Leonardi Announces 2021-22 Signing Class
11/12/2020 10:12:00 AM | Water Polo
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan water polo head coach Dr. Marcelo Leonardi announced on Thursday (Nov. 12) the signings of prep standouts Ashley O'Neill (Calgary, Alberta) and Fiona Young (Orinda, Calif.) to National Letters of Intent for the 2021-22 season.
"Fiona and Ashley are great additions to our program," said Leonardi. "They are very good water polo players, but they're even better people. They both fit our team culture, our system of play and what we look for in student-athletes at the University of Michigan."
Ashley O'Neill (Calgary, Alberta) | William Aberhart High School | Calgary Renegades/Santa Barbara Premier
• Played 16 games for the Calgary Renegades during the COVID-shortened 2019-20 season. Scored 13 goals, 11 assists and 26 steals.
• Invited to Canada Senior Women's National Team Camp as member of U-18 squad.
• Alternate for Canadian U-17 National Team
• Two-time MVP for Calgary Renegades (U-14 in 2017, U-16 in 2019)
• Two-time Team Alberta selection (U-14 in 2016, U-16 in 2018)
• Helped Santa Barbara Premier to two Turbo Orange County Cups (U-18 in 2020, U-16 in 2019)
• Helped Calgary Renegades U-19s to first place at Western Canadians (2019)
• Intended major at Michigan: Biochemistry
Leonardi on O'Neill: "Ashley is fast, athletic and can play both sides of the pool at the attacker position. She has the ability to match up defensively with other elite perimeter attackers. She is savvy and has a knack for either making the correct read or scoring in high-pressure moments. She'll fill an essential role next year playing on the 45-side of the pool, serving as a primary ball-handler and facilitator. What sets her apart is her family values, focus on academics and striving to be the best player for Michigan and Team Canada."
Fiona Young (Orinda, Calif.) | Miramonte High School. | 680 Drivers
• Four-year varsity letterwinner at Miramonte High School
• Member of USA Water Polo Cadet National Team
• All-League (First Team) selection
• Three-time USA Water Polo Academic All-American
• 2019 Junior Olympic All-American
• NISCA All-American (2019)
• Intended major at Michigan: Biology
Leonardi on Young: "We first saw Fiona's potential at our Wolverine Water Polo Camp when she was 15 years old. We knew then she was going to be a special player. Fiona is a strong, athletic and versatile player who can play both the defender and center positions. She has a firm understanding of our culture and style of play, which will help her transition well into her role on our team. What sets her apart is her character, dedication to the classroom and her desire to continually improve as a water polo player. From a young age, we could tell Fiona wanted to be a part of the Michigan community. She will continue the strong contingency of NorCal water polo players at Michigan."
