George Washington University Athletics
Water Polo Outlook
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On the men's side, Reed will have a nice balance of veteran leadership and young talent as the team seeks to improve on their 18-13 record and 8th place finish in the Eastern Championships last year. Despite losing leading scorer Brandon Stout to graduation, cagey senior driver Rush Taylor returns to lead the squad. Taylor was second on the team in scoring last year with 54 goals and assisted on 25 others.
Senior goalkeeper Tony Paster returns to anchor the defense and should start in goal for the third consecutive season. Reed also looks for seniors Bill Blackburn and Doug Maitz to elevate their games this year as GW relies on a suffocating defense with a patient offense. Newcomer Chris Greene likely will contribute immediately with his speed and deadly shooting accuracy.
The inaugural season of the women's varsity team features four incoming freshman and two transfers who will combine with some veteran members of GW's former club team. Seniors Danielle Cormier, Carolyn Nelson and Joanne Solazzo and junior Sharon Nappier all take the step up from the club squad and will likely be important contributors to the team. Junior transfer Heather Walenga will also add experience to the team. Deanna Fuller, Kiersten Johnston, Juli Marhefka and Ashley Noel Pyka round out GW's first varsity recruiting class.
With Coach Reed at the helm, the women will to challenge for a spot in the Eastern Championships as they build the foundation for a dominant program in their inaugural campaign.