Who is UConn's top fantasy athlete? Using a scoring system (left) that encompasses all fall sports, we've ranked the top 25. The Daily Campus will be unveiling five athletes each day for the entire week, with No. 1 being released on Friday. Here are Nos. 20-16.
20. Akeem Priestley, senior, men's soccer
Fantasy Points: 56 (4 goals, 4 assists)
"If players were awarded points for how fun they are to watch, then Priestley would for sure lead the league. That being said, he still finished tied for second on the team in points, with nine, on three goals and three assists. Despite missing six games, including the last five, Priestley was named to the All Big East second team."- Men's soccer beat writer Kevin Vellturo
Getting to know Akeem Priestley:
His last words to the "Goal Patrol": "They are the greatest fans ever and the team and I really appreciate their support and dedication throughout the years. The goal patrol has always been there for us even when we weren't playing well. They supported us whether the weather was good or horrible, and at times when we weren't playing well, they really motivated us and helped us to do better. One word to describe the Goal Patrol is 'inspirational.'"
Pre-game rituals: "I usually pray before the game and before entering the field I make a cross, then blow a kiss to the sky to show God thanks."
19. Joey Michaels, senior, men's tennis
Fantasy Points: 60 (six No. 2 singles wins)
"From the minute Michaels stepped on campus four years ago, he's made an impact for UConn men's tennis. The senior from Rochester Hills, Mich. will surely be missed following his graduation after the spring season." - Sports editor Kevin Duffy
Getting to know Joey Michaels:
Favorite UConn athlete to watch: "Hasheem Thabeet. It's been great watching his progression. Nothing better than seeing him stuff somebody."
Celebrity crush: "Jessica Alba."
18. Annie Yi, junior, women's soccer
Fantasy Points: 60 (6 goals, 1 assist, 3 game-winners)
"If the Huskies hope to fight there way back into the NCAA tournament, Annie Yi is going to be one of the players that takes them there. Yi's offensive instincts and ability to see all parts of the field have helped her lead UConn in goals scored for two straight seasons."-Women's soccer beat writer Dennis Rizzo
Getting to know Annie Yi:
Favorite football team: "People who know me know how obsessed I am with the Colts. I can talk and talk about them, and I definitely am the No. 1 fan. We started the season a little off with Peyton [Manning] being a little rusty from the surgery he had this summer, but now he's back being successful as always. We are definitely going to be a contender in the postseason."
Relationship with other athletes from Indianapolis: "I do know a lot of other athletes from Indy. I know Greg [Oden] and Mike [Conley], but I'm not that close with them. Eric Gordon is another guy that I know. However, one of my best friends is [soccer player] Lauren Cheney. She plays for UCLA and was with the national team that won the gold medal. Basically, all the athletes in Indianapolis know each other some way or the other."
Off-the-field hobbies: "I don't really have any cool, interesting hobbies. Sorry to say, but I am a typical Asian who can play the piano and violin. I can also say every line on all 10 seasons of 'Friends'."
17. Jordan Kirk, freshman, volleyball
Fantasy Points: 61 (266 kills, 79 digs, 46 blocks)
"Kirk is another freshman who made an immediate impact for the volleyball team in 2008. She finished second on the team with 2.39 kills per set. With Kirk and fellow freshman Annie Luhrsen on campus for the next three years, the future of UConn volleyball looks bright."-Volleyball beat writer Mike Barnhart
Getting to know Jordan Kirk:
Her "freshman" moment: "My teammate, Hanah Corell, and I were on our way to the library and we decided we'd take a short cut through the science builiding but then got lost and ended up back in the same place 10 minutes later."
Difference between Storrs and her hometown of Plano, Texas: "The biggest differences between Storrs and Plano would be the weather, less restaurants and things to do in Storrs, and the words people use up here. Since when is 'nasty' a good thing? And I get made fun of a lot for saying 'y'all', but I don't really have an accent."
16. Andrea Mainiero, redshirt junior, field hockey
Fantasy Points: 61 (76 saves, 6 shutouts)
"Mainiero has established herself as one of the Big East's - and the nation's - premier netminders. For the second year in a row, Mainiero registered six shutouts and was among the conference leaders in every category pertinent to goalkeepers. She's back for 2009 and primed for a run at Big East Goalkeeper of the Year."-Field Hockey beat writer Chris Brodeur
Getting to know Andrea Mainiero:
Her decision to redshirt as a freshman: "It was actually one of the best decisions I have made because not only did it allow me to learn the system and adjust to the tempo of college field hockey, but I was able to get surgery on my shoulder which was bothering me. Redshirting is pretty common on our team. It's great if there is an older player starting in your position; it allows you to ease into a new environment and really just sit back and learn. This year didn't end as we would have like, so I am more than happy to have another chance to win a national championship. Because I will win a national championship."
Chances she'll pull a Matt Leinart in her fifth year of eligibility and take ballroom dancing: "I haven't picked my classes for next year yet but I did do my research and found that I have to take 4 credits to be eligible to play in the fall. Does UConn offer ballroom dancing? I would definitely take it."
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