Tallen Todorovich ’07
Men’s Tennis
With the graduation of Max Kates ’06, a two-year starter at first singles, the men’s tennis team will need senior tri-captain Todorovich to step into the limelight as the team’s number one player. Last year at the number two singles spot, Todorovich compiled a record of 5-5, and went 4-5 at the number one doubles position, teaming with Kates for the duration of the year. In the team’s second to last match of the year, Todorovich played perhaps his best tennis of his three-year career, defeating Wheaton’s second singles player, 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 in the final and deciding match on the court.
Rachael Ghorbani ’09
Women’s Tennis
Last year, Ghorbani was one of six talented freshmen who helped lead the women’s tennis team in a turnaround season, as the squad finished with an 11-4 record. Ghorbani looks to return to the number one singles spot, which she occupied the entire year, finishing with a 6-10 record including a 3-3 mark in the spring. With one year of experience under her belt against some of the hardest-hitting players in the country, Ghorbani should be able to pick up a few more key victories at the first singles position this fall. Ghorbani is also a key factor in doubles, where she went 5-6 teamed up with Alex Sirois ’09 last year at the first doubles.
Dave Velardo ’08
Golf
For years, the golf team has struggled against the traditional powerhouses in the NESCAC Conference. Thanks in large part to the play of Velardo last year, the golf team had a remarkable turnaround. The high point for Velardo last year came during the Skidmore Invitational, in which he rewrote the history books with an eye-opening score of 69, the lowest score by a Wesleyan golfer in over 34 years. That was just one of many accomplishments by Velardo over the years, as he also finished 13th out of 61 golfers at the NESCAC Tournament, earning him a spot on second all-NESCAC team. Against Williams during the team’s spring break trip in Florida, Velardo shot a score of 70, leading the Cards past their NESCAC rival by a razor thin two-stroke victory.
Jon King ’07
Men’s Cross-Country
Co-captain King will lead the men’s cross-country team this fall. Last year in cross-country, King was second-team all-NESCAC and an All-Division III New England harrier. After placing 15th at the New England Regionals, King placed 119th at the Division III National cross-country meet, held at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio. In track, King set personal bests in the 5,000-meter run (15:05 indoor) and 1,500-meter run (4:05 at Little Threes). Building off last year’s improvements, King has a chance to claim the Little Three and NESCAC titles, as well as All-American (top 35 at Nationals) honors this season.
Ellen Davis ’07
Women’s Cross-Country
The Cardinal’s top harrier on the women’s side is co-captain Davis. Last fall, Davis was impressive, as she became a cross-country All-American by placing 15th at the Division III National meet held at Ohio Wesleyan. She showed even greater brilliance last winter, as she ran 16:46 in the 5,000 meters at the BU Valentine’s Day Meet, shattering the Wesleyan school record. Davis spent most of the spring sidelined by injuries but has gotten in a strong summer of training. She is hoping that her deep mileage base and experience in championship meets will allow her to be one of the best distance runners in Division III this year.
David Baharestani ’07
Men’s Soccer
One of only three men’s soccer players to start all nineteen games in 2005, Baharestani steadied Wesleyan’s defense from his position at center back. Baharestani, who anchored a back line that surrendered just 1.21 goals per game in 2005, stepped up his game against the Cardinals’ toughest opponents. Wesleyan smothered the potent attacks of rivals Williams and Bowdoin on the way to the team’s first NESCAC Championship. Last spring, Baharestani was voted tri-captain and will surely bring ample leadership, experience, and toughness to the Cardinals this season.
Danielle Crystal ’07
Women’s Soccer
Crystal, who led the Cardinals in goals a year ago with four, has a knack for coming up with big plays in big games. In last year’s rebuilding season, the Cardinals grabbed a monumental victory against a Tufts team that won the NESCAC regular season title. Just minutes into the upset, Crystal took advantage of a turnover by the Jumbos and pocketed the only goal of the game, giving the Cardinals something positive to build on over the offseason. Now, Crystal returns as captain to guide the midfield and the Cardinals still higher up the conference food chain.
Molly Adams ’07
Field Hockey
After leading the Cardinals with 10 goals last season, which was also good enough for seventh in the NESCAC, it is safe to say that the 2005 season was a success for Adams. This year, Adams is back to lead an attack that has enough weapons to contend for a NESCAC title once again. Though Adams has been plagued by a preseason injury to her iliotibial band, the captain plans to be ready for the season opener this Saturday. Look for Adams to again provide some offensive magic for the Cards this season.
Zach Librizzi ’08
Football
Though 2005 was a disappointing year for Cardinal football, QB Librizzi provided some offensive fireworks. Librizzi completed 130 of 258 passes for 1,358 yards and eight touchdowns, making him first in the NESCAC in total yards gained per game last year. The QB also rushed for 204 yards in the eight-game season. With 17 starters back, including two of his favorite receivers, Librizzi is poised for another stellar season under center.
Lisa Drennan ’09
Volleyball
Drennan, who led last year’s team with 4.07 kills per game as a rookie, was named second-team All-NESCAC after an impressive 2005 campaign. Drennan played all but two games last year and also averaged 2.45 digs per game, second on a Cardinal team that won 16 games in 2005. Unfazed by the college game, Drennan also posted a .301 hitting percentage in her first year. With Drennan and all but two players from the 2005 squad returning, the future looks bright for the women’s volleyball team.
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