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Best American Men’s Water Polo Players of the NCAA Era

Published

5 months ago

June 30, 2025

The Best American Men’s Water Polo Players of the NCAA Era (Part II: No. 20 to No. 11)

By Jeff Moulton

In Part II of this three-part series, water polo expert Jeff Moulton discusses the individuals he has ranked No. 11 to 20 in his unofficial list of the top-25 American men’s water polo players of the NCAA era. Part I is linked below and also includes an explanation of the criteria used by Moulton to make his selections.

Part I

Luca Cupido of the United States.

20. Luca Cupido – attacker/center defender, Newport Harbor High School for one year and Cal (1x NCAA champion, 4x All-American, 3x 1st team All-American, 1x Cutino Award winner, 1x ACWPC Player of the Year, 3x Olympian, 1x bronze medalist).

Cupido has played professionally for Barcelona in Spain and Rari Nantes Camogli and CC Ortigia in Italy. Best known as an attacker, Cupido is also an excellent center defender. Cal coach Kirk Everist in a 2017 interview, “Cupido is by far the best two-meter defender in the country when I use him there.” In 2017, U.S. Olympic team coach Dejan Udovicic predicted that Cupido would play in multiple Olympics: “Luca is a true leader on the team. He can play different positions and is one of the most talented players I’ve ever coached. He has that X factor, which is a privilege only held by the highest-level players. Having that X factor gives him a bright future and a long career ahead. I can see him playing at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.” Cupido is a dual-citizen of the United States and Italy. If he continues playing, he is likely to play for the United States in the 2028 Olympics. However, he deserves a spot on my list even if he doesn’t play another game. Once Cupido’s playing career is over, he is likely to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

19. Peter Campbell – center defender, University High School and U.C. Irvine (1x NCAA champion, 4x All-American, 3x 1st team All-American, 1x ACWPC Player of the Year, 2x Olympian, 2x silver medalist, Hall of Fame).

I asked Craig Boyer, Campbell’s teammate on the 1988 Olympic team, what he remembers about Campbell. He said: “I don’t think I ever saw Peter make a bad decision in the pool. He was smart, strong and a great teammate! He played at the highest level on both offense and defense.” Jody Campbell, Peter Campbell’s teammate on the 1984 and 1988 Olympic teams: “Peter came through the Ted Newland ‘Animal Farm,’ which made him game-smart, loyal and willing to do whatever it takes as a player. In an era in which it was critical to be able to play one-on-one defense, including at 2 meters, he was tough, quick and smart.”

18. Jesse Smith – center defender, Coronado High School and Pepperdine (3x All-American, 2x 1st team All-American, 5x Olympian (Tony Azevedo is the only other American 5x water polo Olympian), 1x silver medalist, Hall of Fame).

Smith played professionally for Ethnikos Piraeus and Olympiacos in Greece, Mladost Zagreg in Croatia, Jadran Herceg Novi in Montenegro, Rari Nantes Savona in Italy, Galatasaray in Turkey, Paulista Sao Paulo in Brazil, and Gezira in Egypt. He is one of only a few athletes to turn down a scholarship offer from Dante Dettamanti at Stanford. Sacred Heart Prep coach Brian Kreutzkamp remembers playing against Smith’s Coronado High School teams when Kreutzkamp was coaching Newport Harbor High School: “Jesse Smith was one of the best, if not the best, 2M defenders I’ve coached against at the high school level. He was simply so strong he could move even the biggest and best centers from out of the center of the goal and would destroy any sort of offense we would try to run.” Smith also excelled in college. Terry Schroeder, Smith’s coach at Pepperdine, “Jesse is one of the best college water polo players ever.”

17. Craig Klass – LH center, Las Lomas High School and Stanford (2x NCAA champion, 3x All-American, 2x 1st team All-American, 1x ACWPC Player of the Year, 2x Olympian, 1x silver medalist, 1x FINA World Cup champion, Hall of Fame).

Klass was the best player and the second fastest swimmer (after former world record holder and 2x swimming Olympian Pablo Morales) on Stanford’s undefeated 1986 team. Stanford coach Dante Dettamanti speaking about Klass after Stanford won the 1986 NCAA Championship: “He’s a real gutsy power player. He’s the hardest worker I’ve ever had.”

16. James Bergeson – attacker, Newport Harbor High School and Stanford (2x CIF Southern Section Division 1 champion, 2x CIF Southern Section Division 1 Player of the Year, 2x NCAA champion, 4x All-American, 3x 1st team All-American, 1x Olympian, 1x silver medalist, Hall of Fame).

John Vargas, former Corona del Mel High School and Stanford coach, speaking about Bergeson’s time at Newport Harbor High School: “When Bergeson was playing, people wouldn’t go to watch the teams, they’d go to watch him. He did some unbelievable things.” One of Bergeson’s Newport Harbor High School teammates told me: “James was a freshman and I was a senior on the 1975 Newport Harbor HS team, then we were on the USA junior team. On both teams, he was far younger than everyone else and still outstanding. I was constantly amazed by his game.” Jody Campbell, Bergeson’s teammate at Stanford and on the 1988 Olympic team: “In an era in which movement was the basis of offense, nobody had more intensity and quickness than James.” Greg Boyer, Bergeson’s teammate on the 1988 Olympic team, remembers Bergeson’s shooting skills: “James had an amazing hesitation in his shooting motion. Many times a goalie would not even get his arms out of the water. On the 6-on-5, James was one of the best No. 1 position players in the world.”

15. Ryan Bailey – center, Millikan High School and U.C. Irvine (3x All-American, 1x 1st team All-American, 4x Olympian, 1x silver medalist, Hall of Fame).

Bailey scored 104 goals in his senior season at U.C. Irvine and led the 2012 United States Olympic team in scoring with 13 goals. Bailey had a distinguished professional career, playing for VK Jug Dubrovnik and VK Jadran Split in Croatia, Dynamo Moscow in Russia, Panionios in Greece, and VK Partizan in Serbia. At one time, Bailey was the highest-paid American professional water polo player. Hall of Fame player Tony Azevedo speaking about Bailey: “Ryan was one of the best centers in the world. He was simple. He’s bigger and stronger than you. He’s better than you.”

14. James Ferguson – attacker, Awalt High School and UCLA (1x NCAA champion, 2x All-American, 1x Olympian and would have been a 2x Olympian if the United States had qualified for the 1976 Olympics, 1x bronze medalist, Hall of Fame).

Ferguson played on UCLA’s varsity team from 1968 to 1970 (in those days, a freshman couldn’t play on the varsity team). UCLA’s 1969 team was undefeated, winning the first NCAA water polo tournament. A member of UCLA’s 1969 coaching staff told me: “The thing that impressed me most about James was his intensity, so absolutely intense at times that you knew you were in for a battle against him and he was never going to yield. He had what I might describe as a ‘steely, cold’ disposition as a player. His eyes said it all – ‘stay out of my way.’” Ferguson was a great shooter. In a 2015 interview with Rich Foster, Ferguson’s UCLA teammate and Hall of Fame player Eric Lindroth said that Ferguson was “incredible” at shooting the ball off the water. Ferguson was named to the all-world team in 1973.

13. Alex Bowen – attacker, Santana High School and Stanford (4x 1st team All-American, 3x Olympian, 1x bronze medalist).

Bowen, one of America’s greatest shooters, scored 253 goals in his four years at Stanford and has scored 31 goals in the Olympics, including 18 goals in the 2021 Olympics. Bowen has had a distinguished professional career, playing for Noisy-le-Sec in France, Partizan in Serbia, Apollon in Greece, Miskolci VLC in Hungary, and Mladost Zagreb in Croatia. A Hall of Fame coach told me, “Alex is a great perimeter shooter – truly one of the best in the world. What stands out even more is how he continues to evolve.” If Bowen continues playing, he is likely to play for the United States in the 2028 Olympics. However, he deserves a spot on my list even if he doesn’t play another game. Once Bowen’s playing career is over, he will almost certainly be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

12. Gary Figueroa – attacker, Sunny Hills High School and U.C. Irvine (3x All-American, 3x 1st team All American, 2x Olympian, 1x silver medalist, Hall of Fame).

Figueroa came a long way from his early days at Sunny Hills High School when, as his high school coach Jim Sprague remembers, he “was so small and weak he couldn’t lift a 10-pound bar with 2.5 pounds on each end.” Sprague, a member of the Hall of Fame, also said that Figueroa became “the greatest player I ever coached.” Figueroa was a great shooter. He holds the single-season scoring record at U.C. Irvine with 110 goals in 1977. Jody Cambell, Figueroa’s teammate on the 1984 Olympic team, told me: “Gary was a product of Ted Newland’s “Animal Farm,” and had a high IQ for the game. He was a prolific scorer. During his era, no one in the world was as quick, creative, and spontaneous as Gary. He had a pocket full of unique shots that would confuse and handcuff goalies. He mastered the “hesi” (hesitation) shot.” Figueroa was named to the all-world team in 1980.

11. Jon Svendsen – center defender, Miramonte and Cal (3x NCAA champion, 3x All-American, 1x NCAA Player of the Year, 2x Olympian and would have been a 3x Olympian if the United States had qualified for the 1976 Olympics, 1x silver medalist, Hall of Fame, 2x NCAA swimming All-American, Pac-10 champion in the 400-yard freestyle relay).

Svendsen started as a freshman on Miramonte High School’s first team in 1967, one of only two freshmen to start during Bill Brown’s 38 years as Miramonte’s coach. Svendsen was known for his physical play. As fellow Miramonte and Cal player John Schnugg remembers: “Jon was a mean son of a bitch who was feared the world over as an asshole to play against. Every team needs one. John Mann, Carlos Steffens, Greg Boyer, and Paul Becskehazy all come to mind, but Jon was in a class by himself. The USA team was at its best with him in the pool. His game was brute force, speed, and length with a great arm. His hands and balance were all world.” A Hall of Fame coach told me: “Jon Svendsen belongs in the top 10. Jon’s size, length, and speed made him incredibly versatile during his prime years from 1975-1980.”

In Part III of this series, Moulton will discuss the individuals he has ranked No. 1 to 10 in his unofficial list of the Top 25 American men’s water polo players of the NCAA era.

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Miami Announces 2026 Schedule – University of Miami Athletics

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1 second ago

December 6, 2025

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CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami track and field program announced its highly competitive 2026 indoor and outdoor schedules Friday, highlighted by three home meets at Cobb Stadium.

The Hurricanes open the season Jan. 16 in Gainesville, Fla., at the Jimmy Carnes Invitational before traveling to Fayetteville, Ark., for the Razorback Invitational on Jan. 30–31. The regular season continues at the Tiger Paw Invitational in Clemson, S.C., on Feb. 13–14.

The ACC Indoor Championships are set for Feb. 26–28 in Boston, Mass., while the NCAA Indoor Championships will be held March 13–14 in Fayetteville.

Miami opens the outdoor season at home with a pair of meets, hosting the Hurricane Invitational on March 20–21 and the Hurricane Collegiate Invitational on March 27–28.

The Hurricanes return to Gainesville for the Florida Relays on April 3–4 before hosting their final home meet of the season, the Hurricane Alumni Invitational, on April 10–11.

Miami then heads back to Gainesville for the Tom Jones Memorial on April 17–18 prior to competing at the historic Penn Relays in Philadelphia, Pa., from April 23–25. The Hurricanes close the regular season at the UNF East Coast Relays in Jacksonville, Fla., on May 1–2.

Louisville, Ky., will host the ACC Outdoor Championships from May 14–16, while the NCAA East Prelims are set for May 27–30 in Lexington, Ky.

The 2026 season concludes at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Ore., from June 10–13.

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Track & Field Opens Campaign with Strong Showing at HBCU & Ivy Challenge

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16 minutes ago

December 6, 2025

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CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Harvard opened the 2025-26 track & field season on home turf, as the Crimson orchestrated wins in seven events at the fifth annual HBCU & Ivy Challenge.

A two-time All-Ivy League selection in the women’s weight throw and the 2024 Ivy League champion in the event, junior Emilia Kolokotroni started the day with a fantastic showing at Gordon Indoor Track, winning the women’s weight throw after posting a 19.10m (62’8″).

Harvard found more success in the field events, as first-year Jillene Wetteland earned a win in her collegiate debut after clearing 1.69m (5’6.5″) in the women’s high jump, as sophomore Tyler Glover finished in first in the women’s shot put after logging a throw of 15.42m (50’7.25″).

The Ancient Eight’s defending women’s pole vault champion in indoor competition, sophomore Ella McRitchie started the year with a win in the women’s pole vault after clearing 4.10m (13’5.25″).

On the track, a pair of seniors started the season with stellar performances on the straightaway. The 2025 Ivy League champion in the women’s 60 hurdles, senior Fabiola Belibi finished in first place in the women’s 60 hurdles at the HBCU & Ivy Challenge after posting a time of 8.50 in the final. One of Harvard’s team captains, senior Jonas Clarke kicked-off his final collegiate season with the Crimson with a win, finishing in first in the men’s 60m after crossing the finish line in 6.85.

Harvard’s men’s 4x440y relay team of sophomore Harlow Tong, first-year Hudson McGough, sophomore Brayden Chavez and first-year Oliver Parker ended the day on a high note, winning the event after combining for a time of 3:18.44.

In the team standings, the women’s squad took second with 82 points, while the men finished in fourth with 54 points.

HARVARD HIGHLIGHTS:

Harvard started on the front foot in the throws cage, capturing the top two spots in the women’s weight throw. A two-time All-Ivy League selection and 2024 Ivy League champion in the women’s weight throw, Kolokotroni finished atop the podium with a throw of 19.10m (62’8″). Senior Michaela Denson finished in second to start her final track & field campaign with the Crimson, doing so with a throw of 18.19m (59’8.25″).

A Crimson debutant picked up a win in the women’s high jump, as Wetteland took first after clearing 1.69m (5’6.5″). Junior Lilly Hodge also placed fourth in the event after leaping past 1.60m (5’3″).

The Crimson orchestrated a promising effort in the men’s high jump, with two Harvard student-athletes finishing in the top five. First-year Joachim Johnson finished in third in his collegiate debut after clearing 2.04m (6’8.25″), a mark that is tied for 10^th all-time in school history. Senior and team captain Daire Mahon finished in fourth place after clearing a personal-best 1.98m (6’6″).

The track action started with a scoring effort in the men’s 600m, as first-year Hudson McGough added to Harvard’s total with a third place finish after crossing the finish line in 1:21.29.

Back in the throws cage, another Crimson first-year scored in his Harvard debut, as first-year Daniel Ye finished in second in the men’s weight throw with an attempt of 17.69m (58′.5″).

Harvard continued producing wins in the throws, as Glover started her second collegiate campaign with authority, winning the women’s shot put with a mark of 15.42m (50’7.25″). Glover’s throw from the HBCU & Ivy Challenge ranks third all-time in school history.

The men’s side of the shot put saw two Crimson compete, as junior Isaac Delaney finished in third with a throw of 16.45m (53’11.75″).

The straightaway finals started with a top five showing in the men’s 60 hurdles, as junior Simon Weiser placed in fifth with a time of 8.16.

Wins arrived for Crimson seniors in both the women’s 60 hurdles and the men’s 60m. The Ivy League’s defending women’s 60 hurdles champion, Belibi kicked off her final collegiate season with a win in the event, posting a time of 8.50 to capture first place. In the men’s 60m, Clarke, one of Harvard’s team captains, outlasted the field to take first place with a time of 6.85.

The women’s 60m final saw sophomore Ella Cooper clock a personal-best time of 7.59, taking fourth place in the process.

McRitchie, another returning Ivy League champion, started the 2025-26 with a first place finish in the women’s pole vault, doing so after clearing 4.10m (13’5.25″). Hodge finished in second, as she also cleared 4.10m.

The Crimson’s women’s 4x440y relay team of sophomore Abigail Dennis, sophomore Saige Forbes, Cooper and sophomore Kaelin Creagh took second after clocking a 3:56.07.

On the men’s side of the 4x440y relay, Tong, McGough, Chavez and Parker combined for a time of 3:18.44 to earn the win.

UP NEXT:

The Crimson conclude the opening weekend of the 2025-26 track & field season with two meets tomorrow, as Harvard will host the Harvard Classic at Gordon Indoor Track and will also feature at the Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener at Boston University’s Track & Tennis Center.

For complete coverage of Harvard Track & Field, follow us on Twitter (@HarvardTFXC) and Instagram (@harvardtfxc).

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Harris, Stewart & O’Brien Represent Ohio Track & Field at GVSU Holiday Open

Published

32 minutes ago

December 6, 2025

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ALLENDALE, Mich. – The Ohio women’s track & field team concluded its first meet of the indoor season, the GVSU Holiday Open, on Friday, Dec. 5.

Sophomore Mairin O’Brien (Lewis Center, Ohio) kicked off competition for Ohio in the women’s 3,000 meters. O’Brien placed seventh in Heat 1 of the event, running a time of 10:01.30.

Graduate student Kelsi Harris (Liberty Township, Ohio) and sophomore Kaitlyn Stewart (Floyd Knobs, Ind.) competed in the women’s 5,000 meters. Harris placed eighth in the Heat 1 of the event, recording a time of 16:45.66. Stewart took home eighth place in Heat 2 with a time of 17:07.16.

The Bobcats will be back in action at the Marshall Alumni Classic on Saturday, Jan. 10.

#OUohyeah

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Blazers Complete 2025 Season Opener

Published

48 minutes ago

December 6, 2025

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BIRMINGHAM – UAB Track and Field opened the 2025 season on Friday as the Blazers competed in the Birmingham Indoor Icebreaker at the Birmingham Crossplex.

Victory George competed in multiple events as the newcomer participated in the 60m and the Long Jump. George placed 12th out of 69 athletes in the 60m Prelims with a time of 7.71 seconds. George narrowly missed the finals by .01 seconds as she placed second in heat 4. The newcomer from Nigeria placed 11th of 55 athletes in the Long Jump where she finished with a mark of 5.52m and placed third in flight 3.

Leticia Quingostas started her senior season strong in the 300m. The senior from Brazil placed ninth overall out of 28 athletes and won heat 4 with a time of 40.51 seconds.

The freshmen middle distance duo consisting of Kelly Hughes and Katelyn Valtos made their college debuts in the 1000m. Hughes (3:05.08) and Valtos (3:06.08) finished sixth and seventh overall respectively. Valtos’ time was tops in heat 2.

The Blazers saw four Pole Vault athletes compete on Friday. Noelle Hambrick was the leader of the quartet placing fifth with a mark of 3.70m. Victoria Freeland, Fiona Eastman, and Trinity Fellows each finished at 3.55m.

The Green and Gold rounded out the day with true freshman Sarah Hopkins competing in the Weight Throw. Hopkins finished her day with a mark of 14.58m on her final successful throw, which ranks third-best in school history for Indoor Weight Throw.

UAB returns to action on January 9, 2026 as it returns to the Birmingham Crossplex for the Blazer Invite. Meet information, schedules, and live results will be posted at a later date.

FOLLOW THE BLAZERS

To keep up with UAB Track & Field, follow @UAB_TF_XC on Instagram and X.

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Aggies Fend Off Vols in Five-Set Epic to Advance in NCAA Tournament

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1 hour ago

December 6, 2025

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TEMPE, Arizona – At first, it seemed like Utah State volleyball would waltz into the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Then, it seemed like the USU’s dream season might end in heartbreaking fashion.

But in a do-or-die fifth set, the Aggies fought off a furious comeback from seventh-seeded Tennessee to claim a thrilling 3-2 (25-19, 25-15, 20-25, 18-25, 15-11) victory in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. This is the first NCAA Tournament victory for Utah State volleyball since recording wins in back-to-back seasons in 2000 and 2001.

With the win, Utah State will now face No. 2 Arizona State on Friday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m. (MT).

Sophomore setter Kaylie Kofe engineered the Aggie offense to a .312 hitting percentage, recording 57 assists. Senior middle blocker Tierney Barlow led USU with 16 kills on a team-best .560 hitting percentage while sophomore opposite side hitter Loryn Helgesen added 14 kills. The duo also tied for the team lead with four blocks apiece with each player also registering a solo block. Sophomore outside hitter Andrea Simovski also had 14 kills and sophomore outside hitter Mara Štiglic stuffed the stat sheet with 12 kills, six digs, three blocks and three assists. Junior libero/defensive specialist Kendel Thompson led the Aggie defense with 16 digs, also leading the team with two service aces.

Head coach Rob Neilson

“What a match. Hats off to that Tennessee team. We gave them all they could handle in those first two sets and then they responded. They’re a great team obviously, well coached and talented, physical. Then you get to a fifth set and it’s a coin flip. I thought we made enough plays and battled and came through adversity. I’m really proud of this group and I’m excited that we get to play some more volleyball together.”

Set One

The Aggies came roaring out of the gates, registering kills on nine of their first 13 attacks en route to taking a 10-5 lead to force a Tennessee timeout. Štiglic posted three kills during the early run, part of a 7-0-10 line for the Croatian in the opening set. Out of the timeout, the Vols responded with a 9-2 stretch to take a lead midway through the frame and force an Aggie timeout. USU stemmed the tide with a kill from redshirt freshman middle blocker Lauren Larkin that preceded a block by Barlow and Helgesen. A Helgesen kill and Thompson ace then made it a 4-0 Aggie run to deliver the advantage back to Utah State. The Vols scored back-to-back points to tie it at 16 before the teams alternated the ensuing six rallies. With the set tied at 19, the Aggies closed the frame on a 6-0 burst. Helgesen ignited the run with a kill before teaming with Larkin on a block to firmly give the Aggies control late in the set. Štiglic then delivered back-to-back kills to clinch the 25-19 win to open the match. Utah State hit .382 in the opening frame while holding Tennessee to .188 to take a 1-0 lead.

Set Two

Utah State again came out strong, using a 14-3 onslaught to grab hold of the second set. Simovski powered the on-fire start with five kills while Thompson added her second ace of the match to help build a double-digit cushion. The Aggies went a perfect 8-of-8 on attacks to begin the frame. Tennessee closed the gap with a 6-1 stretch, forcing a USU timeout. A Helgesen kill halted the Vols’ momentum before Utah State went on to close the set on a 5-1 run featuring a pair of kills from Barlow and a Helgesen ace plus a block by Štiglic and Barlow to help seal the 25-15 win. The Aggies improved on both their offensive and defensive marks from the first set, hitting .444 while holding Tennessee to .171 to go up 2-0 for the match.

Set Three

The Aggies again went up early as Barlow recorded three-straight kills and then a solo block as part of a personal 4-0 run to put USU ahead 7-4. The Vols, however, answered back with an 11-4 stretch to take a late four-point lead in the set. The Aggies battled back within two at 21-19 with Simovski supplying a pair of kills but Tennessee went on a 4-1 run to take the set, 25-20, to extend the match to a fourth set.

Set Four

The Vols maintained momentum to begin the fourth set, opening up a 10-5 lead out of the gates. USU scored three-straight points with Larkin and Helgesen both registering kills to trim the deficit to two points. Tennessee answered again, scoring seven of the next 10 rallies to extend their lead to six points. The Aggies were unable to build a comeback attempt as the Vols secured a 25-18 win to send the match to a winner-takes-all fifth set.

Fifth Set

In a pivotal start to the set, Utah State went up 5-2 courtesy of a pair of Simovski kills and three attacking errors from the Vols. The Aggies led by four points at 12-8 following two kills from Helgesen before Tennessee clawed back within one after three-straight points. USU regained the advantage from the defensive side as Barlow and Helgesen combined for a block to make it 13-11. Barlow then killed back-to-back balls off the slide to secure the 15-11 victory and send the Aggies into the second round.

Quick Notes

Utah State also extended their overall winning streak to 22 matches, the third-longest streak in program history, trailing only a 23-game streak spanning the team’s 1978 national title season and 1979, and a program-record 26-game streak in 1978. USU’s streak is now tied for the third-longest active streak in the nation.

Utah State hit .312 for the match, their 11th-straight match recording a .250 hitting percentage or better. The Aggies are now hitting .274 on the season, a mark which would break the current program record of .238 set in 2016.

Larkin added another eight kills on a .500 hitting percentage plus two blocks and a career-high three digs.

Sophomore outside hitter Delaney Lawson and freshman defensive specialist Sadie Warren provided key defensive contributions with eight and six digs, respectively.

Utah State is now 3-6 in the NCAA Tournament all-time, recording their first win since defeating BYU in Salt Lake City in 2001. USU also defeated Missouri the year prior in Provo, Utah.

The Aggies are now 19-13-1 all-time against SEC teams and recorded their first win over the conference since beating Alabama in 2003.

Utah State improved to a 29-4 record during Kofe’s career when she records at least 10.0 assists per set.

Up Next
The Aggies continue play in the second round of the NCAA Tournament against second-seeded Arizona State on Friday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m. (MT). The game will be streamed on ESPN+.

Fans can follow the Aggie volleyball program on Twitter, @USUVolleyball, on Facebook at /USUVolleyball or on Instagram, @usuvolleyball. Aggie fans can also follow the Utah State athletic program on Twitter, @USUAthletics, Facebook at /USUAthletics and on Instagram, @USUAthletics.

– USU –

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Women’s Track and Field Look to Continue Success as a Squad this Winter

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1 hour ago

December 6, 2025

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WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – The Hartford Women’s Track and Field team look to build off of a strong season in the spring as the team moves into the indoor portion of the schedule. Last year, the team found success both indoors and outdoors with strong placements in marquee meets such as 2nd in the Conference of New England (CNE) Championships, 12th and tied for 14th in the NCAA DIII Championships, and 17th and 25th in the NEICAAA All-New England Championships.

New Year, Similar Squad

With Head Coach Connor Green returning for his third year and the team only graduating two seniors a year ago, Hartford will be running out a whole host of familiar faces this season. 31 out of the 48 Hawks will be back for Coach Green with eight entering into their senior season. Amongst the group of notable returners is Lauren Duffy (Southington, Conn.) who is coming off of a standout freshman campaign last season. Duffy finished with seven top ten finishes last season with two top three finishes at The Reggie Open.

“Our team expectations are to just stay consistent, disciplined, and work on the little things a lot. Like being in the weight room, getting consistent miles in, and also hurdle mobility, injury prevention stuff, just to stay healthy throughout the season.” Duffy said.

Another key returner for the Hawks is junior Leslie Samuel (Montauk, N.Y.) who is coming off a season in which she was named to the USTFCCCA All-Region Team.

“I am mostly excited to get back into it. I didn’t compete last year, so I am excited to get back to where I am, and make it to nationals hopefully.” Samuel said.

A third key returner for the Hawks is Tommie Barker (Canton, Conn.). Barker last season was nominated to the CNE All-Conference Third Team for her/their performance in both hammer throw and shotput.

“I have high expectations for this year, given it’s my senior year. I’m hoping to keep improving and PR consistently at almost every meet. My main goal is to make it to all New Englands this year, and I think it’s very doable! I’m super excited for indoor and even more so for outdoor! Between lifting and practicing consistently for the past few months, I think we’re all at our best going into this season. Practice makes progress, and we’ve had a lot of time to make some amazing progress!” Barker said.

Season Outlook:

The Hawks will begin their season at the Yale invitational on Dec. 6th. Following that event they will take on the Wesleyan University Invitational on Jan. 24th. They will also compete in the John Thomas Terrier Classic at Boston University on Jan. 31st. The Hawks will close out the indoor track and field season at the NCAA Division III New England Championships in Boston at the New England at the Track of New Balance

For the latest information on Hartford Athletics follow the Hawks on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.

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