Nov. 28, 2005

University of Maryland head coach Carl Salyer has announced two additions to the 2006-2007 water polo team. Sarah Ivry of Orinda, Calif., and Shannon Simerly of Miami, Fla., signed National Letters of Intent to play water polo for the University of Maryland next year.

Salyer said, "Both players will bring a great deal to our young team. I believe that they are great additions to this year's recruiting class."

Salyer predicts that both student-athletes will make an immediate positive impact on the Terps' water polo program, which is currently in its third season.

Sarah Ivry

Salyer on Ivry: "Sarah will join the Terrapins from the same Northern California club program as Marissa Corwin. Golden Bear water polo is a nationally competitive program, coached by former Cal coach Peter Asche. Sarah comes in with a high level of experience and I expect her to be able to help our young team quickly. Sarah will immediately make an impact on our counter-attack, and will add speed and quickness. She is the type of player who will do the little things to make her teammates better and play lock-down defense."

Before Maryland: Four-year water polo player for Miramonte High School in Orinda, Calif... water polo team captain her senior year... named Second Team All-League in 2005... voted "Best Defensive Player" by her teammates in 2004 and 2005... named "Outstanding Player" at the Sierra Shootout in Sacramento in 2004 and 2005... also lettered three years in swimming... swim team captain in 2005... competed in breaststroke and freestyle.

Personal: Parents are Laurie and Victor... has two sisters, Jessica (20) and Claire (15)... her sister Jessica is a swimmer at Emory University, and her father swam for the University of Houston... active in her high school student government, serving as freshman and sophomore secretary, junior class vice president, and senior student body activities representative... lists 2-time Olympian and Miramonte High School water polo alumnus Heather Petri as her favorite athlete... was also recruited by UC Santa Barbara, UC Davis, and Bucknell... major is undecided.

Shannon Simerly

Salyer on Simerly: "Shannon comes from the top high school and club program in Florida. Her team has won several state championships in a row. Shannon has the ability to make an impact right away. She has a great all-around game. She can shoot very well from the outside, play both center-back defense and offense, and has the speed to be a major part of our counter-attack. Shannon is solid in all aspects of the game."

Before Maryland: Played center defender for Gulliver Preparatory School in Miami, Fla... team won state championship every year from 2001-2005... in 2005, scored 60 goals and tallied 48 steals and 25 assists... named to first team All-Dade in 2004... voted "Best Defense" by high school teammates in 2004... in 2000 named "Future MVP"... also swam for Gulliver from 2001-2005... competed in the butterfly, freestyle, and individual medley... swim team was state runner-up in 2003.

Personal: Parents are Marion and Julian... names water polo player Tony Azavedo as her favorite athlete... participated in National Honor Society, Scores for Sudan, and Junior Orange Bowl Committee in high school... received the "Outstanding Community Service Award"... was also recruited by Bucknell, UC Santa Barbara, UC Davis, Long Beach State, UC Santa Cruz, Indiana, Siena, Michigan, Occidental, Hartwick, Chapman and Cal St. Bakersfield... will major in psychology and minor in business.