Indiana University Athletics
What It Means To Come Home
2/10/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Water Polo
This past weekend at the Stanford Invitational, eight Hoosiers who were raised in California, including coaches Barry King and Kristie Dickey, had the opportunity to travel back to their homeland. Indiana has mapped out plans to head to the West coast three times this year. Once for the Stanford Invitational, the annual Spring Break trip in March, and of course the NCAA Championships in La Jolla at UC-San Diego.
Below are comments from six Hoosier players who were able to make it back and play in front of friends and family this past weekend in Palo Alto. One of the greatest advantages of being a Hoosier water polo player, is the cross-country travel throughout the year and the chance to see and play in front of friends and family.
Freshman Courtney Thom
San Clemente, Calif.
"Going back home to California...let's just say it wasn't hard leaving Indiana for some good ol' West-coast sunshine! We were on our way to California to play in the Stanford Invitational and all very excited. For me, this meant not only a chance to play against some top-ranked competition, including powerhouses like Cal and Stanford, but it was also a chance to see family and friends back home. As a freshman, glancing up in the stands and seeing your family and friends cheer you on as you play collegiate water polo is truly a gratifying experience. For all four California-raised freshmen, this was our first trip back home to show everyone how Indiana has come along. By the end of the tournament, we definitely proved ourselves against UC-Santa Cruz, which left us with as good feeling as we headed back to Indiana. After a great trip home, visiting with family and friends, and playing some great games, I am ready to do it all over again when we travel out to San Diego in March and dominate the So-Cal teams.
Senior Ginger Wang
Rowland Heights, Calif.
"The highlight of every season is going home to California to compete. I love playing in the warm sun with all of my family and friends sitting in the stands cheering me on. It's nice knowing that we are able to compete with California teams while being at home. I love California."
Freshman Bridget McKeon
Coronado, Calif.
"I love coming home to California because it's good to see my family and my old teammates."
Freshman Courtney Livak
San Jose, Calif.
"It's great to come home and play in front of my family and friends. Proving ourselves to California teams with so many fans in the stands helps a lot. California is a wonderful break from the chilly winters and the comfort of the familiar sun is fabulous. Even though I live in Indiana, it's great to come back to California and have the support of my family and friends. They rock! Oh yeah, and the best part is coming back to our favorite restaurants...We're big girls and we're all about the food."
Freshman Clare Meadows
Mission Viejo, Calif.
"It's great to come home and play competitive teams in the sun!"
Jessica Goldner
Los Altos Hills, Calif.
"There is no better high than playing water polo outside in the sun surrounded by friends and family. Our Cali journey allows our team the chance to prove to ourselves that we can compete on that level of water polo. We might not have won every game out there, but each one was a learning experience for us. And at least while we did that, we got a little color (tan)."
Below are comments from six Hoosier players who were able to make it back and play in front of friends and family this past weekend in Palo Alto. One of the greatest advantages of being a Hoosier water polo player, is the cross-country travel throughout the year and the chance to see and play in front of friends and family.
Freshman Courtney Thom
San Clemente, Calif.
"Going back home to California...let's just say it wasn't hard leaving Indiana for some good ol' West-coast sunshine! We were on our way to California to play in the Stanford Invitational and all very excited. For me, this meant not only a chance to play against some top-ranked competition, including powerhouses like Cal and Stanford, but it was also a chance to see family and friends back home. As a freshman, glancing up in the stands and seeing your family and friends cheer you on as you play collegiate water polo is truly a gratifying experience. For all four California-raised freshmen, this was our first trip back home to show everyone how Indiana has come along. By the end of the tournament, we definitely proved ourselves against UC-Santa Cruz, which left us with as good feeling as we headed back to Indiana. After a great trip home, visiting with family and friends, and playing some great games, I am ready to do it all over again when we travel out to San Diego in March and dominate the So-Cal teams.
Senior Ginger Wang
Rowland Heights, Calif.
"The highlight of every season is going home to California to compete. I love playing in the warm sun with all of my family and friends sitting in the stands cheering me on. It's nice knowing that we are able to compete with California teams while being at home. I love California."
Freshman Bridget McKeon
Coronado, Calif.
"I love coming home to California because it's good to see my family and my old teammates."
Freshman Courtney Livak
San Jose, Calif.
"It's great to come home and play in front of my family and friends. Proving ourselves to California teams with so many fans in the stands helps a lot. California is a wonderful break from the chilly winters and the comfort of the familiar sun is fabulous. Even though I live in Indiana, it's great to come back to California and have the support of my family and friends. They rock! Oh yeah, and the best part is coming back to our favorite restaurants...We're big girls and we're all about the food."
Freshman Clare Meadows
Mission Viejo, Calif.
"It's great to come home and play competitive teams in the sun!"
Jessica Goldner
Los Altos Hills, Calif.
"There is no better high than playing water polo outside in the sun surrounded by friends and family. Our Cali journey allows our team the chance to prove to ourselves that we can compete on that level of water polo. We might not have won every game out there, but each one was a learning experience for us. And at least while we did that, we got a little color (tan)."
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's Water Polo
/ Women's Water Polo
/ Women's Water Polo
/ Women's Water Polo
/ Women's Water Polo
/ Women's Water Polo
/ Women's Water Polo
/ Women's Water Polo
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