HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. – Hofstra University women’s head coach Simon Riddiough announced Tuesday that seniors Kelly Gerdes, Kristin Desmond and Rhian Cleverly will serve as the Pride’s captains for this season.

“This group will continue to bring strong leadership to our team,” Riddiough said. “They are vocal leaders and leaders by example, bringing great work ethic and commitment to the team day in and day out.”

Gerdes, a native of Wantagh, N.Y., made her debut for the Pride last season as a junior after missing two seasons due to injury. She rarely left the field, serving as an integral part of the Hofstra backline and earning CAA All-rookie team honors.

Desmond, a versatile player from East Northport, N.Y., was an All-Colonial Athletic Association third team pick following last season, after finishing second on the team with six goals and two assists. A senior, Desmond will be counted on to lead the Pride on and off the field.

Hailing from Newport, Wales, Cleverly was also a mainstay on the Hofstra backline a season ago. Her strong, vocal leadership has proven invaluable to the Pride in her three seasons with the team. She has appeared in 51 games, starting 45.

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.