Martin, Sejna, Thomason Announced as 2016 Captains
11/4/2015 12:00:00 AM | Water Polo
Nov. 4, 2015
From left: Kelly Martin, Emily Sejna, Ali Thomason
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan water polo head coach Dr. Marcelo Leonardi announced on Wednesday (Nov. 4) that seniors Kelly Martin, Emily Sejna and Ali Thomason will serve as team captains for the 2016 season.
"There isn't a formula, but we try and look at our team pillars and pick individuals who best represent the face of our program," said Leonardi. "Each one has a certain style of leadership, but each one represents the six pillars of what we are looking for."
Thomason joins an impressive list of Michigan water polo players to be named a team captain for more than one season. A two-time honorable mention AWPCA All-American, Thomason led the team with 58 goals and 51 steals a year ago. Not to mention she was also a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar, leading both athletically and academically.
Others who have been a captain for two or more years include Delia Sonda (2001-03), Betsey Armstrong (2004-05), Mary Chatigny (2008-09), Kelsey Haley (2008-09), Cara Reitz (2010-11), Meagan Cobb (2011-12), Alex Adamson (2012-13), Hathaway Moore (2013-14) and Elizabeth Williams (2014-15).
Martin joined Thomason in collecting numerous academic honors last year. She has played in all 102 games in her first three years and finished last season with 23 goals, 24 assists and 22 steals.
"We feel like Ali and K-Mart (Kelly) provide leadership in the water as starters and impact players, but they also have a level of respect from our team that is second to none," said Leonardi. "Emily provides a different form of leadership outside of the water being motivational and representing our team in her quotes and blogs."
Sejna played in 26 games last spring, recording four goals, four assists and four steals. She has been on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee all four years and is currently the marketing and communications chair.
The three captains will look to lead the team this weekend as they travel to Irvine, California, for the Collegiate Cup. The team will play exhibition matches against USC and Hawaii on Saturday (Nov. 7). On Sunday (Nov. 8) they will face two more opponents based on the outcomes of Saturday's contests.
