Fitzpatrick, Johnson and Laytos Selected as 2009 Team Captains
4/3/2009 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Juniors Kelly Fitzpatrick(Hummelstown, Pa./Palmyra Area HS), Jenner Johnson(Lake Bluff, Ill./Lake Forest HS) and Paige Laytos(Lititz, Pa./Warwick HS) were announced as the University of Michigan field hockey team tri-captains for the 2009 season at the team banquet on Friday evening (April 3). The annual banquet took place as part of the annual spring weekend festivities, celebrating the Wolverines' 2008 campaign while looking ahead to continued progress next season.
Senior Michaela McDermott(Shaker Heights, Ohio/Shaker Heights HS) and sophomore Zara Saydjari(Skowhegan, Maine/Skowhegan HS) were also recognized at the banquet with the Player's Player and Brian Fishman awards, respectively, while sophomore/freshman Eileen Brandes(Falmouth, Maine/Falmouth HS) claimed the Wolverines' Academic Achievement award, presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative GPA through the spring and winter terms..
The Player's Player Award is voted on by the team and awarded to the player who exemplifies what it means to be a Michigan field hockey player. A member of the Wolverines' three-member graduating class, McDermott appeared in 78 games over her collegiate tenure and registered career stats of one goal and 10 assists. Off the field, she netted academic distinction from the Big Ten in each of her final three seasons at Michigan.
The Brian Fishman Award -- selected by the coaches -- is awarded annually to the player who displays the characteristics of hard work, passion for what she is doing, and a pursuit of excellence. The award is named after Brian Fishman, a former member of the U-M athletic media relations staff who passed away unexpectedly in 1998. Fishman worked three seasons (1995-97) with the field hockey team. Saydjari listed among the Wolverines' top scorers in 2008 with five goals and two assists and, like McDermott, was named to the 2008 fall Academic All-Big Ten team in her first year eligible for the distinction.
The Wolverines will wrap up their spring festivities tomorrow (Saturday, April 4) with a full slate of exhibition games. U-M will face Central Michigan (10 a.m.), Kent State (12:30 p.m.) and Ohio State (1:45 p.m.) at Phyllis Ocker Field.
Contact: Leah Howard (734) 763-4423
