LOUISVILLE
2017 Record: 11-8 (3-4 ACC)
Old Coach: Kellie Young
New Coach: Scott Teeter
Pedigree: Four-time MAAC Coach of the Year at Canisius led Griffs to six conference titles/NCAA appearances, also led Canada’s U19 team to 2015 world title and senior team to silver medal in 2017.
Vision: “The ultimate goal is to bring a national championship back to Louisville. The foundation is already here in place. We just need to build off it.”
Cause for Optimism: Despite a tumultuous offseason in which 15 players transferred or left the school amid allegations of abusive tactics by since-fired coach Kellie Young, Teeter likes the talent among the 19 players he has inherited and also said he’ll keep the door open for the former Cardinals to return or other transfers to join the team. “You have to get to know your players,” he said. “Challenge them to be the best that they can be and never sacrifice character.”
— Megan Schneider
MICHIGAN (Men)
2017 Record: 8-6 (0-5 Big Ten)
Old Coach: John Paul
New Coach: Kevin Conry
Pedigree: Maryland’s defensive coordinator for the last five seasons helped lead Terps to first NCAA championship since 1975.
Vision: “A culture of excellence, a championship-style culture. The young men who come here to Michigan leave here with the idea they’ve had a great athletic experience, but they’re more capable and more qualified to handle the rollercoaster ride of life.”
Cause for Optimism: The Wolverines started last season 8-1 and were nationally ranked before fading in the Big Ten. Brent Noseworthy (37G), Decker Curran (17G, 8A) and Rocco Sutherland (17A) return, as does Tommy Heidt, a capable goalie and 2017 team MVP.
— Megan Schneider
MICHIGAN (Women)
2017 Record: 5-12 (1-5 Big Ten)
Old Coach: Jenny Ulehla
New Coach: Hannah Nielsen
Pedigree: Two-time Tewaaraton winner at Northwestern, four-time World Cup player for Australia has eight years of Division I coaching experience as assistant at Northwestern, Colorado, Towson and Penn State.
Vision: “First and foremost, build a culture of success and foster an environment where people can improve both as people and as players.”
Cause for Optimism: Nielsen remains elite on the international level. She can relate to players as a current player. The teams on which she was an assistant all improved during her time there. The potential is there. Michigan defeated rival Ohio State, a perennial top-20 team, last year.
— Megan Schneider