It was announced earlier this week by the Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches (ACWPC) that the University of Redlands women's water polo program collected several national awards, including Head Coach Tom Whittemore's NCAA Division III Coach of the Year honor. In addition, junior center Jaime Nippert (Gresham, OR) landed on the ACWPC All-America First Team, while junior center Joy Corona (Lake Bluff, IL) and sophomore driver Moana Tuipulotu (Lahaina, HI) collected Second-Team plaudits for their efforts in 2011. Finally, junior driver Dianna Melancon (Riverside, CA) and sophomore center-defender Jill Stein (Palm Desert, CA) nabbed honorable mention status.
During the 2011 season, Whittemore guided the Bulldogs to a 22-11 overall record, which included a share of the conference championship and a spot in the NCAA Championship play-in game. After posting the program's most wins for a single season since 2002, Whittemore now sits at nearly 350 total victories with the women's program alone.
Following her third season with the Bulldogs, Nippert now ranks among the all-time greats at Redlands with the second-most goals in a single season with 93. The two-time All-Conference center also led the team in assists (36) and field blocks (27).
A dual threat on both ends of the pool, Corona posted impressive numbers across the board. As the Bulldogs' ejections-drawn specialist, Corona reset the program's record for a single season with 99. She also offered a solid option on offense with 44 goals and 15 assists.
Tuipulotu flourished in her sophomore campaign, providing a well-rounded option for the Maroon and Gray. She found the back of the net on 56 occasions while adding 26 assists, 39 steals, 32 ejections drawn and 10 field blocks.
The ACWPC member coaches from around the country determine the recipients of these accolades. The All-America award is presented to players who reveal athletic talent in the pool, exude leadership, and help to build the sport of water polo.
For a complete list of the All-Americans please visit http://www.collegewaterpolocoach.org/all-american-awards.html.