University of New Hampshire Athletics
Wildcats hold annual end of year awards banquet on Friday
5/9/2022 10:57:00 AM | Women's Swimming and Diving
Anna Metzler named Most Valuable Player of the 2021-22 Wildcats
Senior Anna Metzler (Regensburg, Germany) was named Most Valuable Player of the Wildcats for the third consecutive season, becoming just the third student-athlete in team history to accomplish the feat. The award recognizes a female team member that places highest and/or scores the most points throughout the season. Taken into consideration is the versatility throughout the dual meet season as well as post season performance.
Metzler was named the America East Swimming and Diving Scholar-Athlete of the Year for the third straight season and was also an America East All-Academic selection in her senior season. She competed at the NCAA Championships for the third consecutive year in the 400 IM, 200 IM and the 200 back. She earned individual titles in the 200 IM (1:59.04) and the 200 fly (2:00.96) at the most recent America East Championships and was part of four UNH relay teams to place second.
"It was great to get back to hosting our annual awards banquet in person and celebrate another successful year," said UNH head coach Josh Willman. "Anna Metzler capped of her amazing career with us with her third consecutive team MVP and leaves us as one of our program's most highly decorated swimmers ever.
Junior Madison Linstedt (Marion, Ohio) earned the Most Improved Award, as the upperclassman that displays the most marked improvement throughout the season. Under consideration are the athlete's work capacity, attitude, and ability to raise her level of commitment and contribution to the team as a whole. Linstedt won the 400 IM at the America East Championships, which marked the first title of Wildcat career.
Freshman Maddie Fritz (Lansdale, Pa.) took home team Rookie of the Year honors. This award recognizes the achievements of a female underclassman, (freshmen/sophomore) that has had the most outstanding season. Fritz notched a pair of third place finishes in the 100 and 200 breast at the America East Championships in February.
"Our Most Improved winner Madison won her first America East title and Maddie as Rookie of the Year was a standout freshmen all year long for us," commented Willman.
Senior Ciara McCormack (Newton, Mass.) was selected as the recipient of the Coaches' Award, which recognizes an upperclassman that exemplifies the best of UNH swimming and diving. It reflects upon the characteristics of leadership, ability to be a role model, commitment to the team, and overall contribution to the team both philosophically as well as athletically. McCormack
Senior Cassidy Wilson (Toledo, Ohio) was honored as the Richard J. Hegerich Memorial Gold Goggle Award winner. This award is similar to the "Seventh Player Award." It recognizes the upperclassman whose hard work and achievements do not necessarily earn them the spotlight, but it reflects the individual's dedication and importance to all team members.
"The night was highlighted by our Coaches Award and the Rich Hegerich Golden Goggle Award, which are all about being a great teammate and exemplifying team ideals and both Ciara and Cassidy are the personification of the word team," mentioned Willman. "We are proud of not just these individual winners but the efforts of the entire team; swimmers, divers and coaching staff for an awesome season."
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