University of Connecticut Athletics
Flowers, National High School Record Holder, Heads List of Women's Track and Field Signees
4/20/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Track and Field
STORRS, Conn. (April 21, 2008) - The University of Connecticut women’s track and field and cross country program is excited to announce its 2008 recruiting class. Hailing from Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, New York and Canada, this year’s incoming class is destined to make an immediate and lasting impact.
Headlining the 2008 incoming class is national record holder Victoria Flowers from Classical High School in Providence, R.I. Flowers, the national indoor weight throw record holder at 62’ 2”, and the hammer throw at 171’ 2”, which ranks her 4th in the nation last spring. Her shot put mark of 46’ 3 ¾” is also the Rhode Island State Record.
“Victoria will certainly provide immediate strength in the throws," said head coach Bill Morgan. "As national leader in the weight, she had virtually every option in choosing schools. I am elated with the prospect of coaching this young lady. Teaming with current throws leader Tynisha McMillian (Bridgeport, Conn.), our group will move to the next level."
Danika Ham, a native of Somersworth, N.H. and a javelin ace, brings a personal record of 149' 5", which would currently place her third on the Huskies all-time list.
"As a multi-sport athlete in high school, Danika will now be able to focus on track where she presents great possibilities," said Morgan. "The 9th ranked thrower in the country last season, Danika may also be looking to develop in the hammer. With school record holder, Amanda Martin (Rowley, Mass.) returning for her final season next year, Danika will have great mentoring as she transitions into the program."
Candace Williams from Fairfield, Conn. is the current state open champion in the shot put while also being the starting center on her highly regarded basketball team. “Candace presents a formidable presence with her 6’3” stature," said Morgan. "It will be interesting to see how she progresses in our program. The potential is great, she will need time but certainly is a great prospect.”
A native of Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., Rosie Crean is a multi-sport athlete from The Ursuline School. She has excelled in basketball and track, as she is a 2:15 half miler and has been a part of three Ursuline record-setting relay teams.
“Rosie brings a unique level of athleticism to the distance group," said distance coach Kim McGreevy. "With the power of a ball player and the endurance of a runner, Rosie will prove to be a force in the middle distance events.”
Heather Wilson from Homer, N.Y. joins the Huskies after a successful career at Homer High School. A 2:16 half-miler, Wilson has been a mainstay in Homer’s success on the track. “Heather has been the leader in a very small Homer program and is excited to step into a larger environment," said McGreevy. "The independence and motivation she has demonstrated will easily translate into success on the college stage.”
A native from Tolland, Conn., Marissa Boucher is one of the top javelin throwers in New England, recording a best throw of 134’ 3”. As a starting goalkeeper on a highly touted soccer team, Marissa has been a top student-athlete for Tolland High School.
“Marissa is such an outstanding athlete," said Morgan. "Along with Danika, we certainly have an impressive duo. I will be looking for another event to fully take advantage of her athleticism."
Each student-athlete will bring a substantial resume to the University of Connecticut. Although they are throws and middle distance oriented, look for the Huskies to add several other national level athletes to their BIG EAST Championship group in other areas.
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