â¦ National Honor Society member 2013-15 ââ'¬Â¦ High Honor Roll 2012-2015 ââ'¬Â¦ Lacrosse Academic all-American 2014 ââ'¬Â¦ Mother (Lori) played lacrosse and field hockey at University of Richmond for four yearsââ'¬Â¦ Father (David) was a two-year member of University of Richmond soccer program ââ'¬Â¦ Sister Samantha (19) about to begin her second season in the High Point lacrosse program.

"I chose Villanova because it was the perfect fit for me. I always wanted a high academic school with a competitive program. I also fell in love with the school spirit atmosphere at Villanova. I can tell students are proud to go there and I know I will fit right in. The team was also very friendly on my visits and I could see myself playing with them as I watched their games. I could picture my style of play and personality fitting into their team."

Christine Graziano
Midfield
Mendham, N.J.
West Morris Mendham High

Daughter of Michael and Reina Graziano ââ'¬Â¦ Four-year member of women's lacrosse team under coach Shoulberg ââ'¬Â¦ Lacrosse accolades include North group III Champion in 2012, 2013 and 2014 ââ'¬Â¦ Honorable Mention All-County and Second Team All-Conference in 2013 ââ'¬Â¦ First Team All-County, First Teamm All-Conference and Academic All-American in 2014 ââ'¬Â¦ Has totaled 108 goals, 19 assists and 127 points thus far in career ââ'¬Â¦ Four-year Honor Roll student ââ'¬Â¦ Joins past teammate sophomore Mariah Salerno on the Wildcat roster ââ'¬Â¦ Joins siblings also playing lacrosse collegiately ââ'¬Â¦ Erin (24, University of Florida), Nicole (22, University of Florida) and Stephen (20, Providence) ââ'¬Â¦ Interests include charity work and playing the piano .

"I chose to attend Villanova because it presents the perfect balance between athletics and academics. I will be able to receive an outstanding education while playing at a high level of competition. I love the location of Villanova and the campus is gorgeous."

Carlye Maita
Midfield
Mendham, N.J.
West Morris Mendham High

Daughter of John and Cathy Maita ââ'¬Â¦ Father graduated from Villanova '85 ââ'¬Â¦ Four-year varsity member of the lacrosse team under coach Shoulberg and coach Yee ââ'¬Â¦ Lacrosse accolades include Honorable Mention (sophomore), Second Team All-County/ Second Team All-Conference (junior) ââ'¬Â¦ Two year member of varsity soccer team ââ'¬Â¦ Honor Roll all four years of high school ââ'¬Â¦ Joins past teammate sophomore Mariah Salerno on the Wildcat roster ââ'¬Â¦ Uncle played football at Colgate University as a free safety ââ'¬Â¦ Participated in "Friends and Buddies" and "Harlem Lacrosse" during high school.

"I feel very blessed that I was lucky enough to achieve my goal of playing lacrosse at my dream school."

Maggie O'Neil
Midfield
Chatham, N.J.
Chatham High

Daughter of John and Katie O'Neil ââ'¬Â¦ Three-year varsity member of women's lacrosse program under coach Hilary Rena ââ'¬Â¦ Joining fellow teammate Julianna Hamilton as a new Wildcat ââ'¬Â¦ Lacrosse accolades include ââ'¬Â¦ Most Improved Player in 2013 ââ'¬Â¦ Team captain in 2015 ââ'¬Â¦ National Honor Society member ââ'¬Â¦ Father (John) played lacrosse at Boston College (1985-89) ââ'¬Â¦ Sister Mary Kate (19) currently playing lacrosse at Boston College.

"Villanova is a beautiful school, the perfect distance away from home, a good size, and I can picture myself spending the next four years there. In addition, the lacrosse program is a good place for me to continue playing the sport I love."

Jilian Swikart
Midfield
Rumson, N.J.
Rumson Fair Haven Regional High

Daughter of Robert and Alice Swikart ââ'¬Â¦ Four-year member of women's lacrosse team under coaches Amy Wylde and Jackie Toner ââ'¬Â¦ Joining fellow classmates Grace Stant (women's basketball) and Catie Ebner (field hockey) as a new Wildcat ââ'¬Â¦ High Honor Roll student ââ'¬Â¦ Team accolades include ââ'¬Â¦ Girl's lacrosse shore conference finalist (three years) ââ'¬Â¦ Lacrosse Shore Conference Champion (two years) ââ'¬Â¦ Girl's Lacrosse State Finalist (two years) ââ'¬Â¦ Member of the T3 Lacrosse Shore- Elite ââ'¬Â¦ Mother (Alice) ran track and field at Albright College ââ'¬Â¦ Father (Robert) member of the Delaware men's tennis and sailing teams ââ'¬Â¦ Interests include snowboarding, FCA and Habitat for Humanity.

"Not only does Villanova have an excellent women's lacrosse program but it also has an outstanding athletic and academic reputation. The location and size of the school are perfect for me as well. I love the fact that it is a Roman Catholic institution."