JUNE 2021
IN THIS ISSUE
From the Athletic Director’s Desk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Live with Langley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Going Fore Broke: UW Men's Golf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Breaking The Mold: UW Women's Golf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 The Return: Fans Are First . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Men's Rowing: 10 Questions with Sam Halbert . . . . . . . . . . 25 Taste of Success: UW Women's Soccer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Magical Run Ends: UW Men's Soccer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 The Shot: Senior Braiden Ward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
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FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR’S DESK VOLUME 14 / ISSUE 6 / JUNE 2021
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usky Nation. As we wrap up an academic and competition year unlike any other, I continue to be so inspired by the amazing students, coaches and staff we have here. Collectively, we have overcome so many challenges to live out our steadfast commitment to providing holistic development opportunities for our Huskies. It has been the busiest spring on record, and our Dawgs have provided plenty to cheer about. We have seen: a men’s rowing National Championship, a third-place NCAA finish for women’s rowing, volleyball play its way to the Final Four, men’s soccer earned an Elite Eight berth, women’s soccer made it to the Sweet Sixteen, and track and field brought home several individual titles at the conference championships and sent a dozen athletes to NCAA’s. For a while earlier this school year, none of this seemed possible. Then, loyal donors like you stepped in. You’ve responded to our call to support every team as One Team. You’ve gone all in for your Huskies and because of you, hundreds of student-athletes have regained their opportunity to compete. As we wrap up events this spring, we have our eyes set on next fall and the optimism we have for each of you to return to our venues. While we have made so much progress in the last few
Jennifer Cohen
months, we still have a long way to go to ensure the funding we need to offset the pandemic’s impact. But we know Husky Nation will step in to maintain our momentum. Each of you is a huge part of our success and we wouldn’t be able to offer the opportunities we do at this world-class institution if it weren’t for your generosity. Thank You. I hope each of you has an incredible and safe summer and I can’t wait to see you back on Montlake this fall. It will be so special to be back together again, where we belong! Go Dawgs!
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Born and raised in Seattle’s Central District, Anthony Washington is a true Husky who wants to make a difference in his community. Washington, who played Husky basketball as an undergraduate, discovered a passion for teaching and returned to the UW for his master’s degree in special education. He strives to empower and engage his students during class and advocate for them beyond the classroom.
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I O S C H ET T BY MARK M MAGAZINE S IE SK FOR GOHU
e v Li y e l g n a L W
hen Tina Langley was looking for her first teaching job, that’s all she wanted — a teaching job. She was understandably delighted upon getting a call from the principal from Walker High School in Jasper, Ala., with an offer for just such a job. But that principal wanted her to be more than just a teacher — something Langley wasn’t expecting. “I got tricked into coaching,” she said with a laugh. “He offered me the opportunity to teach, but he said I’d have to coach. … To be a teacher in that time, it was easier to get a job if you did extracurricular activities. I coached a lot of sports quickly.” Volleyball. Softball. And of course, basketball, first as an assistant, then moving up to head coach. Along
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the way, Langley discovered that being a coach was just another exciting way of being a teacher. “I realized quickly that I loved teaching the game,” Langley said. These days, no one has to trick Langley into coaching. The 47-year-old Alabama native will bring both best versions of herself — successful coach and passionate teacher — to the University of Washington to take charge of the women’s basketball program. “I love mentoring young women. I think all young women in this age group are in an important developmental stage in their life,” she said. “To be a part of those years is something that is just my passion.”
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From Rebuilding To Postseason Title Make no mistake: Langley has a passion for basketball, as well — although she didn’t actually take up the game herself until she was a high school freshman, and then only at the behest of her best friend, who asked her to turn out because the team needed more players. “I was just horrific because I’d never played before,” she said. “That’s when I realized you could get by if you understood the game. I kind of fell in love with learning at that point.” Indeed she did. Langley ultimately went on to earn three degrees: one in special education from the University of West Alabama, a master’s in Recreation and Leisure with an emphasis on recreation administration from the University of Toledo, and a master’s in community counseling from the University of Alabama. As for understanding the game, Langley’s record shows that very clearly. She was on the staff of head coach Brenda Frese at national power Maryland for seven years (2008-15), the last five of those as associate head coach. She landed in Seattle after spending the past six seasons at Rice University in Houston, where she became a college head coach for the first time. Prior to her arrival there, the Owls had gone through four consecutive losing seasons. Langley rebuilt the program into one that just went 23-4, captured a third consecutive Conference USA title, and won the Women’s National Invitation Tournament. “Her accolades certainly speak for themselves, and we look forward to watching her build something special on Montlake,” UW Athletic Director Jen Cohen said in a statement on April 5, the day Langley’s hiring was announced. “Her commitment to the development of students both on and off the court, combined with her vision for bringing the program back to competing for championships made her a perfect fit for our culture.” In coming to Washington, Langley takes over a program that certainly has endured its own rough stretch over the past few seasons. Her approach to getting back onto a more successful track is to start with the little things. “I’m just excited to start working on daily habits,” she said. “I think all of us can be better at the simply daily habits that produce excellence in our lives. Our challenge to ourselves as a staff and as a team is how do we improve those daily habits: how we rest, how we care for our body, the commitment we make every day to the academic side. Our focus daily on small details will then lead to excellent moments for us.”
the mitment to m o c r e H “ en t s nt of stud e m p lo e v de ur t, of f the co d n a n o both ion ith her vis w d e in b m co r am g the prog in g in r b r fo r mpeting fo back to co ra s ma d e he ip h s n io p cham e.” our cultur r fo t fi t c per fe tic U W Athle Direc tor n Jen C ohe
Solid On Defense, Unselfish On Offense That attention to detail applies every bit as much to shooting and rebounding as much as it does to body and mind. A Langley-coached team will be, as she described it, “efficient and unselfish at both ends of the floor.” That team also will be solid defensively. Through the past five seasons, Rice allowed an average of just under 58 points per game, and its opponents shot a mere 36.9 percent from the field. “We try to be very efficient from the defensive standpoint,” she said. “Statistically, we did a great job of guarding our opponent and taking away their strengths and being very sound fundamentally. At the offensive end, we take the best shot available to us — very unselfish, and we share the ball well. I think that’s what you’ll see at both ends of the floor.” What Husky fans also will see, thanks in large part to Langley’s efforts, is the return of a key player and the addition of another who starred for Langley at Rice. Continued on page 8 GoHUSKIES
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Haley Van Dyke, a 6-foot-1 forward who will be a senior, led the Huskies last season at 12.0 points per game. She had entered the NCAA transfer portal, but decided to stay with the Huskies after talking with Langley. “She just has a commitment to excellence, which is what our program will be about on a daily basis,” Langley said. “I also think she’s a good example of the type of leadership that can drive the program forward.” Coming aboard will be Nancy Mulkey, a 6-foot-9 tower of power at center who averaged 15.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, blocked 95 shots, and shot 57 percent from the field in 2020-21, ultimately being named the WNIT’s Most Valuable Player. Mulkey has played four seasons (three for Langley), but, like all winter sports athletes across the NCAA spectrum, was granted an extra year of eligibility because of the ongoing pandemic. “When you look at her time at Rice, you would see someone who would sacrifice for her team tremendously,” Langley said of Mulkey, who will be the tallest player in Husky history “She’s an unbelievable passer and really difficult to defend. She really has your back on the defensive end of the floor all the time.”
A Sense Of Normalcy On The Court As has been true for just about everyone else, the past 15 months for Langley have had their share of twists and turns while navigating through a life-altering pandemic. But her approach to why she does what she does — and how she does it — hasn’t been altered at all. Finding that Washington’s approach matched hers in so many ways ultimately led her to Seattle. “When you give thought to an environment where young women are going to come in and grow and learn, I think this university’s commitment to those values will create an incredible environment for young women,” Langley said. A large part of the environment will, of course, be created on the court. Whether her team was practicing in pods last fall or playing for a postseason championship early this spring, the basketball court still offered Langley a feeling of normalcy during a long stretch that has been anything but normal. That feeling was just as evident recently when she got onto the court with her Huskies for the first time. “We talk about how this has been a challenging year for everyone,” she said. “Being on the court is a time to have joy and do things that we love together and that we have a shared passion for. It’s fun to be on the court and learn about one another as people and as players and just start talking the game.” Talking the game. Teaching the game. Coaching the game. Never again will Tina Langley have to be tricked into doing that. GoHUSKIES
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ON THE
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HUSKY GOLF NEWS
Going Fore Broke UW men’s golf shines at prominent Western Intercollegiate tournament
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BY MIKE KORD FOR GOHUSKIES MAGAZINE
hen a high school recruit signs on to play for the University of Washington men’s golf team, it comes with a great deal of prestige, honor and opportunity. Case in point: This year’s 74th Western Intercollegiate golf tournament at Pasatiempo Golf Club in Santa Cruz, Calif., in April. The tournament has drawn top college teams and players from across the western part of the United States and beyond since 1947. The list of past participants alone could increase the heart rate of even the most poised amateur golfers. Stanford’s Tiger Woods played in the Western Intercollegiate in 1996. Tom Watson represented the Cardinal in 1970-71. Jordan Spieth, Hal Sutton, Craig Stadler and Corey Pavin all played, too. UW golfers have enjoyed success as well. The Huskies won the team title in 1999 and 2002. Connor Robbins claimed the individual crown in 2002. For a while, it looked as if the Huskies might win their third team title this year. After the first round, the Dawgs had four players (senior Noah Woolsey, sophomore Petr Hruby, senior Henry Lee and freshman Teddy Lin) in the top 15, shot an even-par 350 and claimed the top spot on the leaderboard. Woolsey and Hruby both shot 1-under 69s, good for sixth place after 18 holes. On the second day, the UW shot an eight-over 358 and fell to second place. But Woolsey and Hruby each scored a 70 and climbed into a tie for fifth place in the individual competition. Events like the Western International are not only prominent, they are also a chance for college golfers to achieve personal victories that won’t rate a spot on SportsCenter or achieve influencer status on Instagram. But they’re meaningful anyway. Continued on page 12
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Noah Woolsey
Henry Lee
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Jan Schneider
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Jan Schneider
Henry Lee
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Take Jan Schneider, for example. The senior from Erlangen, Germany, climbed 15 spots on the leaderboard after firing a second-round 70. Such moments make all the extra time on the practice green and driving range worth it. As a team, the Huskies finished the 54hole tournament in a solid fourth place with a 24-over 1,074 in a 15-team field. Woolsey fired a 2-over 212 for three rounds, finishing in 11th place overall. He had 38 pars. Hruby tied for 13th place with a 3-over 213, leading the team with an impressive 11 birdies. Lee closed with a third-round, 2-over 72 and 9-over 219 to finish in 23rd overall. The strong showings didn’t stop at Pasatiempo. The Huskies took fourth place in the Pac-12 Championships, finishing with a 21-under 1,419 and earning a No. 7 seed at the NCAA regionals. It was their highest finish since 2017. Schneider, Lee and Lin earned Pac12 honorable mention status for their 2021 performances.
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ON THE
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HUSKY GOLF NEWS
Breaking The Mold Freshman golfers show poise in third-place finish
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BY MIKE KORD FOR GOHUSKIES MAGAZINE
oaches across the spectrum of college sports often espouse the virtues of senior leadership. Seniors guide younger athletes through the challenges of student-athlete life. They set an example with their work ethic and understanding of what it takes to compete at the collegiate level. They act as on-field coaches. But every now and then, a freshman or two will burst onto the scene, untethered to the pecking order, blaze their own trail and find themselves in rarified territory. This happened on the University of Washington women’s golf team in April, as the Huskies traveled to Albuquerque, N.M., to compete in the Branch Law Dick McGuire tournament on the University of New Mexico campus. Camille Boyd and Stephanie Deng, both of whom hail from Shanghai, China, were those freshmen and helped guide the Huskies to a third-place finish. Boyd benefited from four birdies and opened the 54-hole tournament with a 1-under-par 71. She followed that with another solid performance in the second round, utilizing five birdies on the way to an even-par 72 (71-72-143), good for eighth place. Boyd also led a trio of Huskies into the top 12 on the leaderboard at that juncture. Junior Martha Lewis (Surrey, England) and senior Rino Sasaki (Tokyo) both finished the second round just one stroke behind Boyd, tied for 12th place. Sasaki opened the first round with a bogey on No. 2. Undeterred, PAGE 14
she rallied for back-to-back birdies to finish at 1-under 71. She drained four more birdie putts in the second round, which she finished at 1-over 73. But it was sophomore Brittany Kwon who looked poised to make the strongest run at the top position on the individual leaderboard. After 14 holes, Kwon, from Bremerton, Wash., was a remarkable 5-under. She bogeyed on three of the last four holes, but still finished with an impressive 2-under 70. The rough patch continued into the second round, as Kwon struggled to stay in the hunt. She rallied on 17 and 18 with a pair of birdies for a 78, putting her in fourth place with a two-round score of 4-over 148. Deng was in 43rd place after two rounds (74-77-151). While freshman Boyd stole the show in the first two rounds, senior Sasaki took command in the third and final round, shooting a 2-over 74 for an overall score of 218, finishing in 13th place. Boyd finished with a final-round 76 and an overall score of 219, good for 18th place overall. Kwon played much more consistently in the third round, rising eight spots with a 2-over 74 that moved her into a tie for 27th place overall. Deng showed great composure in the final round, climbing a remarkable 16 spots with a 1-under 71 for a 6-over, 222 overall score and a 27th-place finish. Lewis ran into trouble down the stretch, but hung on for a three-round score of 225 and a 34th-place finish. Continued on page 16 GoHUSKIES
Martha Lewis
Brittany Kwon
Stefanie Deng
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The 2021 UW Husky Golf Team with Head Coach Mary Lou Mulflur.
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Rino Sasaki
Camille Boyd
ashington swept both the team and individual titles at the Juli Inkster Meadow Club in March making it the first time since October of 2018 that the Dawgs took home both victories at the same event. Overall, since 2015-16, Washington has now brought home both victories in tournament five times. The last time came at the Edean Ihlanfeldt Invitational during the 2018-19 season when Washington posted a 5-under 859 for the win and Sarah Rhee won her first individual title of her career. Prior to that, you'd have to go back to the first event of the 2016-17 season when UW took home both titles at the Pat Lesser Harbottle Invitational, Oct. 10-11, as Julianne Alvarez won the individual crown. She also won the same event in the 2015-16 season as a freshman when UW took home the team title. The same season, at the Peg Barnard (Feb. 1314, 2016), Wenyung Keh claimed first with UW bring home the trophy.
Huskies Mag half page 7-4X4-54.pdf 1 10/17/2020 9:51:43 AM
The Brain Injury Alliance of Washington provides free services to individuals throughout
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TOGETHER. WHEREVER WE ARE. From the university campus to your couch at home, the Boeing Apple Cup Series brings people across Washington together. We’re a proud sponsor of this great college tradition, and it’s part of our commitment to supporting the communities, across Washington, that our employees call home.
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FANS ARE FIRST when it comes to stadium safety this fall
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BY MARK MOSCHETTI FOR GOHUSKIES MAGAZINE
nformation. Infrastructure. In-stadium safety and health intricacies. Tickets. Tailgating. Transportation.
Jason Butikofer is not understating the case when he says there are lots of i's to be dotted and t’s to be crossed between now and the start of the University of Washington’s football season in September. “For all us in many ways, it has been a long 14 months,” the UW Athletic Department’s Chief Operating Officer said of dealing with the corona virus pandemic since it started reshaping all aspects of everyone’s life in March 2020. The only certainty along the way has been uncertainty. At this point, we have optimism and enthusiasm about fall.” “I saw it at spring football practice. Many people I talked to were excited to be back,” he added. “We were excited to have them, and we’ll continue to move forward toward hosting a full stadium this fall.” A full Husky Stadium is something that hasn’t happened since Nov. 23, 2019, when 70,931 fans jammed the place for a 31-13 victory Washington State in the Apple Cup. Now, with the season-ticket renewal process having wound down in mid-May, Butikofer, the rest of the department staff and certainly the players and coaches are eagerly — and perhaps a bit anxiously — looking forward to seeing that many back in the stands on Saturday, Sept. 4, when Montana comes to town to kick off the 2021 season. “We’re going to continue to adhere to direction from state and local and campus officials on crowd sizes as we approach fall,” Butikofer said. “But we’re planning on optimism and excitement with welcoming back 71,000 fans.” Continued on page 20
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The Huskies have taken some steps toward that ultimate goal this spring. As state restrictions on gatherings gradually eased, a small number of fans — limited to family and guests of UW athletes and coaches — were permitted at home events. That included not only included the traditional spring sports of baseball, softball, and track, but also at contests of the fall sports that had moved their seasons to spring: volleyball, men’s soccer, and women’s soccer. And of course, spring football. “All along, we’ve worked very closely with the county and state, our event management group, and our Covid operations group and really put together a great plan,” Butikofer said. “It was exciting and energizing to have fans at games in person.”
Tailgating? Yes — with safety protocols A few fans at the baseball or softball stadiums are one thing. Parking on that scale isn’t an issue and tailgating isn’t part of the equation. Different story for football. Many fans arrive on public transportation. And no matter how they get to the Husky Stadium, tailgating can be as important a part of the day as the game itself. “We are planning to host tailgating,” Buitkofer said. “But we are going to continue to follow health guidelines to ensure a safe environment for all fans in attendance.” As for public transportation, plans are being firmed up to operate buses to and from key Metro Park & Ride lots on game days. More details are expected during the summer. “There are still some things we need to crystalize between now and September and we will communicate those updates to our fans as decisions are made.” As have many other sports entities, both college and professional, the Huskies are moving toward digital ticketing. That won’t be a problem for most fans. For those who aren’t as tech-savvy or don’t have a smartphone, a call to the Husky ticket office or to the Tyee Club office will help then address their concerns or questions. “For some people, it will be just wanting some education (about digital ticketing),” Butikofer said. “For others, it may be needing an alternative.” Continued on page 22 PAGE 20
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Optiistic and realistic at the same time As the calendar moves toward summer, the focus on “return to normal” will continue to center around football and getting ready for the seven-game home schedule — one that includes visits from Oregon and Washington State. Dealing with season tickets was a big step in that direction. But Butikofer said Washington is mindful of the fact that given the nature of the pandemic, things could change on very short notice. “Season ticket renewal represents a commitment to full capacity,” he said. “If capacity is determined to be limited down the road, we will give people options and things of that nature.” There are a myriad of details, both up front and behind the scenes, which will need addressing between now and September. To hear Butikofer tell it, the mindset among his department colleagues is bring ’em on. And then, bring on the fans. “A lot of it revolves around event management and continuing to put processes and protocols and infrastructure in place so we can host fans,” he said. “The list goes on and on. Obviously, there are some things we’re going to have to re-think. “There’s a lot of work around the intricacies,” he added. “A lot of t’s we’ll be crossing, and a lot of I’s we’ll be dotting.”
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10 QUESTIONS WITH... WASHINGTON ROWING STALWART
SAM HALBERT ere are 10 great questions and answers from Washington Rowing stalwart Sam Halbert in a conversation with Go Huskies.
As someone who's from this area, what is your favorite place to visit in Seattle? “Some of my favorite places to visit are Seattle’s parks. Discovery, Golden Gardens, and Magnuson Park are some of my favorites.” Where is the most interesting place you’ve ever traveled to, either for a personal trip or for rowing? “The most interesting place I have gone for rowing is Lucerne, Switzerland. It was my first time in Europe and the history in a lot of the cities was super interesting.”
Can you talk about some of the experiences that have been opened up to you through rowing and how they have impacted your life? “One thing that I have been able to do through rowing at the UW is meet people from all over the world. I love hearing about other cultures and experiences. Having a network of friends from around the world is something that I would never have if not for rowing.” If you could invite any famous person to dinner, either someone currently living or someone from the past, who would it be – and why? “Probably Napoleon Bonaparte just to confirm his actual height.”
What do you do in your free time? “I enjoy playing guitar and going on hikes. Last summer, I also began to get into track cycling. Most of my quarantine was spent at Marymoor Park on their velodrome.” If you were to create a slogan for your life what would it be? “I would say “Capitalize on opportunities”. That is a mindset that UW rowing teaches. Similar to the slogan “when life gives you lemons…”. I always try and capitalize on opportunities that come my way.” What are the things on your personal bucket list? “One bucket list item that keeps on changing is to “go as far as I can in rowing”. I keep on improving every year and want to go until I peak. Another item is to grow a thick mustache.” Who is your biggest inspiration(s) in why you row? Please explain. “I have always been inspired by my parents. They have supported me through this whole process, and I could not have made it here without them.” What do you love most about rowing? “What I love about rowing is the people you meet. I love the saying, “Iron sharpens iron” and the quality of people I surround myself with makes me a better person. I love the community that surrounds UW rowing and the support that we get from alumni.” If not for rowing, what sport would you pursue – and why? “I would get into triathlons. I love running and biking, so I would just need to learn to swim better than treading water.”
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ON THE
HUSKY SOCCER SPOTLIGHT
PITCH
Taste of Success Guided by a stout defense, the UW capped the 2021 season with an appearance in the Sweet 16
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BY MIKE KORD FOR GOHUSKIES MAGAZINE
ick a team sport, and the same adage is applicable: The true character of a team is nearly impossible to identify until it has faced adversity. A lot of adversity. Case in point: the UW women’s soccer team. The Huskies faced a challenging foe in their first match of the year, crosstown rival Seattle University. Washington outpaced the Redhawks throughout the first half, scored the eventual game-winning goal in the 64th minute on an own goal and came away with a 1-0 victory. It would be the first of 13 matches decided by a goal or less. So when the Huskies faced St. Louis in the second round of the pressurepacked NCAA tournament, outshooting the Billikins 15-9, it was familiar territory. Washington and No. 15 Saint Louis played to a scoreless draw through regulation and three overtime periods, an epic clash illuminated by the circumstances. You lose, you go home. One Husky who wasn’t ready to go home was goalie Olivia Senaky. After three saves in regulation, the redshirt junior from Livermore, Calif., made a punch save in the penalty-kick shootout, then drove a rocket inside the right post for the game-winning goal and advancement to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 2014. The moment instantly went down as one of the most heroic in UW women’s soccer history. It also led to yet another bout with adversity: a third-round showdown with No. 2 North Carolina. PAGE 26
Whenever a team plays UNC, it faces more than the current Tar Heels roster. It also faces the aura of some of the game’s greatest athletes: Mia Hamm, Cindy Parlow, April Heinricks, Carla Overbeck and Kristine Lilly all played for the Tar Heels and created one of the most dominant dynasties in college sports. North Carolina has won 21 national championships since the first was played in 1982. It’s no wonder famed basketball coach Dean Smith said, “This is a women’s soccer school. We’re just trying to keep up with them.” For the first half, it was the Tar Heels trying to keep up with the Huskies. Unfazed in the presence of their glamorous foe, the Huskies didn’t allow a single shot on goal in the first half as the two sides dueled to a scoreless draw. North Carolina broke the goalless streak in the 67th minute, heading home a goal off a corner kick, ending Senaky’s remarkable streak of 646 minutes without yielding a goal. Not to be outdone, the UW fought hard and managed its own legitimate scoring opportunity. Summer Yates, a junior forward from Pasco, Wash., fired a short-range bullet toward the UNC net, only to have the goalie snare the ball out of the air. In the end, the Tar Heels held on for a 1-0 victory despite Washington outshooting North Carolina 13-7. Washington finished the season allowing just 12 goals, matching the program record for fewest goals allowed in a season. That mark was set in 2001. Washington's 0.67 team goals against average is the second lowest in program history, and the 10th time Washington has had a team GAA under 1.00. GoHUSKIES
Karlee Stueckle
Makayla Woods
Sianna Siemonsma
Head Coach Nicole Van Dyke
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ON THE
HUSKY SOCCER SPOTLIGHT
PITCH
Magical Run Ends
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The UW men’s team played elite soccer throughout the 2021 season BY MIKE KORD FOR GOHUSKIES MAGAZINE
ne advantage to playing in the Pacific-12 Conference is the opportunity to play Stanford. One disadvantage?
Playing Stanford. No one knows this better than Jamie Clark, who in 11 years as head coach of the Washington men’s soccer program has compiled an 11-9-1 record versus the Cardinal, for whom he was a two-time All-American in the late 1990s. It’s not out of the question to gauge how good the Huskies are by how well they play against Stanford, which has won six of the last seven Pac-12 championships. The only other champion was UW in 2020. This season was no exception. The No. 2 Cardinal came to town in late March, looking to steal a road victory at Husky Soccer Stadium. Instead, Washington sent Stanford back home with a 1-0 defeat. Junior midfielder Dylan Tevis, a product of Liberty High School (Renton, Washington.) tallied the match’s lone goal in the 85th minute. Sophomore goalie Sam Fowler of Issaquah High School collected five saves in what would be his fifth of six clean sheets in 13 regular-season games. The victory sent a message across the college-soccer landscape: Washington was for real. It also propelled the UW to No. 4 in the nation. Four days later, the Huskies traveled to Corvallis to play No. 3 Oregon State. Riding the euphoria from the Stanford win, the Dawgs roared out to an early 2-0 advantage on goals from Gio Migletti and Ryan Sailor and hung on to claim a 2-1 victory over the Beavers. It wasn’t difficult to see then that a special season was brewing on Montlake. These victories marked the first time in program history that the Huskies defeated two top-five teams in the same season. To the average American sports fan, the greatest emphasis is placed on scoring, followed by defending. In soccer, though, the most overlooked player is usually the set-up man – the guy who feeds the ball onto the foot PAGE 28
of team’s most prolific scorer. That guy for UW is Charlie Ostrem. The junior defender from Shorewood High School (Shoreline, Wash.) had both assists in the team’s biggest road win of the season. Heading into the NCAA tournament, Ostrem was third in the nation with .79 assists. Washington finished the regular season with a 6-2 conference record and 10-3 overall, good enough to take a No.-6 ranking into the 36-team NCAA tournament. The Huskies opened with Grand Canyon University in the first round and stifled the Lopes all match long with a stingy defense that didn’t allow a single shot until the 84th minute. Washington was patient on offense and made the most of its opportunities, scoring two goals on six shots to claim a 2-0 victory and advance to the Sweet 16. Sailor put the UW ahead 1-0 in the 21st minute, while Soto’s 55th-minute tally gave the Dawgs a commanding 2-0 lead they would never relinquish. Ostrem assisted on both scores. Four days later, Washington earned another 2-0 victory, this time over the Missouri State Bears, and advanced to the Elite Eight for the second straight season. The Bears were no easy out, though, playing the Huskies to a scoreless draw until junior Lucas Meek, a junior from Mercer Island, tapped in a deflection for the go-ahead goal. Teammate Christian Soto, a sophomore from Mount Rainier High School in the Seattle suburb of Des Moines, added a second goal in the 79th minute, leaving little doubt about sealing an Elite Eight appearance. Then on May 10, the stop button was hit. Facing the No. 2 Pitt Panthers, Washington fell 3-0 in the quarterfinals, and one of the most successful seasons in the program’s history was over. The game was closer than the score indicated. Early on, Sailor headed the ball past the Pitt goalkeeper, only to have it carom off the crossbar and out of play. Pitt took a 1-0 lead early in the second half and added a pair of goals in the closing minutes. For the year, the Huskies outscored their opponents 35-13, collected eight shutouts and finished with a 12-4 overall record. GoHUSKIES
Ryan Sailor
Charlie Ostrem
Sam Fowler
Head Coach Jamie Clark
GoHUSKIES
PAGE 29
Photographs by RED BOX PICTURES
WARD’S GOT WHEELS
Senior Braiden Ward currently sits second all-time in stolen bases at the UW and has racked up a Pac-12-best 29 on the season.
To purchase Husky Athletics photography, visit www.HUSKIESPHOTOSTORE.com
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