NEWARK, DE -- University of Delaware women’s rowing head coach Laura Slice has announced the early signing of high school standout Jessica Brooks, who will attend the University and compete for the Blue Hen during the 2006-07 season.

Brooks, a native of Salem, CT who attends East Lyme High School, will graduate this June and attend Delaware next fall and compete for the Blue Hen rowing team. She plans to major in English.

The 5-8 Brooks is a four-year member of the rowing squad at East Lyme High School. She has rowed in East Lyme's Varsity Eights boat since her sophomore year and has since assisted her boat in winning the Connecticut Public Schools Rowing Championships in both 2004 and 2005.

Brooks has also raced at the Canadian Henley and USRowing Nationals.

“We are extremely pleased to have Jessica join the Delaware women’s rowing program,” said Slice, who will enter her third year as head coach this spring. “She has enjoyed an outstanding high school and club career and has a great future with the Blue Hens.”

The Blue Hens will open the 2006 season March 11 with a dual meet against Saint Joseph’s in Philadelphia.