George Washington University

July 8, 2011

WASHINGTON, D.C. - George Washington women's water polo head coach Scott Reed has announced that four student-athletes have made commitments to compete for the Colonials in 2012, with a pair of players from California and one each from Texas and Ohio comprising the recruiting class.

Incoming goalkeepers Chandler Vilander and Jessie Sinkula will team to replace Charlotte Schou, who graduated in May as the program's career saves leader. Attack Meagan Moreland and utility Mikaela Pyrch will join GW's 12 returning letterwinners, highlighted by CWPA All-Southern Division performers Allison Peotter and Megan Walker.

"This recruiting class is a good, solid group that will be depended on to contribute right away," said Coach Reed. "With a strong returning core and this freshman class, we're hoping to take the GW program to the next level in 2012."

The new recruits include:

Meagan Moreland
Freshman - Attack
La Jolla, Calif.
La Jolla High School - Del Mar Water Polo Club
5-foot-10

Meagan was named La Jolla High's Attacker of the Year in leading the Vikings to their first-ever CIF Final appearance in 2011. She also helped La Jolla to CIF semifinal appearances in 2009 and 2010 and was a three-time San Diego Union Tribune All-Academic Team selection in 2008, 2010 and 2011.

Meagan Marie Moreland was born July 2, 1993, in San Diego, Calif., and is the daughter of Stephen and Margo Moreland. She has one younger sister, Heidi, and intends to major in business at GW.

Coach Reed's Take: "Meagan has the speed and size that will help us out immediately. She is a player on the rise and still has not reached her peak. She will help on both the offensive and defensive ends."

Mikaela Pyrch
Freshman - Utility
Denton, Texas
Ryan High School - Dallas Water Polo Club
5-foot-10

Mikaela was a two-time Texas All-State performer at Ryan High where she earned second team all-state recognition as a senior in 2011 and third team honors as a junior in 2010. She helped the Raiders to a Texas State Championship Tournament appearance in 2011. A two-sport team captain in swimming and water polo, Mikaela also earned honorable mention all-state accolades in swimming in 2011, and competed in three state swimming championships.

Mikaela Mary Pyrch was born May 19, 1994, in New Haven, Conn., and is the daughter of James and Krissa Pyrch. Her father James is the head diving coach at North Texas and was an All-American diver at Southern Connecticut State, while her mother Krissa is the head diving coach at Austin College (Texas) and was a four-time Big East diving champion at Pittsburgh. Mikaela has a younger brother, Austin, and intends to major in chemistry at GW.

Coach Reed's Take: "Mikaela is also a speed and size player, and that will allow her to adapt to the next level. She is a smart player who will add to our depth."

Jessie Sinkula
Freshman - Goalkeeper
Cincinnati, Ohio
Milford High School
5-foot-4

Jessie was chosen First Team Ohio All-State in helping Milford High to a fourth-place state finish and Southern Regional championship as a senior in 2010. She was the Eagles' team captain and team MVP in 2010, and earned three academic athlete awards during her scholastic career.

Jessie Dolan Sinkula was born Nov. 7, 1992, in Bellingham, Wash., and is the daughter of Joseph and Cindi Sinkula. She has one younger sister, Charlotte.

Coach Reed's Take: "Jessie is a smart goalie who reacts really well. She will be a competitor and push Chandler [Vilander] day in and day out."

Chandler Vilander
Freshman - Goalkeeper
Santa Barbara, Calif.
Dos Pueblos High School - Santa Barbara Aquatics Club
5-foot-11

Chandler helped Dos Pueblos High to three-straight CIF Division I titles from 2009-11 and a CIF Division II title in 2008. She was also a member of the Santa Barbara Aquatics Club from 2007-11.

Chandler Annamaria Vilander was born Sept. 8, 1993, in Santa Barbara, Calif., and is the daughter of Scott and Barbara Vilander. She has one younger sister, Britten, and intends to major in psychology at GW.

Coach Reed's Take: "Chandler has played for one of the top high school programs in the country. Her experience will allow her to have an easy transition into the college game and she should be a valuable asset to our defense."

In the heart of the nation's capital with additional programs in Virginia, the George Washington University was created by an Act of Congress in 1821. Today, GW is the largest institution of higher education in the District of Columbia. The university offers comprehensive programs of undergraduate and graduate liberal arts study, as well as degree programs in medicine, public health, law, engineering, education, business and international affairs. Each year, GW enrolls a diverse population of undergraduate, graduate and professional students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and more than 130 countries. The George Washington University Department of Athletics fields teams in 22 varsity sports (10 men's, 12 women's), 16 of which compete in the Atlantic 10 Conference.

- GW -