In the final rankings of the 2000 Fall Season, the Washington College Women's Sailing Team was ranked twelfth in the nation.
This is the first time in WC history that either the co-ed or women's team has been ranked nationally.
Finishing ninth overall at the Atlantic Coast Championships (ACC) on November 11 and 12 is what has gotten this team in the top 20.
At this regatta, the WC team of Kate Sheahan, Jessica Koenig, Meg Nichols, and Lellie Fluke upset several nationally ranked teams including Navy, Boston College, Eckerd, and the University of Rhode Island. (For complete rankings, see the box at right).
"We were all pleased with our performance at the ACC, but I felt like it wasn't difficult for us to get where we were," said Nichols.
"Our assistant coach, Dan Rabin, has been an asset to the team because he brings in the a lot of experience.""I knew going into the event that we were one of the top 15 teams in the country," said Rabin.
Four year team member Kate Sheahan is excited about the teams rankings and looks for even better things to happen in the spring. "We now have a focus, Nationals at the end of the spring. It is a great goal for our team. We are definitely the underdog, but that makes us want is that much more; it gives us much more of a competitive edge." Co-captain Lellie Fluke added, "We can only get better."
"All of our hard work is paying off and there is always room to improve ... hopefully this spring we can compete at Women's Nationals," said teammate Jessica Koenig. "It takes a very dedicated person to be a part of this sailing team and we all deserve being ranked #12."
Washington College Athletic Director, Bryan Matthews, has seen his fair share of nationally ranked WC sports teams. "I am excited by the rapid climb that the WC Sailing team has made into the elite ranks of college sailing. In only a few short years as a varsity team they have become competitive and successful against the best teams in the country. Coach Bill Ward and his assistants have done an excellent job of recruiting talented sailors and working hard along with them to help them achieve their potential."
"Washington College is a waterfront school with a wonderful opportunity to maximize on that distinction," added Matthews. "Our sailing program is a terrific way for us to make the most of the beauty and uniqueness of our setting. We are proud of the hard work and accomplishments of our sailing team."
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