2004-05 Preview: Time to Reload
  

With Megan Mehilos graduated, sisters Michelle (foreground) and Danielle White step up to make a run for another National Championship.

Four Foresters earned All-America honors in 2004 but three of them – one man and two women – graduated in May along with three other team members. “We lost an extremely talented senior class,” comments Dau. “But the returning players are well aware of the challenge ahead and I certainly wouldn’t count us out just yet.”

Dau’s goal before each season is to match the 2001 team that won the men’s, women’s, and combined national championships. “The 2001 squad set the bar at a high level that each team after it hopes to match,” explains Dau. “We’ll give it another try in 2005.”

For the Foresters to approach that goal, they will need continued improvement from a number of returning players, including Ivan Ruiz and Alex Martinez on the men’s side and both Danielle and Michelle White for the women. Ruiz has earned All-America honors each of his first two seasons in doubles but, like Martinez, was defeated in the round of 32 in singles each year. Both White sisters were knocked out in last year’s round of 16.

While the team’s success is dependant on the performance of its veterans, Dau is also hoping to welcome a talented group of freshmen. “There is a wealth of quality young players in the area,” he states. “Because of our reputation, those kids know that Lake Forest can provide them with an excellent education and plenty of opportunities for success on the handball court.”