Out of the Water with Michelle Keeley
4/6/2006 12:00:00 AM | Water Polo
Sophomore transfer Michelle Keeley's presence in the hole set has been one of opportunity in her first season as a Wolverine. Keeley connects on her shots at a higher percentage than anyone on the team--at a .512 clip--and has drawn the most ejections for the Maize and Blue this season.
Keeley fulfilled head coach Matt Anderson's wish and need when she chose to transfer back to her home state after spending a season as a Matador for the Cal State Northridge water polo program. Keeley produced as a freshman in California, scoring 16 times and handing out six assists. The sophomore's numbers this season show not only her improved ability, but also just how well she has fit into Anderson's program as she has tallied 22 goals and 12 assists while playing in all 32 games so far this season.
Keeley, who loves to eat at Cottage Inn and is glad to be back in Ann Arbor, sat down to discuss her first season as a Michigan water polo player.
On why she came to Michigan
"I always wanted to come to Michigan because of the Michigan tradition and to be an athlete here. I went to California for the sun and to get some experience playing in California, but I grew up being a Michigan fan and ultimately really missed having the prestige, the tradition and the challenge in academics."
On what she enjoys most about playing at Michigan
"I love having a rival like Indiana. Those games are a lot of fun and I really enjoy that. I also like being in Midwest. I love the campus and living in a college town."
On what it means being a Michigan native and wearing the Maize and Blue
"I have grown up and known all of the Big Ten teams and the rivalries. I understand what it means to be a Michigan Wolverine."
On her first career game at Michigan against Long Beach State
"It was interesting because I saw Long Beach a lot last year. I was on a new team last year and I just feel this season is very similar to last season. We are rebuilding a team and have a lot of freshman. It's just something I had been through before and I was happy with how we did in my first game."
On fitting in following the transfer
"I came into the season and only knew three of the girls; the other three Michigan girls. I didn't know anyone else. It was a change for me, but this team is so new that it wasn't that hard and I felt I fit in right away."
On her pregame superstition
"I will eat a full meal before practice. Most people don't really eat. I will eat up until the moment I am in the water. I eat a lot. That is something about me."
COACH MATT ANDERSON'S TAKE:
"Michelle is having a very strong year. She fits in well on this team. She is allowed to do a lot of posting up in two-meter settings, which is her natural strength. We have other girls that play like her that other teams have to concentrate on, which she benefits from. She has done an outstanding job getting good shots off, finishing, scoring goals and drawing kickouts, and countering well. I cannot tell you how many times last year that I was frustrated that Michelle initially chose to leave Michigan and go out to the west coast. I tried to get her out of high school as a freshman. All year I couldn't believe she didn't choose to come to Michigan. When I got the phone call that she had applied to transfer, I was extremely excited because I felt that this school and this program were going to be best for her. I just wish I would have had her last year, but I am extremely happy to have her this year and for two more years."
Contact: Matt Baumer (734) 763-4423
