USA Women"s Water Polo Goalkeeper Betsey Armstrong
Contemplating retirement after college, Goalkeeper Betsey Armstrong attended the USA women's water polo open tryouts 11 months ago hoping to get her foot in the door to be considered for the 2012 Olympics. "I figured I'd give it another try, I wasn't ready to give it up," admitted Armstrong. Thanks to a push from her former University of Michigan water polo coach, Matt Anderson, Armstrong registered for the open tryout in May of 2006 and was immediately noticed by the National Team coaching staff.
"Betsey's size and presence in the goal are a big strength for her." commented Head Coach Guy Baker. "Lucky for her and for us, she took advantage of the open tryout opportunity. It was the right time for her."
With almost a full year under her belt as the final wall of Team USA's solid defense, Armstrong is truly coming into her own as her experience increases. With the help of her teammates, Armstrong is learning how to push her nerves aside and focus one game at a time.
"Right now I'm not focused on winning World Championships," explained Armstrong. "I'm just thinking about my role in our game against Greece tomorrow. If we execute our game plan and do what we've been training for, the rest will come. It's a journey for me and I am learning to appreciate each experience."
"While she lacks some of the international experience of some of the other goalies in the competition, she is making a lot of great saves and that is building her confidence. I think she will continue to improve," remarked Baker.
If Armstrong's brilliant performance leading up to tomorrow's game is any telltale sign of things to come, it is possible that this unlikely star from the city of Ann Arbor, Michigan might not have to wait until 2012 to shine.
About USA Water Polo: USA Water Polo, Inc. is a non-profit corporation organized for the purpose to serve as the national governing body for the sport of water polo in the United States under the auspices of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). For more information please visit www.usawaterpolo.com.
"Betsey's size and presence in the goal are a big strength for her." commented Head Coach Guy Baker. "Lucky for her and for us, she took advantage of the open tryout opportunity. It was the right time for her."
With almost a full year under her belt as the final wall of Team USA's solid defense, Armstrong is truly coming into her own as her experience increases. With the help of her teammates, Armstrong is learning how to push her nerves aside and focus one game at a time.
"Right now I'm not focused on winning World Championships," explained Armstrong. "I'm just thinking about my role in our game against Greece tomorrow. If we execute our game plan and do what we've been training for, the rest will come. It's a journey for me and I am learning to appreciate each experience."
"While she lacks some of the international experience of some of the other goalies in the competition, she is making a lot of great saves and that is building her confidence. I think she will continue to improve," remarked Baker.
If Armstrong's brilliant performance leading up to tomorrow's game is any telltale sign of things to come, it is possible that this unlikely star from the city of Ann Arbor, Michigan might not have to wait until 2012 to shine.
About USA Water Polo: USA Water Polo, Inc. is a non-profit corporation organized for the purpose to serve as the national governing body for the sport of water polo in the United States under the auspices of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). For more information please visit www.usawaterpolo.com.
