Dec. 15, 2008

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - University of Maryland water polo coach Carl Salyer announced Monday the signing of five student-athletes to National Letters of Intent to play for the Terrapins in the fall of 2009.

The class was inked during last month's signing period.

The group includes Allison Campbell of Maple Ridge, British Columbia; Simone Lewis of St. Heliers, Auckland, New Zealand; Alexandra McDowell of Miami, Fla.; Chelsea Sullivan of Los Altos, Calif. and goalkeeper Rachel Stein of Ottawa, Canada;

"This year's class adds a ton of international experience and will be a big addition to the team on both sides of the ball," said Salyer, who is in his fifth season as Maryland head coach. "These girls have proven themselves in the pool, classroom and community."

Thumbnail sketches of each of Maryland's water polo recruits:

ALLISON CAMPBELL (Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada; Maple Ridge Secondary; Pacific Storm Water Polo Club)
Played with Pacific Storm Water Polo Club for six years... twice named British Columbia Water Polo Player of the Year ...National Championship All-Star ...Member of five National Championship teams ... Played on the Canadian Junior National Water Polo team that won a gold medal at the Junior Pan Am Championships.

Salyer on Campbell: "Allison adds international experience. I expect an immediate impact from her in the water next year. She is an extremely tough player, who will add mobility and offense."

SIMONE LEWIS (St. Heliers, Auckland, New Zealand; Diocesan School For Girls; Diocesan Premier Water Polo Team)
Won National Championship in 2008 with Diocesan Premier Water Polo Team ... Won Most Valuable Player Award for National Secondary Schools Competition ... ASB finalist for Water Polo Player of the Year ... Won silver medal at Pan Pacifics with the Marist Club U18s.

Salyer on Lewis: "Simone is a top player out of New Zealand, who I expect will be a major contributor on the team from the start of her Maryland career. Simone will add a tremendous scoring punch to the team with her strong outside shot and tough defensive presence."

ALEXANDRA McDOWELL (Miami, Fla.; Gulliver Prepatory; Florida Coast Water Polo Team)
First team All-Dade County as a junior in 2007... Team captain of Gulliver Varsity Water Polo Team as a junior and senior... Won 2008 Best Defense Award... Visited Hungary and Slovakia with high school team which scrimmaged the Hungarian Junior National Team.

Salyer on McDowell: "Alexandra is from the same high school as (current junior) Shannon Simerly which has won many (eight consecutive) Florida state championships. She will bring that experience to the team with her rock solid defense."

RACHEL STEIN (Ottawa, Canada; Lisgar Collegiate Institute; Ottawa Titans)
Ottawa Titans Athlete and Goalie of the year in 2005 for U14 team ... Most Valuable Goalie at U16 Provincials in 2006 and 2007 and at U18 Provincials in 2007 ... Member of Ontario Provincial U18 Women's Team from 2005 to 2008, alternate on Canadian National Women's Junior Team in 2008.

Salyer on Stein: "Rachel brings international experience to the goal-keeping position, where she will add depth to the young goalkeeping crew currently at Maryland. We expect Rachel to compete for minutes with current freshmen Shelby Reyes and Leanne Spedding. That competition will make all three better and our team better as a result."

CHELSEA SULLIVAN (Los Altos, Calif.; Menlo School; Stanford Water Polo Foundation)
Named Junior Olympic All-American in 2002 ... Helped Archbishop Mitty win first Division I CCS title as a sophomore in 2006... Made First Team All-CCS and Pacific Zone Senior All Star team in 2008 ... Also competed on the swimming and basketball teams, contributing to the California State Championship team for basketball in 2007 ... a league all-star 2008

Salyer on Sullivan: "It is great to add Chelsea to the program, I expect her to be contributing significant minutes from the start of her freshman year with her ability to score and distribute the ball on offense."

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