Dec. 13, 2007

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - University of Maryland head water polo coach Carl Salyer announced the signing of Christine Goetsch to a National Letter of Intent to join the Terrapins in the Fall of 2008.

Goetsch became the fifth student-athlete to sign with the Terps for the 2008-09 academic year. She joins Callan Rowe of Carlisle, Pa.; Alexandria Gurnee of Newport Beach, Calif.; Elina Goldenberg of Sunrise, Fla.; and Shelby Reyes of Miami, Fla., in the Maryland recruiting class.

Goetsch, from Santa Barbara, Calif., is a member of the Santa Barbara Water Polo Club that finished first in the 18-and-under division of the Junior Olympics. She will graduate from San Marcos High School in June 2008.

"We are excited to add Christine to the current recruiting class," said Salyer. "She will add a high level of experience to the team and give us some depth at the center defender position for the future. She has the talent and experience to help us immediately in all aspects of the game, with her specializing in defending the opposing center.

"The experience that Christine has gained from playing on one of the top club programs in the country will be a great benefit to the program."

Maryland opens its 2008 season and its fourth under Salyer on Feb. 9 and 10 at the Triton Invitational in San Diego, Calif.

A thumbnail profile of Goetsch follows:

CHRISTINE GOETSCH (Santa Barbara, Calif.; San Marcos HS; Santa Barbara Water Polo Club)

Two-year captain for San Marcos HS team and twice voted best defensive player... Lettered in water polo and swimming for four seasons... Second team all-league selection for both 2006 and 2007... Led San Marcos in steals and assists as a junior... Member of Santa Barbara Water Polo Club that won Junior Olympics team title at 18-and-under division... Club also placed third at 20-and-over Women's Nationals and at Top 40 Speedo Cup... Member of California Coastal Zone Team.

ASB Vice President in high school and served as junior class treasurer... Vice president of her freshman class and currently participating in leadership classes... Hopes to study early childhood development at Maryland.