June 4, 2007
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Eight Terrapins have been named to the 2007 American Water Polo Coaches Association (AWPCA) All-Academic Team. Maryland's representatives were among the 250 student-athletes from across the country that earned the all-academic distinction.
"This was not only a great season for the athletes in the water, but they also performed great in the classroom," said AWPCA Executive Director Mike Lewis. "This is obviously a good statement about our sport: Water polo players are committed to both academic and athletic excellence."
Junior Christen Vagts led the Terrapins' list of honorees. A kinesiology major, she carries a 3.92 grade point average. One of the team's top defenders, Vagts started 33 of 34 games for the Terps and led the team with 53 steals. She tallied 35 points on the season.
Senior Allison Houseal has a 3.86 grade point average in elementary education. She finished the year with five goals, five assists, and 23 steals for the Terps.
Junior Laurel Laidlaw was also named to the AWPCA All-Academic Team. Laidlaw carries a 3.78 grade point average in international business. She started in 15 games for the Terps and finished the year with 10 points and 19 steals.
Sophomore Shannon Simerly finished last season with 64 points on the strength of 58 goals. A starter for all 34 games during her freshman season, Simerly posted a 3.69 GPA in elementary education.
Sarah Ivry finished her freshman year with a 3.40 grade point average. Ivry appeared in all 34 matches for the Terps and recorded four goals, 14 steals, and 12 kickouts.
Junior Blaise Stanicic owns a 3.33 grade point average in letters and sciences. She started all 34 matches for the Terps in 2007 and tallied 62 points. Stanicic led the team with 16 assists.
Bryndis Klein appeared in 34 games for the Terps and made 20 starts this past season. She recorded 37 points, 34 steals, and finished with a shooting percentage of .324. She has a 3.25 grade point average in government and politics.
Junior Elizabeth Hopkins has a 3.21 grade point average in chemistry. As a sophomore she started all 34 matches for the Terps and led the team with 70 points. Hopkins was second on the team with 57 goals.
Head coach Carl Salyer's Terrapins finished the season with a 16-18 record. The Terps captured the CWPA Southern Division Championship on April 21 with a 9-8 victory over Princeton. Maryland advanced to the CWPA Eastern Division Championship and finished sixth.
