 NC State at 2005 C.C.C. |
The Atlantic Coast women's division continues to grow in size and strength with ridiculous intensity. Many new programs are emerging this year, and newer programs have taken large steps in the direction of organization, competitiveness, and leadership even since last year. For instance, the Blue Ridge section will more than likely see the emergence of three new women's programs; University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Radford University, and Virginia Tech. The College of Charleston, led by Backhoe stand out defender Cate Foster, has gone from having less than sevens at practice to acquiring a roster size of 23+. In addition to growing in size, the Atlantic Coast is growing in strength. This can be attributed to a handful of different reasons, but I truly believe this is happening because more and more experienced club players are volunteering their time to these women's teams. Teams like NCSU, UNC-CH, Wake Forest, Emory, UGA, and Florida will thrive under the leadership of established coaches who are role models within the club community. This transition has caused the quality and quantity of elite caliber games to increase, which only helps those teams become more competitive nationally. | |
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If guesses had to made this year based on roster loses, additions, and fall results, it would be safe to say that Emory, Florida, UGA, UNC-Ch, and Wake Forest will be battling it out in April for the AC bids to the UPA College Championships in Columbus. Emory had an impressive fall, losing only in the finals at CCC. Despite losing their 2005 all region player to graduation, Emory has a very balanced attack that relies on an offense that really keeps the disc moving. Florida returns Erin Brown from a knee injury last year and her forehand hucks will be a weapon FUEL will use often and without remorse. Florida is also planning the trek to Centex this year, which will be instrumental for their transition to becoming nationally competitive. UGA returns Wooten and a star studded cast that includes a few ladies that contributed to Ozone’s semifinals experience at the UPA Club Championships. After a few years of finishing without an UPA college championship appearance, the Hodawgs are looking to rectify some wrongs. UNC-Ch graduated long time star Sara Stanley, but they reloaded with some grad school students, a women’s club player of their own, and a handful of ladies that spiced up their resume with a trip to the 2005 UPA Mixed Club Championships. Pleiades is also planning two long trips out west – Centex and Stanford. Finally, Wake Forest will rely heavily on Lucia Derks – a young, intense player with speed and killer throws. Wake Forest prides themselves on scrappy D and just plain old fashioned hussle.
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 Shanye "Shuggy" Crawford (Georgia) at C.C.C. |
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 Lindsey Hack (UNC) at C.C.C. |
It is somewhat difficult to say how these top five will end up at the end of April. Currently, regionals are scheduled for April 29th – 30th in Charlotte, NC – the same complex that hosts QCTU. QCTU will be a preview of things to come for the series, as all of these teams will be in attendance minus UGA. UNC-Ch has been regarded to be the most athletic and should make a serious run for the title, especially since they are gaining considerable experience at Centex and Stanford Invite. But, UGA might just have the most experienced team with the most lethal weapons. Look for UGA to win some tournaments this year – possibly both Mardi Gras and Terminus to name a couple. The ladies of FUEL have shown themselves worthy of being at the top of the list, and it will be interesting to see if the team will have a breakout year. Emory is the least deep of the first four, but that may be what makes them so dangerous. As mentioned before, they have a great balanced attack on offense that relies on Truxillo's handler movement. Finally, Wake Forest is the newest program, and although they may seem like the furthest away from the number one position out of the AC, it is nothing that some heart and desire can not change. | |
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Beyond these top five, teams like NCSU and UVA are not far behind. Only time will tell how these teams recover from the 2004 graduation. Then, we can venture into the unknown. William and Mary is under new leadership, University of Tennessee-Chattanooga is getting to more tournaments this year, and Georgia Tech has Kate Wilson (Ozone) and an established coach. Mary Washington is also under new leadership and James Madison's captain is taking on a new role in the community as a sectional coordinator. These changes can at times be what brings a team to the elite scene. Davidson finished third in the Carolina section last year and people will be on the lookout to see if they follow that season up with something more. The Carolina section also has a handful of other teams that may or may not be able to break into that top five – Duke, Elon, UNC-G, and UNC-W to name a few. Duke's program is well rounded this year, Elon traveled to Wolfpack in the fall, and UNC-G is led by standout Backhoe player Sharon Tucker. Finally, UNC-W was hit hard by graduation last year, but Rachel Joffe of Wahine remains, leaving UNC-W as a force to be respected.
Finally, the Atlantic Coast region hopes to welcome new teams this year such as UT-Knoxville, Radford, Virginia Tech, UNC-B, Guilford, Kennesaw, University of South Carolina, University of South Florida, and possibly even University of North Carolina - Asheville. In addition, the AC welcomes the return of teams such as Clemson and Appalachian State. The Atlantic Coast regional championship series will be an exciting and hopefully enjoyable experience for all teams. Good luck to all the programs and players in 2006! |
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 Anna Sofrank (Virginia) v. Wisconsin at CCC 2005 |
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 Florida FUEL at C.C.C. 2005 |
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