2016 Season Preview: Water Polo
1/4/2016 12:00:00 AM | Water Polo
Jan. 4, 2016
• Free Admission
• Social Media: Twitter (@umichwaterpolo) | Facebook
2016 OUTLOOK
Head coach Dr. Marcelo Leonardi enters his second season in charge of Michigan water polo. The team was much farther ahead in fall practice than it was last year. The team returns the bulk of its offense from last year's 19-13 squad, including senior Ali Thomason and sophomore Caroline Anderson. Thomason led the team last year with 58 goals and has 115 in her career. Anderson set a freshman record at Michigan with 56 assists last year. Add in a talented freshman class and junior transfer Danielle Johnson, and this team has a very optimistic look at the 2016 season.
STUDENT-ATHLETES TO WATCH
Ali Thomason -- Thomason is one of the fastest players in collegiate water polo. She is deadly on sprints to start each period but is also the most well-rounded player on the Michigan squad. She has 115 career goals and 74 assists on offense while ranking ninth in Michigan history with 149 career steals as well. A two-time ACWPC All-America honorable mention, Thomason is a captain for the Wolverines in 2016.
Caroline Anderson -- Anderson had one of the best seasons by a freshman in Michigan history last year. She set a rookie record with 56 assists and finished second on the team with 52 goals and 47 steals. Time in the strength-and-conditioning program has paid dividends as she has increased her athleticism for her sophomore campaign. She will be a dangerous threat in the pool for the Wolverines.
Allison Skaggs -- Skaggs provides an inside treat for Michigan to help open up shooting lanes for the speed on the outside and athleticism on the outside. She drew 55 ejections last season and power-play opportunities can often times determine the outcome of games. She was an ACWPC All-America honorable mention as a sophomore after scoring 32 goals. Look for her to make a difference from two meters out.
Left: Allison Skaggs // Middle: Caroline Anderson // Right: Ali Thomason
KEY COMPETITION
Saturday, April 9 -- vs. Princeton (Canham Natatorium)
A key CWPA conference matchup in April, the Princeton game will feature two teams figured to be in the mix for the championship as Princeton won the conference last season. It will be the last day of home matches for three U-M seniors as well.
QUOTABLE
Head Coach Dr. Marcelo Leonardi
On improvement from year one to year two ... "Year one we spent so much time implementing all the changes for the program. This year, the team knows what is expected. They know what training is like and what the culture is. That is an advantage because they feel more comfortable. We are making positive strides in terms of our play and where we want to go as a program."
2015 RECAP
The team finished 19-13 in the first season under Leonardi. The team changed its schedule to be more competitive matches when Leonardi took over and as a result only had one home match. Despite the grueling travel schedule to the west coast, U-M finished 8-1 in the conference. However, heart-breaking overtime losses to Indiana and Hartwick at the CWPA Championships ruined a chance at competing in the NCAA Championships.
