University of Richmond Athletics
Spider Soccer Alum Ready For Beijing
07/24/2008 | Women's Soccer
July 24, 2008
U.S. SAILING WEBSITE
TEAM GO SAIL 2008
PHOTOS 
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. - Richmond women's soccer standout, Sarah Mergenthaler, is just weeks away from competing at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. The 2001 graduate decided to take on sailing with now-partner Amanda Clark after completing her term at Richmond. The two will represent the United States in Beijing as the women's 470 crew.
"We are so excited for Sarah," women's soccer head coach Peter Albright commented. "The UR soccer family has been following her amazing trajectory, and she continues to inspire and amaze us."
Mergenthaler is one of 18 US sailors heading to Beijing. After qualifying just a few days ago, Mergenthaler was invited to visit to the White House where President George W. Bush hosted a Rose Garden Olympic Send-Off for 22 athletes. Following dinner, the President gave the guests a personal tour of the Oval Office where he posed for casual photos.
"Sarah is perhaps the most willful and determined young woman that I know," Albright added. "There is nothing that she would accomplish, including an Olympic medal that would surprise me."
