BY TAFT COGHILL JR.
After six Fredericksburg-area field hockey standouts played in the National Futures Tournament at the end of last month, they received an even greater honor.
They've been chosen as members of the 16-and-under United States Junior Olympics team, which consists of 120 players.
The players will split into teams and compete in the AAU Junior Olympics July 28-Aug. 2 in Des Moines, Iowa.
The players are Blair Kline (Massaponax), Haley Kane (Massaponax), Bailee Hubert (Mountain View), Taylor Bailey (Stafford), Bella Licciardello (Fredericksburg Academy) and Erin Brantley (Chancellor).
Robin Woodie, who coaches four of the players with the High Voltage travel team, said this year's group is the largest ever to represent the Fredericksburg area at the Junior Olympic level.
"It's awesome for our area," Woodie said. "Once again it shows that we have young ladies who are excelling in the sport. It's an unbelievable opportunity for them."
TAYLOR RETURNS TO CAVS
Former Orange boys basketball coach Tim Taylor has been named associate head women's basketball coach at the University of Virginia.
Taylor was an assistant coach under Debbie Ryan for the Cavaliers from 2000-05 before he headed to Orange for a two-year stint.
He guided the Hornets to the Group AA state tournament for the first time in school history in the 2005-06 season.
Taylor coached at Madison High for the past two seasons. He led the boys team to a 28-1 record and the Group A, Division 2 semifinals last season.
CAVS ARE GOOD SPORTS
Caroline has been awarded the Fredericksburg Umpires Association Sportsmanship Award for baseball and softball.
The award was presented at a recent banquet at a Fredericksburg restaurant.
It was voted on by the Fredericksburg Umpires Association, and Caroline was one of 24 schools in contention for the award.
"We are very proud to be chosen for this prestigious award," Caroline Athletic Director Dan Dickey wrote in an e-mail. "It is a reflection of our coaches, parents and players for their hard work, dedication and respect for the game."
BALLMAN MAKES SPLASH
Former Colonial Forge High School swimmer Alesha Ballman will compete for Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pa.
Ballman lettered all four years for the Eagles. She was the team captain this past season.
She was a Commonwealth District and Northwest Region qualifier in the 100 backstroke, 200 individual medley and 50 freestyle.
HADEN JOINS BROTHER
Former Spotsylvania County resident Jordan Haden has orally committed to play football for the University of Florida.
Haden is a rising senior at Friendly High School in Fort Washington, Md. He's rated the No. 8 safety in the country by recruiting service rivals.com. His older brother, Joe Haden, is a two-year starter at cornerback for the Gators.
Another brother, Josh Haden, started at running back for Boston College last season.
Taft Coghill Jr.: 540/374-5526
Email: tcoghill@freelancestar.com