Michigan Water Polo: Coaching Change, Individual Awards, and Cal State Fullerton Sweep
The University of Michigan Athletic Department announced a coaching change for the women's water polo program. Cassie Churnside resigned as head coach, effective March 6, 2026, after nearly four seasons and a tenure that included three consecutive top-three CWPA Championship finishes. Assistant coach Sami Tai has been named acting head coach for the remainder of the 2026 season. Athletic Director Warde Manuel expressed gratitude for Churnside's efforts and affirmed ongoing support for the team as they pursue their season goals.
The Michigan Wolverines continue to earn individual accolades throughout the 2026 season. Emma Gustafsson was named Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) Player of the Week for her offensive output across three conference matchups, notching 11 points with 10 goals and one assist. Her performance featured a five-goal effort against Bucknell and a perfect shooting game against No. 7 Harvard, contributing to a major team upset. This marks Gustafsson's first Player of the Week honor in 2026 and the fourth of her collegiate career.
Goalkeeper Sophia Bunnell has emerged as a defensive anchor, earning CWPA Defensive Player of the Week twice in 2026. She totaled 26 saves in three games at the Conference Crossover at Bucknell and delivered a standout 14-save performance in the victory over Harvard. Bunnell also received her first career defensive honor earlier in the season at the Midwest Invitational, where she notched 30 saves and helped secure a 3-0 weekend record, including a 14-save match against No. 17 UC Davis.
Freshman Bailee Swindells was recognized as CWPA Rookie of the Week after leading Michigan with 14 goals at the Midwest Invitational. Swindells recorded six goals in two different games, marking the first award of her Wolverine career. Attacker Ari Karampetsou was also tabbed CWPA Player of the Week following her 21-point weekend at the Triton Invitational, highlighted by 15 goals and six assists—including a five-goal feat against Arizona State.
On the competition front, No. 11 Michigan secured a 15-10 victory over Cal State Fullerton on March 7, 2026, to complete the season sweep. Emilia Mladjan posted her second hat trick of the weekend with four goals, and Gustafsson tallied six points, including five goals. The Wolverines established an early lead and maintained control throughout, with key contributions from Ari Karampetsou and defensive stability provided by Sophia Bunnell’s 11 saves. Michigan improved to a 14-8 record and looks ahead to continued conference play.
