CWPA
CLUB TEAM PROFILES BIG TEN DIVISION Indiana University
Indiana University comes into the season with all returning starters present and accounted for from last year’s Big Ten Division fifth place squad. The Hoosiers look forward to their new talent in the freshman and sophomore classes,which will bolster a team primed to claim the program’s first Big Ten Division crown. IU has many players with the ability to score and should be a threat offensively.
University of Iowa
Michigan State University
The Lady Spartans of Michigan State University have high hopes for the 2013 season and are ready to reclaim the Big Ten Division championship title. Following a sixth place finish in the final 2012 standings, MSU returns with a team loaded with talent and the fire to reach the program’s goals. Powerhouse senior and 2012 All-Big Ten two-meter defender Somers Smott is ready to put everything into her final year. Double-loaded with a pair of Big Ten All-Conference Second Team sets in juniors Christina Weston and Diana Steele, Michigan is optimistic for the season and the team’s chances at earning a spot to the National Collegiate Club Championship. Captained by Smott and Steele, MSU is primed to push beyond their limits thanks to a deep bench full of speed, strong shots and a promising freshman class. Under a new coaching staff, these Lady Spartans are on a new chapter of their careers and ready to claim the program’s first National Championship since 2006.
Ohio State University
Ohio State University is excited and ready to start its third season as a member of the Collegiate Water Polo Association. After a slight learning curve in their first year in the league, the Buckeyes made their presence known last season by moving up to a fourth place finish at the Big Ten Division Championship following a sixth place regular season mark.
Purdue University
Purdue University looks to improve upon last season’s record and eighth place standing in the Big Ten Division. Although the team lost four key players, the Boilermakers remain optimistic due to a strong freshman class and four returning starters. Purdue will look to freshmen Tess Chamberlain and Sarah Stark, along with sophomore Carina Whaley, to carry the load on offense. Freshman goalie Aubree Anton will anchor the defense, with help from junior Melissa Landers and senior Julie Oswald. Team captains Katherine Pike and Megan Plank and returning All-Conference selection Katie Groff will also be key players in keeping Purdue competitive this season.
University of Illinois
team since the formation of the division in 2010. The Illini possess strong leadership from returning coach Tom Shamburek and new coach Russell Maanum. On defense, Kaityln Webb, a junior and captain, will make a bid for All-Conference honors in goal, with two-meter sets Amy Slana and Nora Sweeney providing a dominating presence to shutdown opposing shooters. Strong offense is anticipated from returners Karen Lowry, Therese O’Toole and Jillian Grachan, while the incoming freshmen give the Illini hope for an even stronger team.
Entering its fourth year as a member of the Collegiate Water Polo Association, the University of Illinois came in a close second to the University of Michigan in the championship game at the Big Ten tournament for the second time in as many years. A two-time division runner-up (2010, 2011), the Illini finished last season with only two overall loses. In 2013, Illinois is aiming to take its momentum, become the most competitive team in the division and claim the first National Championship by a Big Ten
The 2013 goal for the University of Iowa squad is to put on the pressure and play for a spot in the championship game following back-to-back third marks in Big Ten Division. Communication and teamwork will be key aspects in accomplishing this task as the team will be led by team captains/seniors Jill Nagle and Katie Kopale. The combination of Nagle and Kopale, coupled with the help of junior standouts Stephanie Ter Bush and Rachel Cortez, make a strong foursome poised to take the Hawkeyes to the top. Sophomore goalie Stephanie Nolan shows great promise between the pipes, while other solid players include scorer/junior Christine Roentiz and defensive expert/sophomore Michelle Durkin. The freshman class is extremely talented and will be a great addition to an already potent team as versatile two-meter/two-meter defender Maria Palladino, tag team players Rebecca Robinson and Dominique Porto, and energetic Liz Wilson strengthen a championship caliber program. Led by coach Krissy Gordon, Iowa should be just as good, if not better, than the past two seasons.
University of Michigan
After finishing third and fourth in the nation the past two seasons, the University of Michigan is hoping to return to the National Collegiate Club Championship after winning its fourth consecutive Big Ten Division title. The Wolverines will have to overcome the loss of two starters, Millicent Brown (All-America First Team, All-Big Ten First Team, Big Ten Most Valuable Player) and Morgan Rosentrater (All-America honorable mention, All-Big Ten First Team). Seniors Martha Alves, Maeve Daly, Elyse DeShaw, Clio Finnegan (All-Big Ten Second Team), Paula Finnegan (All-America Third Team, AllBig Ten First Team), Diane Schroth and Meline Topouzian, and juniors Jessica Ford, Katarina Fabre and Kassia Zalewski, will be relied on heavily to lead the team to another division crown and the institution’s first National Championship game appearance in women’s water polo. The addition of 18 new players will bolster the Wolverines depth and chances to return the National Collegiate Club Championship tournament.
University of Wisconsin
After a seventh place finish at the 2012 Big Ten Division tournament, the University of Wisconsin hopes to improve its record and finish in the top five teams in 2013. One of the Badgers’ strengths is a strong defense led by senior starters Katie Moy, Sarah Olney and Welle Huening. Wisconsin also welcomes a new goalie, April Simpson, who has played previously and will galvanize the team’s efforts in the cage. Jessie Lustman and Carrie Nacht lead the offense at two-meters. Speed will be another strength for the Badgers. Between the pool, the bench, the coaches and the fans, Wisconsin takes pride in their strong team spirit.
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