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Kohli Using National Experience with Canadian Team to Power Hoosiers
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Indiana University's Jakie Kohli is no stranger to competition - the Burnaby, British Columbia native and 2009 Collegiate Water Polo Association Western Division Rookie of the Year is coming off a trip to the World University Games.
On the heels of her international experience, the sophomore sensation will look to lead the Hoosiers to the NCAA Championship in 2010.
Her future alma mater is taking notice of her talents as she was featured in a February 2 article of the Indiana Daily Student, a newspaper of Indiana University.
A link to the complete story is available here.
The IU women's water polo team
has been ready for its 16 potential road trips this season, and for
sophomore Jakie Köhli, the trips have been part of daily life
at IU.
Sitting poolside and waiting for substitution during practice,
Köhli looks no different than the other 21 other Hoosiers.
What distinguishes the 5-foot-10-inch attacker is her long journey
from Burnaby, B.C., Canada, her hometown.
"When I made the decision to come to IU, I did not know much about
what I would get here," she said. "But when I visited the campus
afterwards, I enjoyed it so much."
Köhli talked to some of her friends before coming to IU and
learned this was a team-oriented work group, something Köhli
felt she would fit into nicely.
Starting 25 of 36 games as a freshman last season, Köhli was
named Western Division Rookie of the Year and earned an
All-Conference Second Team nomination.
Köhli's success brought her to the 2009 Federation
Internationale du Sport Universitaire Games and the World
University Games, representing Canada in both.
Although mainly a spectator, Köhli said she grew through her
international experience.
"Though I didn't play a lot in the national team in the summer, I
gained a lot of experience and learned from other players," she
said. "Most importantly, my confidence was boosted."
Köhli's effort with the Canadian national team has translated
well to her jump-start in her sophomore season.
She led the team with nine goals through the kickoff weekend at
Ann Arbor, Mich.
Köhli said she played mostly defense in Canada but expects an
offensive injection this season, because she feels she can
complement her defense with her shooting.
"Coach King wants me to play more aggressively and involved more
in offense this year," she said.
As she travels, she avoids a culture shock because she loves to
see different things around the United States.
Easing the transition is her teammate and friend, junior Kelsey
Campbell. From Maple Ridge, B.C., Canada, Campbell has been playing
with Köhli since their time north of the border, and Campbell
looks forward to future years with her fellow countrywoman.
"Jakie is a tough defensive player - smart, always being
anticipated," Campbell said. "She has been well involved in the
team."
