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Water Polo Adds Four During Early Signing Period
Nov. 27, 2007
Loudonville, N.Y. - Siena water polo head coach Ellen Howe announced today the signings of four student-athletes after receiving National Letters of Intent during the NCAA's early signing period. The Saints welcome Traci Robertson, Chelsea Reczek, Katie Ness and Jennifer Kissel who will enroll at Siena next fall and begin competing during the 2009 Water Polo season. Robertson, a 5'8" defender from Santee, Calif., was a three year varsity starter for West Hills High. Robertson earned First Team All-League accolades for the Grossmont North League in both her sophomore and junior seasons. In addition, Robertson earned First Team All-Tournament honors at the 2006 East County Invite. Robertson, who served as team captain both her junior and senior seasons, is the current record holder at West Hills for steals in a season. "Traci is a versatile and experienced player coming out of one of the best leagues in California," remarked Howe. "As a left-handed player she will significantly contribute to our team both offensively and defensively." Reczek, a 5'9" utility player from Naperville, Ill., concluded a stellar playing career at Neuqua Valley High School, garnering First Team All-Upstate Eight and First Team All-Section accolades. In 2006, Reczek was voted as the Most Improved Player in the state of Illinois. Following the 2007 campaign she was selected for the Midwest Zone Team that competed in the 2007 Junior Olympics. "Chelsea brings great energy and athleticism to our team," noted Howe. "She will be a great utility player who is able to play valuable positions in a variety of game situations." A native of Reading, Pa., the 5'10" Ness joins the Green and Gold following an outstanding playing career at Governor Mifflin High. Ness was named to the Pennsylvania All-State team during 2007 and also notched Defensive Player of the Year honors for Governor Mifflin during 2005 and 2006. Ness led Governor Mifflin to the Pennsylvania State Championships the past three years as the team's leading scorer and defender. In addition to her water polo accolades, Ness also earned team MVP honors as a member of the swim team.
"Katie has improved tremendously throughout the past few years," added Howe. "She has incredible speed and determination and will be a shining star for Siena Water Polo for years to come." A 5'8" goalie from Winter Park, Fla., Kissel joins the Saints after serving as Winter Park's leading goalie for the past three seasons. She led Winter Park to a pair of second place state finishes, while picking up the best defensive player award along the way. During her junior season, Kissel was selected to the All-Metro, All-District and All-State Water Polo teams, helping her garner First Team All-American honors. Kissel served as the starting goalie for the Southeastern Zone team in 2007 and competed in the zone championships, making the cut for one of the top eight goalie spots in the nation. Moreover, Kissel also competed at the 2007 Junior Olympic Championships for the Navy Water Polo Club in Annapolis, Md. "Jennifer is an outstanding goalie and is a great addition to our program," said Howe. She is a quick and smart goalie who communicates well with a tremendous work ethic and will be a solid goalie for our conference (MAAC)." The Saints will begin the 2008 season with an exhibition game on February 10th against Adirondack WPF at the Siena Swim Center. Siena opens 2007-08 regular season play on February 16th at the Princeton Invitational. |
