For Hannah Boyle...a different type of pitch -- SUNDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

FORMER UOFL FIELD HOCKEY STAR LEARNING THE ROPES OF THE THOROUGHBRED INDUSTRY 

During her days at the University of Louisville, Hannah Boyle was known for being a fierce competitor "on the pitch" for Justine Sowry's Field Hockey squad. A four-year defender... or "back" as the position is called...she was a valuable reserve for some of the best defenses in Louisville Field Hockey history. She also made the Director's List academically all four years. Equine management was the field of study Hannah pursued. As a child, she wanted to be a jockey. 

At Assumption High School in Louisville, she won a state championship, was a three-year all-state tournament selection and Kentucky All-Star her junior and senior years. Mind you, very few local field hockey players get the chance to play field hockey at Louisville. Even fewer get the chance to participate in ACC Field Hockey...the champagne of conferences in the sport. 

Justine Sowry saw the value and effort: 

" Hannah is one of our most valuable and positive team members. She has a remarkable, team-first attitude and approach and is one of the reasons we have a successful team dynamic. Hannah's perseverance is always on display and she is always ready to step into whatever role we need her to fulfill." 

Fast forward from fall 2014 to the summer of 2016. There is a new pitch, a new field of dreams for Hannah Boyle. Putting her equine management degree to work, she is a member of trainer Ron Moquett's staff at Churchill. The teammates are now horses and jockeys. The venue is now a barn, the backstretch of Churchill Downs and the dirt and turf courses of the world's most legendary rack track. Those skills and traits Justine mentioned are now at work in another field of competition...one that, as in Field Hockey...decisions are made in split-seconds and success comes only through hard work, commitment and dedication. 

Working in the trainer's crew is not an easy profession. There are stalls to be "mucked" or cleaned. Strong and spirited horses to be walked, exercised and groomed. Races to be prepared for, owners to be met and updated and the hours start early and end late at night. 

Ron's TIZ ADONIS won the
third race at Ellis Park Sunday!
WE take full credit...

Hannah wouldn't have it any other way.  Her "boss" -- Ron Moquett races at several tracks besides Churchill. Oaklawn, Ellis Park, Arlington and, this summer, the mecca of horse-racing tracks...Saratoga. Hannah will get to experience the track for the first time starting next week. She related to me while watching Saturday's card in Churchill's Gold Room:

" I'm so excited! I've never been. It looks so beautiful when you watch it on TV. Just to have a chance to be a part of it ...is something I'll never forget." 

A great opportunity for a fledgling in the thoroughbred industry. 

I've had the pleasure of being at Saratoga. It is the KFC YUM! Center...with old world charm...of horse-racing. If I could spend each summer up there, it would be the equivalent of spending each day at the NCAA Women's Final Four. 

Show them some Cardinal "swag" at Saratoga, Hannah. Hit the "pitch", do the work and enjoy the views. 

__________________________________________________


Yesterday's CARDINAL COUPLE RADIO HOUR was simply wonderful! WE had UofL trainer Nicole Lowery in studio with us and learned the ins, outs, fun and responsibilities of what she does with the student-athletes. 

We also heard from the UofL swimmers and Nicole sent Worldwide to defeat in the weekly quiz! 

Have a listen to the rebroadcast:

LINK: https://soundcloud.com/chradio/cardinal-couple-20160709

paulie
xxxxx 

Getting It Done Off of the Field -- 346 Student Athletes on ACC Honor Roll -- SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

CARDS FIFTH IN ACC...THREE ACC SCHOLAR ATHLETES OF THE YEAR

Today we'll look at the student part of student-athletes and...at UofL...a very nice 2015-16 performance.

346 Cards were named to the ACC Honor Roll...fifth best in the conference behind Duke (480), Notre Dame (414) North Carolina (390) and Boston College (356). In addition, three Louisville student-athletes were named as ACC Scholar Athletes of the Year in their respective sports. Maryssa Becker, the hard-firing Cardinal Softball pitcher...USA Olympics participant Kelsi Worrell in swimming and the loveable, volleyballer-turned-news and sports reporter Katie George.

It's not easy to make the ACC Honor Roll. You need a 3.0 or better GPA for the entire year. Combining the activities of your sport with the rigors of keeping up with class assignments and studying can be a challenging task. 

A recent conversation with UofL women's basketball star  Cortnee Walton revealed one of the tricks to maintaining good grades. Letting your professor know when you are headed out of town (usually by e-mail or in person) so that you can get assignments and class work in advance. Keeping on top of what's happening. In Cortnee's case, as it is with many of UofL's student-athletes...it helps that a lot of the professors are also UofL sports fans and recognition of a student-athlete in their class is readily acknowledged. 

Some coaches have other requirements. In several sports, student-athletes are asked to sit in the first three rows of their classes...and explain the reasons why they may have missed a class. Coaches follow up with professors to check on a student's progress and see what areas the athlete might need improvement in, then the academics services department at UofL works with the student-athlete to better themselves in those areas. 

Four UofL squads...men's basketball, lacrosse and men's and women's golf are among the top 10 percent nationally in their respective sports in the lastest APR's. 

Hats off to these hard-working student athletes on campus...who find a way to get it done in and out of the classroom. Maybe a new moniker for the popular L1C4 could be "Learning First, Classroom Forever." 

                  *            *            *            *

NICOLE LOWERY ON THE CARDINAL COUPLE RADIO HOUR TODAY

In our endeavors to bring you the total package of the joy and excitement that is Louisville women's athletics...we're pleased to be joined in the studio today by Nicole Lowery...assistant trainer for Louisville Volleyball and Lacrosse. 

We're sure to get some very insightful information on what goes in to getting our student-athletes ready to perform and keeping them maintained to their highest level. 

You won't want to miss this broadcast...we also have audio from six of the Louisville swimmers that are headed to Rio to participate in the Olympics. 

THE CARDINAL COUPLE RADIO HOUR today at 11 a.m. on WCHQ 100.9 FM and streaming on the internet at Crescent Hill Radio. LINK below: 

LINK: www.crescenthillradio.com

paulie
xxxxx

Seven Nations...one goal and University...Louisville swimming press conference -- FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

WORRELL, CARDS READY FOR RIO

The first thing apparent at the University of Louisville swimming press conference yesterday was the striking difference between the six swimmers on hand to answer media questions. 



Joao De Lucca, he of Brazil and the most physically impressive of the six...looking like he could suit up for Bobby Petrino's Football Cards and smash a few unsuspecting running backs. Kelsi Worrell, the tallest of the Louisville women's swimmers, broad shoulders and a smile from ear to ear. You could easily picture her leaping to block one at the net for Anne Kordes. A bit hoarse but always charming. Carlos Claverie, tall, tanned and strikingly handsome...could pass as the leading man in a epic cinema detective story. Andrea Kneppers, fair-haired and almost a bit shy at first...tall and willowy and an intense stare. Not finding out until Tuesday that she would be representing the Netherlands. 

Tanja Kylliainen, "Mighty Mouse" the smallest of the group and seated next to Worrell...hanging intently on each of the group's words...choosing her own words with thought and care. Grigory Tarasevich, the Russian backstroke specialist, tall, lanky and looking maybe the least athletic of the group...boyish smile and a guy who you might expect to be bagging your groceries or delivering your paper instead of being ranked eighth in the world.

These are your UofL Swimming Olympians. Only Marcelo Acosta was absent. The Netherlands, Finland, Venezuela, Brazil, El Salvador, Russia and the USA...all represented, all sharing one thing...past performers in the red and black of Louisville swimming. Seven student-athletes, seven different backgrounds all sharing the same dream. Gold. 

They are not afraid of the potential crises in Rio. They are focused on their final training and their success. They will cheer for each other when they are in the water. None are pitted against each other in the events and have no idea how often they'll get to see each other in the Olympic Village. 

They have their mosquito netting and will soak their clothing in mosquito and bug repellent. Some of them spent January in Rio during qualifying and came back no worse for the wear. As Joao De Lucca so simply put it: 

"Look at me. It is my home country. Do I look sick?" 

We have the words of these six and head coach Arthur Albiero audio for you on the Saturday edition of THE CARDINAL COUPLE RADIO HOUR tomorrow. We also went a little more in-depth with Tanja Kylliainen. Some teasers:

-- What's a girl from Baltimore doing swimming for Finland?

-- Who were her role models and inspiration at UofL? 

-- What will be her training process in the days before Rio?

-- How did she get the nickname "Mighty Mouse?"   

Make sure and catch THE CARDINAL COUPLE RADIO HOUR tomorrow at 11 a.m. on WCHQ 100.9 FM for the answers to this questions and the entire interviews.

LINK: WCHQ 100.9 - CRESCENT HILL RADIO


paulie
xxxxx

July brings in the recruiting road trips for Louisville WBB coaches -- THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

WALZ, ASSISTANTS ON THE ROAD EVALUATING FUTURE CLASSES

If you're travelling this summer and happen to see a familiar face in the airport or at the car rental stand...don't be too surprised. It's after the Fourth of July, which can mean only one thing...the UofL coaches are out checking out the future talent for Louisville women's basketball. 


Jeff Walz and staff will spend the next week or so hitting the hot spots for club basketball and tournaments to evaluate the potential next Cardinals. 

Walz started his Wednesday not too far down the road...in Lexington at the Run For the Roses Classic in Lexington. A couple of players participating there that he most likely had his eye on were Lindsey Duvall and Anastasia Hayes. He also hit the USA training facilities out in Colorado Springs to watch U18 competition with Dana Evans, Evina Westbrook and Chennedy Carter all in action against the Japan U24 squad. That's 1,155 miles for the Louisville head coach. Maybe he borrowed THE ENTERPRISE'S transporter device...

Duvall (ESPN #23 for 2017) and Hayes (#17 ESPN) are both guards and common sense would dictate that the Cards will be looking to add to the front court next season with both Taylor Johnson here for just the upcoming season and Briahanna Jackson in her final year. Evans, the #7 ranked in the 2017 class, is another top floor general guard. Westbrook (#2 ESPN) may be the best off-guard in the class...Carter (#8 ESPN) another top-flight combo-guard. 

Word gets back to us that Sam Purcell is in the Lone Star state...checking out 2019 top-rated Nyah Green and Michaela Onyenwere in Dallas. He also had time to take in a little WNBA action with the Dallas Wings, based on his Twitter feed. 

Good luck to the coaches as they make the trips and the stops in search of the future of Louisville basketball. And, if you happen to see one of them in your neck of the woods...flash 'em the "L" and shout out a "Go Cards!". 

paulie
xxxxx

Kelsi Worrell -- A Hero Returns -- WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

WORRELL RETURNS TO LOUISVILLE BEFORE TRAINING FOR OLYMPICS

They stood and waited...young and old...for the passengers to disembark from a Southwest Airlines flight from Chicago.

Not just any flight. The flight carrying Olympics swimmer Kelsi Worrell.

Plenty of Louisville shirts. Posters, balloons, American flags and chants of 'USA,USA'. The young woman that has had Louisville glued to the television from 8 -9 p.m. over the past couple of weeks was coming back to the 'Ville after making the USA Olympic swimming team in the 100 Butterfly and friends, family, fans and teammates were there to greet her and cheer her accomplishments. 

UofL is having a press conference/media event Thursday at the YUM! Practice facilities' press room for her and the other five with Louisville ties that will be representing their nations in swimming in Rio. It'll be the only media chance to see them before they splash off for Olympic training. We'll be there to get the words. 

Besides Worrell...Tanya Kylliainen (Finland) represents the women's swimming team at Louisville. On the men's side...Joao DeLuca (Brazil), Grigory Tarasevich (Russia), Carlos Claverie (Venezuela) and Marcelo Acosta (El Salvador) will take to the water. Arthur Albiero, head Louisville swimming and diving coach, will also be on hand.

The joy and excitement of UofL women's sports was clearly on display at the Louisville International Airport. Here's hoping it carries over to the 2016 Olympics! 

Click the link below for the arrival celebration: 

LINK: KELSI'S BACK!


paulie
xxxxx

Post-Independence Day Cardinal Couple -- TUESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

July 5th

Yesterday we celebrated the 240th anniversary of our nation's declaration of independence.  It's good that we celebrate that.  This country was founded on the ideas of significant freedoms for the people, and 240 years has brought a great amount of success for America in most measures.  These are laudable things to celebrate.

I thought I would take this day, the day after the celebration of our independence and creation of a new sovereign nation, to celebrate the inclusiveness that this country has embodied over the years.  The US has always, with a few minor periods where we have faltered, been a nation welcoming of immigrants looking for a new and better life.

UofL Athletics has a large number of foreign-born athletes and coaches.  I thought I would take a moment at highlight at least a few of them.

Justine Sowry, Field Hockey

It's no secret that we here at Cardinal Couple are big fans of Field Hockey coach Justine Sowry.  Whether wearing a hat or not, Coach Sowry always greets us with a smile, even after a loss.  We celebrated a couple of weeks ago when Justine gained her American citizenship, and are proud that this Australian-born decided to make our country even greater than it was.  She has recruited to her squad Ayeisha McFerran, who is gaining a large amount of international attention as the GoalKeeper for the Irish National Squad; Tess Hannah, from Brisbane, Australia; Elisa "Chile" Garcia, certainly a Cardinal Couple favorite, out Santiago, Chile; Katherine Gwynne-Wood, from Ipswich, England; recent graduate Vic Stratton from Auckland, New Zealand; one of my favorite Field Hockey players thanks to an impromptu skills tutorial she gave me, Lotta Kahlert, from Hamburg, Germany; and Maria Gomez, of Madrid, Spain.

Arthur Albiero, KZ Li, Vlad Polyakov, Swimming & Diving

Brazilian born, and holding dual-citizenship with the US, Coach Albiero has achieved amazing success in recent year with a very international swimming team.  Joined by the Diving Head Coach KZ Li from China, and Kazakhstani Vlad Polyakov as Assistant Coach, the Swimming and Diving program has taken on a distinct international flavor (perhaps I should spell that "flavour" in light of today's subject).  The squad includes Devon Bibault from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Alina Kendzior - holder of the 100m backstroke record in her native Estonia; Andrea Kneppers of Schagen, Netherlands; and Manuela Sampaio out of Brazil.  We also were proud, here at Cardinal Couple, to follow the collegiate career of Tanja Kyllianen who holds dual citizenship with Finland.

Cross Country

The success of Kenyans in distance running events is almost cliche', but there is, of course, truth to it as well.  The UofL Cross-Country squad has a Kenyan on it, Denadate Cheruiyot; but also has a couple of other countries represented as well, with Mia Ross out of Lonford, Australia; and Aurilla Wilson, from Balgonie, Canada.

Lacrosse

A pair of Lacrossers hail from outside the US.  If you've followed Louisville Lacrosse at all anytime in the past four years, you've heard about Kay Morissette, but you may have forgotten that she came to us from Bowmanville, Ontario.  Meanwhile, another Laxer that we've talked about a bit, Stephanie McNamara, joins us from Victoria, Australia.

Rowing

With as large of a roster as Rowing has, they almost always have entries on lists like this.  No exception here, with Rebecca Busck stroking from Slangerup, Denmark; Lucrezia Fossi from Florence, Italy; Lucie Heranova from Prague, Czech Republic; and Ashleigh Hodge out of Hamilton, New Zealand.

Soccer

Perhaps the most popular sport in the world, UofL's Soccer team is sure to have some international influence.  With Tina Marolt from Smatevz, Slovenia; Rachel Avant from Frankfurt, Germany; Nina Suter, from Niederglatt, Switzerland; Cardinal Couple favorite Inger Katrine-Bjerke of Baerum, Norway (and I suspect that "ae" is supposed to be smooshed together as Norwegians are wont to do); and Isabella Habuda from Belle River, Ontario.

Tennis

Not a large roster, but Mark Beckham does have one player from across the Atlantic, with Elle Stokes out Birmingham, England.

Track & Field

Other than the aforementioned Cross Country runners, Track & Field has other non-USAian competitors; Cyerra Cassell from Toronto, Ontario; Lydia Mato, from Accra, Ghana; Michelle Molodynia, from Niagara Falls, Ontario; Linda Mutter out of Rheinfelden, Germany; and Mara Zielonka, out of Emmerthal, Germany.

So give a thought these these UofL folks.  Many of them are a long way from home, some of them a very long way from home, and they may only get to see their families once or maybe twice a year, and some significantly less than that!

Who's your favorite international Cardinal, whether current or past?  We'd love to hear.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY! -- MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY FROM
ALL OF US AT CARDINAL COUPLE
TO ALL OF YOU! 


paulie

xxxxx

WORRELL WITHDRAWS FROM 50 METER FREESTYLE -- SUNDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

ALREADY HEADED TO RIO, KELSIWHIRL BACKS OUT OF 50 FREE FINALS

The tweet from UofL Swim&Dive was simple...but to the point:

UofL Swim&Dive @UofLswim_dive

Kelsi Worrell is scratching the 50 freestyle finals. #letsgetreadyforRio #RoadToRio #soproud

It's understandable when you think about it. She had qualified eighth out of eight out of one of the semifinal heats. To actually win the finals might have been asking her body to do a little bit more than it was ready for...it's been a busy week for her with winning the 100 meter fly and participating in other heats and semifinals in several events after that. 

Sometimes the mind is willing but the body tells you "unh uh...let's sit one out." 

Kelsi Worrell is headed to Rio, though. The first UofL American swimmer to ever qualify for the Olympics. 

Based on the meteoric rise of the UofL swimming program over the last 12 years under the coaching of Arthur Albiero...we're confident it won't be the Cards last...

CARDINAL COUPLE RADIO HOUR

We were back at it again in "the basement on the Hill" for another show at Crescent Hill Radio/WCHQ 100.9 FM yesterday. 

Another fun broadcast as we discussed Louisville women's basketball, Pat Summitt, Kelsi Worrell and Louisville women's swimming and Louisville Volleyball. We sampled audio from Jeff Walz, Tess Clark and Janelle Jenkins.

Don't just take our (and their) word on it. Have a listen to the rebroadcast. Take the WorldWide Quiz. Link below: 

THE CARDINAL COUPLE RADIO HOUR 7/2/2016


paulie
xxxxx

WORRELL Eighth in 100 Freestyle...Dunham on campus...Radio today! -- SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

KELSI WORRELL 8th IN 100 FREE FINALS

As much as she's been swimming over the last week...it's a wonder she was able to lift her arms over her head and displace water...but Kelsi Worrell participated in the US Olympic team qualifying events for the 100 freestyle finals and finished eighth after being third halfway through the event. 

Worrell has already qualified for Rio with her outstanding performance in the 100 Fly and will most likely be added to a relay team we would think for Team USA.

Last night the competition was just a little better...and probably just a little more rested. 

Incredible accomplishments for "KelsiWhirl" and splash it up in Rio! 

              
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DUNHAM ARRIVES ON UofL CAMPUS

The final member of the 2016 UofL women's basketball incoming class has arrived on campus. Bionca Dunham, from Philly joins her new teammates and fellow frosh Ciera Johnson, Kylee Shook, Jazmine Jones and Sydney Zambrotta for summer classes, training and workouts.

We've been getting e-mails from readers (almost like kids writing Santa Claus) asking when she would get to Louisville. Seems she was a little busy playing hoops up there in Philly with PhillyUSABBall.

All is well, remain orderly and continue your summer without interruption...readers. The Baby Birds have landed and the mother-ship is intact. 

It's getting closer...the start of fall sports and live events. 

                



THE CARDINAL COUPLE RADIO HOUR

Our favorite morning of the week...when we get to take to the airwaves and discuss the joy and excitement of UofL women's sports! WorldWide and me this morning reviewing swimming, hoops, volleyball and more! 

There might even be a quiz...

Check it out, starting at 11 am and stick around for HANDICAPPING HEROES at noon! REBROADCAST AVAILABLE AT THE LINK BELOW:

https://soundcloud.com/chradio/cardinal-couple-20160702

paulie
xxxxx

Louisville women's basketball to play in Hall Of Fame Challenge...Worrell tonight..FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

HELLO, 2016-17! 

the Chicago Cubs honored this 100 yr. old fan...who also
pitched 3 innings of relief in a 10-1 win over the Padres...
(OK, not really) 

Today is July 1st and starts the official 2016-17 college sports season. 2015-16 was "The Year of the Fan" and although Cardinal fans didn't have a whole lot to get fired up about with men's basketball missing the tournament, baseball not getting to Omaha and such...we hope the upcoming season is a great one for all UofL sports, especially our women's sports programs. Kelsi Worrell has been a bright spot in The Year of the Fan and we'll get to her in just a bit. 

LOUISVILLE WBB WILL PLAY IN HALL OF FAME CHALLENGE. 

A glimspe into part of the Louisville WBB season has been revealed with the announcement that Jeff Walz's squad will be one of the eight teams in the four-game event known as the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame Challenge. 

Louisville will serve as the home host for the first three games they'll play in the event. The Cards will open up against Bowling Green on Nov 19th, play Lafayette on Nov. 20th and Chattanooga on Nov. 21st. All three games will take place in the KFC YUM! Center.

The final game of the challenge should be a real treat. The Cards will travel to the MassMutual Center in Springfield, MA to face South Carolina on Nov. 27th. That match will be one of four played at the center that day.

South Carolina. With head coach Dawn Staley, who Walz served with last year on the FIBA USA U 18 squad. South Carolina, with Aja Wilson and Alaina Coates, who went 33-2 last year before getting knocked out by Syracuse in the third round of the NCAA Tournament. 

Certainly a very tough early season test for the Cards...who will also play Maryland on Dec. 1st in the ACC/BIG10 Challenge in the KFC YUM! Center. Walz comments:

"It's an absolute honor to be a part of the Basketball Hall of Fame Women's Challenge. Our team is really excited about playing in a tournament of this caliber with some terrific teams and we're looking forward to...facing a remarkable South Carolina program."

No times have been announced for the games yet. We'll keep you posted and, if you are planning on going to Springfield, MA...the MassMutual Center only seats 8,000 for hoops...so you might want to inquire about tickets right away. 

The old adage goes...in order to be the best you have to beat the best. It looks like Louisville women's basketball will have a couple of those opportunities early in the 2016-17 season. 

WORRELL QUALIFIES FOR 100 FREE FINAL

Meanwhile, back in Omaha...(and just how hard do you think it was to get a hotel room in that city last week with the College World Series and the USA Swimming qualifiers for the Olympics going on?) Kelsi Worrell had a busy Thursday night...qualifying for the 100 freestyle finals tonight and just narrowly missing in the 200 butterfly finals with a seventh place finish. 

Freshman Mallory Comerford posted her best time ever in the 100 freestyle semi-finals but just missed out on qualifying for the finals tonight. Worrell is the sixth seed in the event. 

paulie
xxxxx