Check out video of men's soccer freshman Michael Harris' flip throw in.

Senior forward Kellye Joswick (Placentia, Calif.) is second on the team with four goals and three assists this season. She sat down with www.gohuskies.com for a Q&A.

Gohuskies.com: What is a pet peeve of yours?

Kellye Joswick: "When people are late!"

GH: What is your pre-game superstition?

KJ: "I have to do a handshake with Kendyl and Sarah before every game."

GH: What is the best present you have ever received?

KJ: "My car."

GH: If you were trapped on a desert island with one teammate, who would you want to be stranded with and why?

KJ: "Kendyl because she always keeps me entertained with her stories/impersonations."

GH: What's your favorite board game?

KJ: "Monopoly."

GH: Why should others become involved in the great sport of soccer?

KJ: "It teaches you how to work with others and strive together to reach the same goals."

GH: If you could train with any professional athlete who would you chose?

KJ: "Kobe Kobe Kobe!"

GH: What is one of the most important things your parents did in your upbringing?

KJ: "They taught me how to be independent and choose my own direction in life. They have always believed in me." 

GH: What don't people outside of your hometown know about where you grew up that you think they should know?- KJ: "El Farolinos is the best Mexican food in P town."

GH: What do you know now about the game of soccer that you wish you would've known when you started playing the sport?

KJ: "Always trust your teammates that they have your backing the field."

GH: What is one characteristic a person needs to be a champion?

KJ: "Heart."

GH: What do you want to leave as a legacy at UW?

KJ: "First women's national championship :)"

In the latest Nike/Golf World coaches poll the men are 12th and the women received 18 votes, which would put them at 30th.

Oklahoma State remains No. 1 on the men's side, while Alabama heads up the women's poll.

For a complete list ... click here.

Check out the picture of UW women's goalies Jorde LaFontaine-Kussmann and Dani Boross with Kasey Keller at a recent Sounders practice.

http://marshallhollis.zenfolio.com/sounderspractice093010/e3d4bed00#h3d4bed00.

Alex Webber is a junior forward from Poway, Calif. This season, she has played in 16 games, starting four, with two goals and one assist. She sat down with www.gohuskies.com for a Q&A.

Gohuskies.com: What is a pet peeve of yours?

Alex Webber: "Drivers who don't indicate properly or who don't go the speed limit!"

GH: What is your pre-game superstition?

AW: "I listen to the same songs on my ipod every time I am putting my stuff on before we come out to the field."

GH: What is the best present you have ever received?

AW: "Trip to Hawai'i!"

GH: If you were trapped on a desert island with one teammate, who would you want to be stranded with and why?

AW: "Jorde because we always will have something to talk about and never get bored."

GH: What's your favorite board game?

AW: "Pachisi (or called Sorry!)."

GH: Why should others become involved in the great sport of soccer?

AW: "Because it is a lot of fun, you stay in shape, and you get to build ever-lasting friendships."

GH: If you could train with any professional athlete who would you chose and why?

AW: "Abby Wambach because she is so strong, fast, and skillful. Plus since she's also a forward she inspires me to play like she does."

GH: What is one of the most important things your parents did in your upbringing?

AW: "Always pushing me to do my best and succeed but never forcing me into anything."

GH: What don't people outside of your hometown know about where you grew up that you think they should know?

AW: "We call Poway a little bubble because it is hard for people to move away from its calm and sunny atmosphere. Somehow it always draws people back even if they leave."

GH: What do you know now about the game of soccer that you wish you would've known when you started playing the sport?

AW: "Winning is the best, but it's from loses that we learn what we need to do to get better."

GH: What is one characteristic a person needs to be a champion?

AW: "The determination to keep getting better at what you do no matter what it takes."

GH: What do you want to leave as a legacy at UW?

AW: "Be part of the team that wins it all! PAC-10 and NCAA Champs!"

Dylan Tucker-Gangnes is a redshirt sophomore midfielder from Bainbridge Island, Wash. He has played and started 12 games this season and scored one goal. He sat down with www.gohuskies.com for a Q&A.

Gohuskies.com: What is a pet peeve of yours?

Dylan Tucker-Gangnes: "When people try to pretend to be something they aren't. Just be yourself."

GH: What is your pre-game superstition?

DTG: "I have a few pre-game superstitions but they are secrets, once your secrets are known they no longer work."

GH: What is the best present you have ever received?

DTG: "A necklace my mom gave me (that I wear everyday) for my 18^th birthday. My dad, brother and I all have the same one."

GH: If you were trapped on a desert island with one teammate, who would you want to be stranded with and why?

DTG: "Stephan Fung for comic relief and his expertise on living on an island."

GH: What's your favorite board game?

DTG: "Risk."

GH: Why should others become involved in the great sport of soccer?

DTG: "Because it is the ultimate team game, any team can win on the given day."

GH: If you could train with any professional athlete who would you chose and why?

DTG: "Ray Lewis (Ravens Linebacker) because he's a freak athlete and works hard."

GH: What is one of the most important things your parents did in your upbringing?

DTG: "They encouraged sports/outside activities and made me work hard."

GH: What don't most people outside of your hometown know about where you grew up that you think they should know?

DTG: "I grew up on Bainbridge Island, a small town/tight nit community. The game pickle ball was invented there."

GH: What do you know now about the game of soccer that you wish you would've known when you started playing the sport?

DTG: "The fact that it's actually fairly simply and over complicating it is when bad plays are made."

GH: What is one characteristic a person needs to be a champion?

DTG: "Hard work. Champions don't just appear, they work extremely hard."

GH: What do you want to leave as a legacy at UW?

DTG: "An NCAA Championship."

Check out the newest video of some of the men's goals throughout the season including Brent Richards' throw-in goal and his bicycle kick.

Last week, several members of the UW women's soccer team spent multiple hours out at Wedgwood Elementary volunteering to count laps at the annual Walk-A-Thon. Check out some pictures of the event.

The softball team is wrapping up the 2010 fall season and last week they held the Purple-Gold challenge. One of the activities involved was kickball. Check out some pictures from practice.

Photo Gallery

Freshman forward John Crenshaw (Marysville, Wash.) has played in five games, starting two this season and has scored one goal. He sat down with www.gohuskies.com for a Q&A. saa

Gohuskies.com: What is your pre-game superstition?

John Crenshaw: "I don't have one."

GH: What is the best present you have ever received?

JC: "Macbook Pro/money."

GH: If you were trapped on a desert island with one teammate, who would you want to be stranded with and why?

JC: "Zack because he's small and I could take his food if I needed to."

GH: What's your favorite board game?

JC: "Monopoly."

GH: Why should others become involved in the great sport of soccer?

JC: "It's good for you."

GH: If you could train with any professional athlete who would you chose and why?

JC: "Usain Bolt because he's so fast."

GH: What is one of the most important things your parents did in your upbringing?

JC: "There is no single most important thing."

GH: What do you know now about the game of soccer that you wish you would've known when you started playing the sport?

JC: "How to play smart."

GH: What is one characteristic a person needs to be a champion?

JC: "Confidence."

GH: What do you want to leave as a legacy at UW?

JC: "I was one of the best to play here."

Junior goalkeeper Kari Davidson (Portland, Ore.) is 3-0-0 in goal this season, making six save and has allowed just one goal. She sat down with www.gohuskies.com for a Q&A.

Gohuskies.com: What is a pet peeve of yours?

Kari Davidson: "Having to sit still for too long."

GH: What is your pre-game superstition?

KD: "I'm not sure if it's a superstition but I have to have the front of my hair braided in a way that it will stay out of my eyes."

GH: What is the best present you have ever received?

KD: "A trip to Africa."

GH: If you were trapped on a desert island with one teammate, who would you want to be stranded with and why?

KD: "Sarah (Martinez) because after we built a boat to leave the island - we could go 5 for 5 and my shoulders wouldn't be so sore."

GH: What's your favorite board game?

KD: "I don't know if it counts as a board game- but multiple deck solitaire. My family gets VERY competitive."

GH: Why should others become involved in the great sport of soccer?

KD: "It's the most popular sport worldwide."

GH: If you could train with any professional athlete who would you chose and why?

KD: "Michael Phelps- because 14 gold medals by age 23 is a crazy accomplishment."

GH: What is one of the most important things your parents did in your upbringing?

KD: "Encouraging curiosity and independence."

GH: What don't people outside of your hometown know about where you grew up that you think they should know?

KD: "The montage restaurant in Portland is open super late night and if you ask to take home your leftovers, they will give your food to you inside a folded tin foil animal."

GH: What do you know now about the game of soccer that you wish you would've known when you started playing the sport?

KD: "That your shin guards go UNDER your socks."

GH: What is one characteristic a person needs to be a champion?

KD: "Determination."

GH: What do you want to leave as a legacy at UW?

KD: "Our first NCAA title."

LAS VEGAS -- Alex Prugh shot a 1-over 72 in the final round of the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open and ended up -11 (273) overall and tied for 41st.

Prugh had a cold-hot-cold round on Sunday. He started with three bogeys on the first eight holes, followed by four birdies over the next seven, before wrapping up with back-to-back bogeys on No. 16 and 17.

Jonathan Byrd won the tournament on the fourth playoff hole with a hole-in-one as darkness set in at TPC Summerlin. He beat Cameron Percy and Martin Laird, who each ended regulation at -21.

Former UW soccer great Hope Solo was honored by the Seattle Sounders on Friday, Oct. 15 at the match vs. Chivas USA. She earned the Golden Scarf award that's handed out prior to every Sounders match to someone usually in the soccer community.

The first picture features Solo with Sounders player Jhon Kennedy Hurtado.

Nick James is a junior midfielder from Kirkland, Wash. He has played in 12 games and started five in his Husky career. He sat down with www.gohuskies.com for a Q&A.

Gohuskies.com: What is a pet peeve of yours?

Nick James: "Bad manners."

GH: What is your pre-game superstition?

NJ: "I'm not superstitious."

GH: What is the best present you have ever received?

NJ: "I never got my dirt bike..."

GH: If you were trapped on a desert island with one teammate, who would you want to be stranded with and why?

NJ: "(Stephen) Fung. He is easy going and probably knows the island landscape better than anyone else."

GH: What's your favorite board game?

NJ: "Trouble."

GH: Why should others become involved in the great sport of soccer?

NJ: "It's a lot of fun and everyone can play."

GH: If you could train with any professional athlete who would you chose and why?

NJ: "I would train with Ussain Bolt and hopefully his speed would rub off on me."

GH: What is one of the most important things your parents did in your upbringing?

NJ: "They instilled a good work ethic in me."

GH: What do you know now about the game of soccer that you wish you would've known when you started playing the sport?

NJ: "It takes a very large amount of practice to play at higher levels."

GH: What is one characteristic a person needs to be a champion?

NJ: "Hard work."

GH: What do you want to leave as a legacy at UW?

NJ: "I worked hard and was a valued member of the team."

There have been a number of good reads in the media recently on Husky volleyball. Here is a rundown of UW features:

Terry Wood of the Times previews the upcoming weekend series with the Arizona schools and talks about how what once looked like a potential "breather" weekend now looks like a "two-night slugfest". Read the weekend preview here.

Junior Bianca Rowland was named the Everett Herald's Athlete of the Week after UW's win over Washington State. Herald write Scott Johnson got Rowland on the phone for an off the cuff interview where she reveals her newest celebrity crush.

Finally, senior setter Jenna Hagglund is the subject of this feature on the Pac-10's website. The story rounds up thoughts from coaches McLaughlin and Gabriel as well as Hagglund's mother, Susan, as to what has made the Ohio native so successfun on the court as well as in the classroom. Click here to read the profile.

LAS VEGAS -- Former Husky All-American Alex Prugh shot a 4-under 67 in the first round of the PGA Tour's Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospital for Children Open and is tied for 26th.

Prugh, who now lives in Las Vegas and calls TPC Summerlin his home course, shot a 2-under on the front and back nines, but needed birdies on his final three holes to get his score to -4.

To see Prugh's scorecard ... click here.

Junior midfielder Casey McCool, Bend, Ore., has two goals and two assists this season. He sat down with www.gohuskies.com for a Q&A.

Gohuskies.com: What is a pet peeve of yours?

Casey McCool: "When people brush their teeth in front of me; the sound gives me chills."

GH: What is your pre game superstition?

CM: "Not put shin guards in until game time."

GH: What is the best present you have ever recieved?

CM: "A Nintendo 64 for Christmas when I was like 10. I loved it."

GH: If you were trapped on a desert island with a teammate, who would you want to be stranded with and why?

CM: "(Stephen) Fung because he's from an island so he'd be somewhat experienced with the terrain and he's funny so even if we were stuck it could be fun."

GH: What's your favorite board game?

CM: "CLUE."

GH: Why should others become involved in the great sport of soccer?

CM: "The cleats are the coolest of any sport."

GH: If you could train with any professional athlete who would you choose and why?

CM: "Thierry Henry when he was in his prime at arsenal, because he was mesmerizing."

GH: What is one of the most important things your parents did in your upbringing?

CM: "They did anything my siblings and I needed them too. Thanks mom and dad."

GH: What don't most people outside of your hometown know about where you grew up that you think they should know?

CM: "The outdoor activities and scenery are hard to beat."

GH: What is one characteristic a person needs to be a champion?

CM: "Confidence."

GH: What do you want to leave as a legacy at the UW?

CM: "Redeeming our team."

Kelsea Brajkovich is a sophomore from Thousand Oaks, Calif. She scored her first career goal this season against UMass. She sat down with www.gohuskies.com for a Q&A.

Gohuskies.com: What is a pet peeve of yours?  

Kelsea Brajkovich: "When people chew with their mouths open."

GH: What is your pre-game superstition? 

KB: "I cannot cut the corners of the field."

GH: What is the best present you have ever received? 

KB: "A license plate from my dad, it says:  UDUB K9."

GH: If you were trapped on a desert island with one teammate, who would you want to be stranded with and why? KB: "Jorde because she is a survivor!"

GH: What's your favorite board game? 

KB: "Catchphrase."

GH: Why should others become involved in the great sport of soccer? 

KB: "It teaches you everything about urgency, composure, determination, patience, and how to work with a team."

GH: If you could train with any professional athlete who would you chose and why?

KB: "Ronaldinho because his ball skills are unreal."

GH: What is one of the most important things your parents did in your upbringing? 

KB: "They raised me to have faith."

GH: What don't people outside of your hometown know about where you grew up that you think they should know? 

KB: "It is home to the "World's Largest Thousand Oaks Auto Mall."

GH: What do you know now about the game of soccer that you wish you would've known when you started playing the sport?  

KB: "You always play best when you are having fun, so always play with passion."

GH: What is one characteristic a person needs to be a champion? 

KB: "Consistency."

GH: What do you want to leave as a legacy at UW? 

KB: "To be part of a team that wins a NCAA Championship."

Photo Gallery

Kellie Welch is a sophomore midfielder from Los Altos, Calif. She sat down with www.gohuskies.com for a Q&A.

Gohuskies.com: What is a pet peeve of yours? 

Kellie Welch: "When people chew with their mouth open."

GH: What is your pre-game superstition?

KW: "I don't have a pre-game superstition."

GH: What is the best present you have ever received?

KW: "A laptop."

GH: If you were trapped on a desert island with one teammate, who would you want to be stranded with and why?  KW: "Hillary (Zevenbergen) because she could pick the fruit that I couldn't reach, hopefully scare off any animals, and she is fun to be around."

GH: What's your favorite board game?

KW: "Monopoly."

GH: Why should others become involved in the great sport of soccer?

KW: "It's a great sport that you can create a lot of close friends and you can play it anywhere in the world."

GH: If you could train with any professional athlete who would you chose and why?

KW: "Marta because she is amazing at soccer."

GH: What is one of the most important things your parents did in your upbringing?

KW: "They let me make my own decisions and they didn't force me to do anything I didn't want to do."

GH: What don't people outside of your hometown know about where you grew up that you think they should know? KW: "We have an annual pet parade where they close off Main Street. Local schools, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, and the equestrian club march in the parade."

GH: What do you know now about the game of soccer that you wish you would've known when you started playing the sport?

KW: "Every game is different from the next. If you have a hard game or lose just keep your head up because the next game you have a fresh start to prove yourself again."

GH: What is one characteristic a person needs to be a champion?

KW: "Determination."

GH: What do you want to leave as a legacy at UW?

KW: "To be part of a team that won the NCAA Championship."

The EA Sports Maui Invitational promotional surfboard made an appearance in the Zone prior to the Husky-Oregon State football game on Saturday. Representatives from EA Sports and the Maui Invitational were on hand to hand out leis and assist with photo opportunities for fans and the surfboard.

The Husky basketball team were unable to appear in the Zone as the team is in Lacey at St. Martin's College to open practice for the season. But, the team gathered on Wednesday to take photos with the surfboard.

The Washington-custom surfboard will stay with the team and be on display in a yet-to-be-decided location.

Check out photos of the surfboard below...

  Photo Gallery

Sophomore softball player Jerrin Faasua (Oceanside, Calif.) talks about how she balanced her freshman year at UW as a student and an athlete. Hopefully some of this year's newcomers to UW can take some tips from her.

Freshman Year:

For many people like me, coming into an elite academic and athletic school like UW can be a very intimidating and frightening time in their lives. Separately, both school and sports are very challenging but when combined it can be a true test of how mentally strong you are when dealing with them at the same time. Some can handle both while others struggle with one or the other. Not everyone can be great at balancing the two but here at UW we, student-athletes, strive to be great in both aspects of this college.

On our team Coach Tarr always emphasizes on the title student-athletes. As you can see, the first part to our title is student. We are students before we are athletes; therefore, before we can play we must focus on our studies before we can focus on hitting the ball or playing catch. As a student-athlete here at UW, it can be difficult playing a sport and going to school but that is where time management saves us. When I first arrived here my freshmen year (2009-2010), my high school habits were not going to cut it. I was not able to put off a paper until the night before it was due or not study as much as I needed to for tests. Time was a very crucial element everyday and I learned that pretty fast. During the year, even in the off season, our time as an athlete was very limited. We were always doing something every single day and even if we had an off day, we would still be doing something; whether it was going to the weight room and doing some extra cardio or going to the Shellhouse to work on homework or study for upcoming tests. My freshman year I was a little overwhelmed at how little of time I had. Even getting a bite to eat for lunch was hard during the day because I would have classes back-to-back and then have to run down to Husky Softball Stadium for practice right after. That is why I had to prepare for the day before it even happened whether I packed a snack the night before or wore my work out clothes to class so I had time to grab something on the go.

My classes in the fall season were fairly easy considering I was in a FIG (Freshmen Interest Group) which included English 131, Communications 202 and a General studies class. Since UW is a quarter system school, the speed of the courses was pretty quick and subjects in the classes would only be discussed within a couple of days and then we would continue on. Even though I had two classes a day, it was hard for me to keep up with some of the lectures. Like taking notes while listening to a lecture and once your done writing down what he just said you're already lost at what he stated when you writing. I hated taking notes that I didn't understand so whenever I skimmed over some notes when I studied I would go back into the textbooks and reread the material that confused me. Studying became an everyday thing for me with the coaches having us do mandatory study hall and our academic advisors scheduling tutor sessions right after practices. It was hard because you didn't have all the time in the world like you did in high school but overall, the experience to do both was great. As the year went on, my grades improved because my time management and study habits became better.  I learned to stop wasting my leisure time and put it to good use. Balancing both school and softball is a hard thing to do; but that is what we student-athletes are here to do. We want to succeed both on and off the field in every aspect of our lives. We work hard, play hard, and study hard to stay on top in our sport and our academics.

Chris Brundage is in his first season with the Huskies after playing his freshman year at Western Washington. The sophomore defender from Gig Harbor, Wash., has played in seven games starting six. He sat down with www.gohuskies.com for a Q&A.

Gohuskies.com: What is a pet peeve of yours?

Chris Brundage: "Chewing food with your mouth open...so annoying."

GH: What is your pre-game superstition?

CB: "I need to take a cold shower before every game to wake me up."

GH: What is the best present you have ever received?

CB: "My car."

GH: If you were trapped on a desert island with one teammate, who would you want to be stranded with and why?

CB: "Brent Richards, he seems to be smart, plus he's a good cook."
 

GH: What's your favorite board game?

CB: "Life, it takes zero thought."

GH: Why should others become involved in the great sport of soccer?

CB: "Because it's an easy way to compete and have fun."

GH: If you could train with any professional athlete who would you chose and why?

CB: "MJ (Michael Jordan) because he's the greatest basketball player of all time."

GH: What is one of the most important things your parents did in your upbringing?

CB: "They taught me respect."

GH: What don't people outside of your hometown know about where you grew up that you think they should know?

CB: "I grew up on the streets."

GH: What do you know now about the game of soccer that you wish you would've known when you started playing the sport?

CB: "Nothing at all, it's not a complicated sport. The second you start thinking about it too much the worse you'll play."

GH: What is one characteristic a person needs to be a champion?

CB: "Conviction."

GH: What do you want to leave as a legacy at UW?

CB: "I want to be known as the hardest working player on the field."

Photo Gallery

Hi Gymdawg fans,

My name is Aliza Vaccher and I'm a freshman gymnast here at UW. As a freshman, I'm still learning exactly how everything works - but now that we're about five weeks into official practice and preseason, I'm getting there!

One thing I've learned in the past month is how different college life is than anything I've experienced before. Even though our hours are technically less than what I was used to in club, our days can be just as intense! Up until this week our days started with 6 a.m. cardio on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, which although it was difficult, will definitely pay off for us in the long run. Now that 6 a.m. cardio is over, however, a few extra hours of sleep is much welcomed!

This first quarter my classes are part of a FIG, or Freshman Interest Group, which also means that I have 12 credit hours - making my schedule very manageable. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, my day starts with my Political Science lecture at 9:30 a.m., and ends with the connected English Class at 11:30 a.m. On Tuesday's and Thursday's, class begins at 8:30 a.m. with section for Poly Sci. Thursday's this is my only class, which is extremely nice. Tuesday's I also have my FIG general studies class.

After class is over, I get ready for practice. Every day is different, and that is one major difference I have found in college - the amount of independence and self reliance that is just not present in high school. Some days I can go to study table - freshmen are required to do six hours a week - some days I can do our independent weights and cardio time and some days I can just go to the locker room and take a nap!

At 2:00 p.m. it's time for practice. Training room lasts until 2:30 p.m., and during this time anyone who needs it goes to get treatment, taping and basically anything else you could need down in the training room. Anyone who needs a little extra work on something can also go into the gym to work on it during this time. Practice lasts until 5:15 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays (then we go to weights), and 6 p.m. every other day. One thing about college workouts is because of the time limits given to us, we have to be extremely efficient with our time. This is one adjustment I am still working on, but I definitely think it is a positive thing and good skill to learn.

After practice, we have training table, which is our dinner. This is something I'm really enjoying here at UW, and something that no other school I visited had. It is essentially a dinner buffet specifically for athletes - it's really convenient to have access to a good, healthy dinner every night! Also, getting to eat and hang out with your teammates every night is a lot of fun and brings us closer together.

Next, it's time for homework. Some nights I have tutoring, which I have found can be really helpful! Even if I don't, I usually stay at the shellhouse to study - freshmen are required to log six hours a week.

And finally, I get to go home and hopefully relax a little. We have long and tiring days, but it's been such an amazing experience so far and I love being here as part of UW gymnastics! J

Senior defender Kendyl Pele (Kennewick, Wash.) not only runs a stingy defense at center back, she is also a team captain. She sat down with www.gohuskies.com for a Q&A.

Gohuskies.com: What is a pet peeve of yours?

Kendyl Pele: "People who play with their gum. Gross."

GH: What is your pre-game superstition?

KP: "Kellye (Joswick) and I made up a handshake that we do before every game."

GH: What is the best present you have ever received?

KP: "A Barbie trailer for Christmas."

GH: If you were trapped on a desert island with one teammate, who would you want to be stranded with and why?

KP: "Sarah (Martinez) because I know she would never kill me for food."

GH: What's your favorite board game?

KP: "Old school marbles."

GH: Why should others become involved in the great sport of soccer?

KP: "Not only has soccer given me a second family, but after traveling with my team to Brazil I realized how soccer can connect people despite their different backgrounds...That's something pretty amazing."

GH: If you could train with any professional athlete who would you chose and why?

KP: "Landon Donovan. It's obvious."

GH: What is one of the most important things your parents did in your upbringing?

KP: "My parents were always supportive and believed in me."

GH: What don't people outside of your hometown know about where you grew up that you think they should know?

KP: "We actually do have a mall."

GH: What do you know now about the game of soccer that you wish you would've known when you started playing the sport?

KP: "Nothing. You learn as you go."

GH: What is one characteristic a person needs to be a champion?

KP: "Determination."

GH: What do you want to leave as a legacy at UW?

KP: "Is it too late to make the record books for goal scoring?"

Freshman Allie Beahan (Sammamish, Wash.) is coming off of her first career goal vs. Arizona last week to open Pac-10 play. She sat down with www.gohuskies.com for a Q&A.

Gohuskies.com: What is a pet peeve of yours?

Allie Beahan: "Wet hair between my fingers."

GH: What is your pre-game superstition?

AB: "I don't have one!"

GH: What is the best present you have ever received?

AB: "My Bible!"

GH: If you were trapped on a desert island with one teammate, who would you want to be stranded with and why?

AB: "Molly (Boyd) because we would keep each other entertained."

GH: What's your favorite board game?

AB: "Sequence!"

GH: Why should others become involved in the great sport of soccer?

AB: "It's a great environment that encourages teamwork and personal success."

GH: If you could train with any professional athlete who would you chose and why?

AB: "Mia Hamm because she was my inspiration when I was growing up."

GH: What is one of the most important things your parents did in your upbringing?

AB: "They encouraged me to never settle for less."

GH: What don't people outside of your hometown know about where you grew up that you think they should know?

AB: "We have two 4A schools within a mile of each other so there are huge sport rivalries for such a small town!"

GH: What do you know now about the game of soccer that you wish you would've known when you started playing the sport? AB: "The hardships that you face along the road will give you the opportunity to back down or continue to persevere--what you decide to do will define you as an athlete. Persevere, it's worth it!"

GH: What is one characteristic a person needs to be a champion?

AB: "Passion for the sport they are playing."

GH: What do you want to leave as a legacy at UW?

AB: "I want to be part of the team that won a NCAA championship."
 

Jeff Goodman has released his FOXSports.com preseason rankings and the Huskies are ranked eighth in his poll ... see complete rankings.

Junior forward Brent Richards (Camas, Wash.) is the team's leading goal scorer for the third-straight season with six already. He is also tied for a team-high three assists. Richards sat down with www.gohuskies.com for a Q&A.

Gohuskies.com: What is a pet peeve of yours?

Brent Richards: "I hate wet socks and when people make me late to appointments.

GH: What is your pre-game superstition?

BR: "My shin guards can be used for either leg but I never switch them anyway."

GH: What is the best present you have ever received?

BR: "My favorite stuffed animal, Kwawa."

GH: If you were trapped on a desert island with one teammate, who would you want to be stranded with and why?

BR: "Matty Van Houten because he'd probably find a way to make it seem like a good thing."

GH: What's your favorite board game?

BR: "Either scrabble or Settlers of Catan. I'm a big board game fan."

GH: Why should others become involved in the great sport of soccer?

BR: "Because it's fun."

GH: If you could train with any professional athlete who would you chose and why?

BR: "Zinedine Zidane so I can perfect my head butting technique."

GH: What is one of the most important things your parents did in your upbringing?

BR: "They taught me to always be thinking about others."

GH: What don't people outside of your hometown know about where you grew up that you think they should know?

BR: "It's a mill town and most people don't like the smell so you may not want to visit it."

GH: What do you know now about the game of soccer that you wish you would've known when you started playing the sport?

BR: "There is a LOT of running involved."

GH: What is one characteristic a person needs to be a champion?

BR: "Having a undying work ethic."

GH: What do you want to leave as a legacy at UW?

BR: "Pac-10 Championship and deep NCAA Tournament run."

Check out a goal highlight from the Oct. 8 game vs. Arizona, the final goal of the game by Jessie Young.

Chaos reigned in the AVCA Top-10 volleyball rankings this past Saturday, after the Huskies had already finished up for the week after a 3-0 win over Washington State Friday night. Saturday saw five of the top-10 teams go down, including No. 1 Stanford and No. 7 Cal each suffering its first losses of the year to assure that no teams will go undefeated this season.

The rough and tumble Pac-10 was given another shake as Stanford fell at UCLA, and Cal lost at USC, both by 3-2 counts. Fourth-ranked Penn State suffered back-to-back losses for the first time since 2002, and dropped to ninth this week. No. 6 Illinois also fell on the road at No. 18 Michigan, and 10th-ranked Iowa State lost on the road at Kansas.

When the smoke cleared this week, Washington moved back up to No. 7 in the AVCA poll, matching its season-high, though UW still sits fourth among Pac-10 teams. Stanford slipped to No. 2, and Florida moved into the No. 1 spot for the first time. Still, there is not much of a consensus, as five different teams are now earning first-place votes, including the Huskies, who picked up one first-place vote.

The Huskies will face Stanford and Cal this Friday and Saturday in the Bay Area.

Click here for the full AVCA Top-25 rankings.

Photo Gallery

A local soccer coach has brain cancer and the Husky men's soccer team donated two autographed soccer balls to help raise money for him at an auction. The balls raised over $150. Check out the full story here: http://www.king5.com/news/Players-Rally-Around-Terminally-Ill-Soccer-Coach-104679479.html.

Gohuskies.com: What is a pet peeve of yours?

Faustine Dufka: "Starting to sprint before you hear "GO" or the whistle."

GH: What is your pre-game superstition?

FD: "I don't have one--there's so much more to winning than luck!"

GH: What is the best present you have ever received?

FD: "A trip to Europe after graduating from high school and turning 18."

GH: If you were trapped on a desert island with one teammate, who would you want to be stranded with and why? FK: "Kari Davidson, because she is always willing to go on adventures with me!"

GH: What's your favorite board game?

FD: "Candy Land, because there's a character practically named after me: Queen Frostine!"

GH: Why should others become involved in the great sport of soccer?

FD: "Soccer is one of the most beautiful ways to connect and communicate with the rest of the world. By sharing a common love for soccer with millions of people across the planet, we are able to relate our individual experiences with that of humanity as a whole--how awesome is that?"

GH: If you could train with any professional athlete who would you chose and why?

FD: "Zidane--he's been my favorite player since I started playing soccer and despite his unfortunate and rather funny departure from the world of soccer, he still remains one of the best players in history."

GH: What is one of the most important things your parents did in your upbringing?

FD: "I attended a French-American school K-12 and am fully bilingual--I thank my parents so much for that!"

GH: What don't people outside of your hometown know about where you grew up that you think they should know? FD: "Let's see...San Francisco isn't actually that "sunny" and warm unlike most of California. I prefer Seattle's weather and real seasons to SF's foggy mornings and chilly summer winds."

GH: What do you know now about the game of soccer that you wish you would've known when you started playing the sport?

FD: "Winning is never a guarantee in the game of soccer, no matter who your opponent is, how talented, how fit, or how prepared you are."

GH: "What is one characteristic a person needs to be a champion?

FD: "When it comes to soccer, work ethic and selflessness."

GH: What do you want to leave as a legacy at UW?

FD: "To be part of the team that wins the University of Washington's first National Championship!"

Check out the video taken from last week's road trip at UCLA and SDSU.

Sophomore forward Ryan Moore (San Leandro, Calif.) has played in seven games and taken two shots this season. He sat down with www.gohuskies.com for a Q&A.

Gohuskies.com: What is a pet peeve of yours?

Ryan Moore: "I don't have any."

GH: What is your pre-game superstition?

RM: "I always eat bananas."

GH: What is the best present you have ever received?

RM: "An Xbox 360."

GH: If you were trapped on a desert island with one teammate, who would you want to be stranded with and why?

RM: "Matt (Van Houten) because he's a nice guy."

GH: What's your favorite board game?

RM: "Guess Who."

GH: Why should others become involved in the great sport of soccer?

RM: "Because it's fun and it keeps you in shape."

GH: If you could train with any professional athlete who would you chose and why?

RM: "Lebron because he's the best."

GH: What is one of the most important things your parents did in your upbringing?

RM: "They were strict."

GH: What don't people outside of your hometown know about where you grew up that you think they should know?

RM: "That I love video games."

GH: What do you know now about the game of soccer that you wish you would've known when you started playing the sport?

RM: "The higher the level of soccer the less my speed actually matters."

GH: What is one characteristic a person needs to be a champion?

RM: "They have to have class."

GH: What do you want to leave as a legacy at UW?

RM: "I want to be known as a great athlete."

Junior Kate Deines (Issaquah, Wash.) leads the team with six goals. She recorded a hat trick vs. Syracuse earlier this season and was named the Husky/Nike Invitational Offensive MVP. She sat down with www.gohuskies.com for a Q&A.

Gohuskies.com: What is a pet peeve of yours?

Kate Deines: "Slow drivers."

GH: What is your pre-game superstition?

KD: "Must listen to Defying Gravity from the musical Wicked."

GH: What is the best present you have ever received?

KD: "Too many to count, my friends & family continually spoil me (love you guys)."

GH: If you were trapped on a desert island with one teammate, who would you want to be stranded with and why?

KD: "Zilla (the name speaks for itself)."

GH: What's your favorite board game?

KD: "Double solitaire (card game)."

GH: Why should others become involved in the great sport of soccer?

KD: "People should do what they love (if that's soccer, awesome!)."

GH: If you could train with any professional athlete who would you chose and why?

KD: "Julia Mancuso. I love her story about her road to success."

GH: What is one of the most important things your parents did in your upbringing?

KD: "Continual support, faith, & love (thank you, thank you!)."

GH: What do you know now about the game of soccer that you wish you would've known when you started playing the sport?

KD: "Time flies when you're having fun."

GH: What is one characteristic a person needs to be a champion?

KD: "The will to win."

GH: What do you want to leave as a legacy at UW?

KD: "2010 National Championship."

Check out an interview with head coach Heather Tarr that was taped before last week's Fall Tournament.

http://www.youtube.com/user/soundsportsscene?feature=mhum.

In this week's edition of the college volleyball notebook on ESPN.com, Dave Reed singled on Washington's efforts from last weekend for Team of the Week status. Here is his summation:

Team of the week: Washington showed that it would be a force to be reckoned with in the Pac-10 by posting home-court victories over then-No. 5 USC in five sets and a sweep of No. 12 UCLA. The Huskies bounced back from a four-set loss at Oregon on the opening weekend of conference play to defeat the Trojans, but it certainly wasn't easy. UW won the first two sets, but the Women of Troy dominated the next two to square the match. When it looked like USC had the momentum, Washington used its defense to take control early in the fifth set and put the match away. The following night, the Huskies defeated UCLA for the eighth consecutive time to improve to 14-1 overall and 3-1 in conference play.

Here is the link to the complete feature.

Junior Tyler Klein (Sammamish, Wash.) has played in seven matches this year and started in four. He sat down with www.gohuskies.com for a Q&A.

Gohuskies.com: What is a pet peeve of yours?

Tyler Klein: "My biggest pet peeve is when people don't pick up after themselves."

GH: What is your pre-game superstition?

TK: "I don't really have any pre-game superstitions but I do have pre-game rituals that I like to do; like listening to music and visualizing myself playing."

GH: What is the best present you have ever received?

TK: "The best present I have ever received was money that my grandparents gave me which I can only access after I graduate college."

GH: If you were trapped on a desert island with one teammate, who would you want to be stranded with and why?

TK: "If I were stranded on a desert island I would like to be stuck with Stephen Fung because he is a fantastic chef and could make delicious meals using whatever we had available."

GH: What's your favorite board game?

TK: "My favorite board game is Life."

GH: Why should others become involved in the great sport of soccer?

TK: "I think others should become involved in soccer because it is a sport that anyone can play at anytime, all you need is a ball. Also, it helps to develop many life skills people will need later in life like teamwork, flexibility and a good work attitude."

GH: If you could train with any professional athlete who would you chose and why?

TK: "If I could train with any pro athlete it would be with Georges St. Pierre (MMA fighter) because he is the hardest working and most dedicated athlete in his sport. He has proved he is a champion and I would like to see what goes into becoming that."

GH: What is one of the most important things your parents did in your upbringing?

TK: "One of the most important things my parents did for me in my upbringing was to make me do chores. I never thought I would say it but because I did so many chores it was much easier for me to adjust to living on my own."

GH: What don't people outside of your hometown know about where you grew up that you think they should know?

TK: "People outside my hometown should know that we have three high schools within a four block radius and you shouldn't try to drive anywhere between 7 and 7:30 a.m. because traffic before school is terrible."

GH: What do you know now about the game of soccer that you wish you would've known when you started playing the sport?

TK: "Something I now know about soccer that I wish I would have known before I started is that everyone has different and valuable insights and the more coaching you can get from different people the better off you will be."

GH: What is one characteristic a person needs to be a champion?

TK: "One characteristic a person needs to be a champion is dedication."

GH: What do you want to leave as a legacy at UW?

TK: "When I leave UW, I want to have left behind a legacy of success, hard work and a national championship."

Check out the latest blog from women's soccer senior Kendyl Pele on the Portland trip:

After a fun weekend in the bay area and coming off of back-to-back wins we were all looking forward to our last pre-season game against Portland. UP has always been a great rivalry for us, but especially after last year's second round loss where we were forced to play a man down for an entire half, we were all excited for the chance to play the Pilots on equal footing. At practice everyone was focused on our upcoming game, and by the end of the week our team was ready to play. All in all we looked pretty good: defensively we were solid, the midfield was working well together, the forwards were hitting their shots, and Jim had finally cut his hair. Yes, things were looking a lot better.

After watching an awesome Husky football victory Saturday night we all went to bed anxious to add another upset to the list. Usually when I can't sleep I turn on the TV and watch whatever trashy reality show is playing on MTV. This is where Amy and I differ, because instead of spending her time watching the newest drama with Snooky and The Situation on Jersey Shore, she uses her time constructively. Which is why come game time Sunday morning Amy read us a heartfelt letter that she stayed up writing the night before that got everyone ready to play.

With Amy's words in mind we started off the game full throttle. Finding our rhythm early we were awarded a corner kick early on in the sixth minute. With our top three ball winners in the play I chose to seal the back post. Lining up in our set piece ready to go to our spots Sarah and I realized that we were marked by only one player. While I don't consider myself a great ball winner in the air, I have the deceptive advantage of looking like I am. Thus, the Pilot defender made the grave mistake of choosing to mark me back post while leaving my acrobatic friend to run to the top of the box and head the ball into the back of the net. After the screaming and cheering, we quickly refocused to prepare for the battle ahead. The remainder of the half we battled defensively, but also kept pressure on the Pilots backline. By the end of the half the score was 1-0 in our favor, but we knew that Portland wasn't going to back down.

Coming back onto the field we were still feeling confident in our play, and patiently waited for the Pilots to take the field so we could resume the game. The game continued in the same fashion with both teams defending well and creating chances in attack. The physical play increased as the minutes wound down, but for some odd reason the calls seemed disproportionately against us. But from experience, and watching the discovery channel, I know that yelling at a hostile ref only provokes the beast further. So instead we just focused on the things that were within our control. As time slowly elapsed Portland changed formation to put more numbers forward. We were handling the increased pressure well, but with 10 minutes left in regulation time the Pilots were able to convert off of a through ball in the box. Despite losing the lead, we bounced back and continued to play hard for the rest of the game. When the final whistle blew we quickly jogged off the field to prepare for our second overtime battle of the season.

Although we were tired our preparation and fitness leading up to this point gave us confidence going into overtime. The first 10 minutes passed scoreless, and we could feel the Pilots wearing down. The next 10 minutes seemed to go just as fast, and just as we thought a draw was going to be inevitable, the center referee saw something in our box that resulted in a penalty kick for Portland.

There was 60 seconds left.

 Just like any wild animal that you try to domesticate their behavior can be unpredictable and dangerous, but as I stared unbelievingly in the eyes of the beast I threw caution aside. Having gone head to head with this specific breed before, I knew that my cries of outrage would be futile. Getting no answers from the official, who didn't even know who the foul was on, we knew that there wasn't anything we could do. With the golden goal rule in effect we lined up around the box and watched as the game slipped out of our hands.

Walking off of the field emotions were a mix of sadness, anger, and shock, but the coaches wouldn't let us hang our heads as Lesle told us to wipe away the tears and jog off the field. Back in the locker room we were all still fuming about the game because we knew we had played well and done everything we could do. But in those surreal moments standing in the locker room surrounded by my team I realized that if an undeserving call is what it takes to beat us, then that's not such a bad thing. While we'll all be angry about this game for a long time, looking back at our performance just gives us all more confidence heading into Pac-10 play. There is a unanimous feeling of determination among each player and a confidence that we can compete against any opponent. Plus, this game was good preparation for the beginning of conference and our first game against Arizona.

Senior Jane Mitchell (San Diego, Calif.) has been an outstanding forward for the Dawgs this season, scoring one goal and tallying two assists. She sat down with www.gohuskies.com for a Q&A.

Gohuskies.com: What is a pet peeve of yours?

Jane Mitchell: "Loud gum chewing."

GH: What is your pre-game superstition?

JM: "I used to have a lot of superstitions, but I don't really follow any of them anymore."

GH: What is the best present you have ever received? 

JM: "A car."

GH: What's your favorite board game?

JM: "Scrabble and Backgammon."

GH: Why should others become involved in the great sport of soccer?

JM: "Soccer is the 'beautiful game,' it is a global passion and an extremely fun sport to play."

GH: What is one of the most important things your parents did in your upbringing?

JM: "They believed in me even when I didn't believe in myself."

GH: What don't people outside of your hometown know about where you grew up that you think they should know? JM: "Corner House Cafe, Roberto's and Station Sushi."

GH: What do you know now about the game of soccer that you wish you would've known when you started playing the sport?

JM: "Every moment is worth it and you shouldn't take anything for granted."

GH: What is one characteristic a person needs to be a champion?

JM: "Determination."

GH: What do you want to leave as a legacy at UW?

JM: "I want us to be the team that wins a national championship this year."

In the bye week between the two dissimilar performances, the coach figured out something, and this epiphany shouldn't spoil easily. It started with a probing, and likely unpleasant, evaluation. The Huskies did a sincere audit of themselves, and the result was a streamlined offense that looked in perfect alignment with the team's skill set.

A lot of the game plan was USC specific, implemented to avoid trying to power up against the Trojans' physical defensive front four, but most of it can and will be applied moving forward. The Huskies did a beautiful job of stretching the field horizontally and vertically. It was a more finesse style that Sarkisian would like -- more fly sweeps, more zone-read option plays, misdirection, quarterback rollouts, naked bootlegs.

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The 2011 softball schedule is close to being finalized as the tournament schedules for four spring tournaments have just been released.

UW opens the season Feb. 11-13 at the Sportco Kick-Off Classic hosted by UNLV. There, the Huskies will play Illinois-Chicago, UC Riverside (twice), UNLV and Mississippi State.

At the Campbell Cartier Classic in San Diego, Calif., Feb. 18-20, the Huskies will face Sacramento State, Fresno State, Northwestern, Missouri and the host Aztecs.

The next weekend, Feb. 24-26, Washington heads to the Cathedral City Classic in Cathedral City, Calif., where the Huskies will take on Texas A&M, Fordham, Cal State Fullerton, UMass and Cal Poly.

The Judi Garman Classic is one of the top tournaments in the country every year hosted by Cal State Fullerton. This year, the Huskies will face Fresno State, Texas, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Illinois and Boise State, March 17-20.

Check back later for the complete schedule as we are waiting on the final schedules from the New Mexico tournament and the Husky Softball Classic.

http://www.gohuskies.com/sports/w-softbl/sched/wash-w-softbl-sched.html

Ingraham High School Wrestling presents the Larry Owings and Coach Jim Smith Instructional Clinic in Seattle on Nov. 13, 2010 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Owings was the 1970 NCAA National Champion in the 142 pound weight class at UW and Smith was the Huskies head coach from 1966-74. Smith led the Huskies to three Pac-8 Championships while producing two national champions and 14 All-Americans.

To register for the camp, view this flyer: Camp Flyer

Senior McKenna Waitley (Coronado, Calif.) has two goals and an assist on the year and has led the Huskies to seven wins already with Pac-10 play beginning next week. She sat with www.gohuskies.com for a Q&A.

Gohuskies.com: What is a pet peeve of yours?

McKenna Waitley: "When people don't try, I can't stand it (even in really dumb games) because I'm really competitive!"

GH: What is your pre-game superstition?

MW: "I tape my bracelets on." 

GH: What is the best present you have ever received?

MW: "My white lab Riley as a puppy under the Christmas tree in a fur hood!"

GH: If you were trapped on a desert island with one teammate, who would you want to be stranded with and why?

MW: "Kate (Deines) because we could entertain ourselves and we could make music videos and no one would tell us to be quiet."

GH: What's your favorite board game?

MW: "Backgammon!"

GH: Why should others become involved in the great sport of soccer?

MW: "It's a sport that is shared throughout the world and it's as much of a team sport as it is individual skill."

GH: If you could train with any professional athlete who would you chose and why?

MW: "Christiano Ronaldo because he could teach me some foot skills."

GH: What is one of the most important things your parents did in your upbringing?

MW: "To use my strengths and talents to the best of my ability and to benefit others with them as well."

GH: What don't people outside of your hometown know about where you grew up that you think they should know?

MW: "I'm pretty good at beach volleyball...but no one plays that in Seattle."  

GH: What do you know now about the game of soccer that you wish you would've known when you started playing the sport?

MW: "To trust your teammates more."

GH: What is one characteristic a person needs to be a champion?

MW: "Determination."

GH: What do you want to leave as a legacy at UW?

MW: "To win the Pac-10 and be the first team to ever win a national title." 

Will Pleskow is a redshirt freshman from Culver City, Calif., on Dean Wurzberger's men's soccer team. Pleskow has played in five games, starting one. He sat down with www.gohuskies.com for a Q&a.

Gohuskies.com: What is a pet peeve of yours?

Will Pleskow: "A pet peeve of mine is when people lay on my bed with their shoes on, especially when its Quinton Beasley."

GH: What is your pre-game superstition?

WP: "I don't have one."

GH: What is the best present you have ever received?

WP: "My unbelievable, fantastic parents and brother."

GH: If you were trapped on a desert island with one teammate, who would you want to be stranded with and why?

WP: "Well it seems to me that it would only make sense to be trapped on a desert island with my teammate and mentor Stephen Fung who has an everlasting amount of knowledge."

GH: What's your favorite board game?

WP: "Scrabble."

GH: If you could train with any professional athlete who would you chose and why?

WP: "Michael Jordan because I still see him as one of the most dominant basketball player of all time."

GH: What is one of the most important things your parents did in your upbringing?

WP: :I have been lucky enough to have parents that have guided and taught me how to make educated wise decisions on my own as well as giving me the confidence to deal with adversity."

GH: What don't people outside of your hometown know about where you grew up that you think they should know?

WP: "Southern California is the greatest place on the West Coast."

GH: What do you know now about the game of soccer that you wish you would've known when you started playing the sport?

WP: "That running for 90 minutes straight is a lot of work, when you get older."

GH: What is one characteristic a person needs to be a champion?

WP: "Confidence."

GH: What do you want to leave as a legacy at UW?

WP: "I want to leave UW soccer with a winning tradition while doing it in a happy, team oriented, fun atmosphere."

Husky legend Nate Robinson will be featured on an ESPN one-hour special, "The Body Issue,' scheduled to air this coming Monday, October 4th, on ESPN2 and ESPN2HD, at 4:00 p.m. PT, and re-airs on October 8th at 10:00 p.m. PT. 

Robinson is one of four athletes that will be featured, with the focus on Robinson being his amazing leaping abilities. UW doctor Kim Harmon was also interviewed for the segment on Robinson.

VENICE, Fla. -- Recent Husky grad Molly Aronsson has made the cut at the second of two Q-School qualifying tournaments and will play in the 90-hole Final Qualifying Tournament in early December.

Aronsson saved her best round for last, shooting a 1-under 71 in the final round of the Sectional Qualifier being held at Bobcat and Panther Course in Venice, Fla. She entered the final round in 42nd place but pushed her way up to 28th (top 30 move on) in the last day.

Aronsson will now play in the LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament, which is a 90-hole, five-day event, taking place on both the Legends and Champions courses at LPGA International. The first 72 holes are played on both courses, while players play the Champion course during the final round. The cut, historically held after 54 holes, will now reduce the field to the low 70 players and ties after 72 holes.

Q-School helps to determine those who will be offered Tournament Division Membership in the Ladies Professional Golf Association with priority status for the 2011 season. The top 20 qualifiers will receive priority status in Category #11. The top 20 players will alternate with players 81-100 on the 2010 LPGA Official Money List. In addition, qualifiers finishing in position #21-30 will receive priority status in category 16 and qualifiers in position 31-40 in category #20.