Courtesy: Tina ReinprechtPrinceton's Katie Reinprecht '13 and Julia Reinprecht '14 were selected to the 16-player U.S. Women's Field Hockey London Olympic roster, announced by U.S. head coach Lee Bodimeade Monday. Michelle Cesan '14 was named as one of two alternates for Team USA. The Olympic announcement culminates an exciting 2011-12 for the Tiger trio, who spent the year competing for the U.S. in several international tournaments and competitions.
The U.S. will face a tough slate in its Olympic Pool B play, made up of No. 2 Argentina, No. 3 Germany, No. 6 New Zealand, No. 7 Australia and No. 12 South Africa. The squad will open the Summer Games with Germany on Sunday, July 29. Following pool play, the semifinals will take place on Wednesday, August 8 and the gold medal game will be played on Friday, August 10.
Prior to leaving for London, Team USA will play a four-game series versus Argentina. Stops at the University of Virginia, Old Dominion and the National Training Center will wrap up the team's final preparation before heading across the pond. The 16-player roster and both alternates will be part of the final training sessions and games.
In addition to the Reinprechts making their first Olympic Games, current Princeton assistant coach Nate Franks '07 was named to the U.S. Women's Field Hockey Olympic coaching staff.
"This past year is such a small moment in time relative to the years and years of dedication and sacrifice that Maren (Ford Langford), Katie, Julia, Michelle and Kat (Sharkey) have put into their sport. For Michelle, Maren and Kat this is tough news, but we could not be prouder of the courage they showed in embracing the ups and downs that come with being an athlete at this level. To go after something with your heart and soul, with the understanding that you ultimately might not get what want - to me that is courage and they should be commended for that," said Princeton head coach Kristen Holmes-Winn.
"For Katie and Julia of course, we are thrilled. They have risen over and over again and their selection is acknowledgement of that. It will be unbelievable to watch them compete in London," concluded Holmes-Winn.
Langford and Sharkey are members of the U.S. Women's Field Hockey National Team player pool.
