Women's Water Polo Tacks Four Newcomers To Talented Roster
June 24, 2005 | Women's Water Polo
June 24, 2005
The USC women's water polo team, already bursting with talent, has added even more depth to its 2006 roster with the signings of four incoming freshmen. The list of newcomers includes Kami Craig, a gold medallist with the U.S. junior national team, and three other All-CIF Southern Section first-teamers, Jordan Anae, Mary Cousineau and Michelle Stein.
"This is just a very, very hard-working group," head coach Jovan Vavic said. "I think we have a very tough - mentally and physically - group of girls. All of them have a chance to play for us right away. I'm really looking forward to coaching Kami. She's one of the best recruits we've had the past few years."
Kami Craig (Santa Barbara, Calif./Santa Barbara HS), a 5-11 two-meter player, is currently training with the U.S. senior national team. She was the All-CIF Southern Section Division IV Player of the Year to go along with her international experience at the Junior World Championships, where she won gold alongside current Trojans Erika Figge and Brittany Hayes.
Another Trojan newcomer, Mary Cousineau (San Clemente, Calif./Santa Margarita HS), has also joined the ranks of USA Water Polo. The 5-7 driver is training with the U.S. junior national team, and was a first team selection in the All-CIF Southern Section Division I following her senior season at Santa Margarita HS. Vavic said he sees Cousineau as a speedy attacker with good defensive abilities who also will help in the USC counterattack.
Jordan Anae (Newport Beach, Calif./Corona del Mar HS) was named Co-Player of the Year for the All-CIF Southern Section Division II. A 5-8 two-meter player for DII champion Corona del Mar, Anae will likely be used in a utility role for the Women of Troy, as Vavic was attracted to her ability to guard, set and drive.
USC's fourth high school first-teamer is Michelle Stein (Palm Desert, Calif./Palm Desert HS). Stein, a 6-0 two-meter defender, was selected to the All-CIF Southern Section Division V first team and brings some extra size and strength to the center position for the Women of Troy.
All three of USC's 2005 All-Americans (Hayes, Moriah Van Norman and Lauren Wenger) return for 2006, making the Women of Troy a solid squad with the addition of the incoming recruiting class. Last year's team finished third at the NCAA Championship, and also took third in the MPSF and was 25-5 overall.
