University of Richmond Athletics
Zarkoski, Barry Named NFHCA All-Americans
12/02/2013 | Field Hockey
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. – Senior Anna Zarkoski and junior Rebecca Barry of the Richmond field hockey team have earned All-American honors, as announced by the NFHCA Monday. Zarkoski was named to the All-American First Team, while Barry was placed on the All-American Third Team for their second-career All-American honors.
Zarkoski's honor marks first ever Spider to be placed on the All-American First Team.
“Having two All-American awards received at the conclusion of our 2013 season has been most treasured,” commented head coach Gina Lucido. “Anna Zarkoski is one of the best goalies in the country and deserving of this recognition on so many levels. The manner in which she led our program through steadfast character, strength and humility is a class act that impacts our culture beyond and beyond. Her standout performances and sportsmanship is one to be modeled and esteemed by her peers. My words fail to express the depth of my joy for her and this honor. Anna is truly one of the most gifted I've coached in my career.”
Zarkoski rewrote the Richmond record book as she finished a stellar career between the pipes. The Norristown, Pa., native finished her career tied for first in goals against average (1.16) and third in save percentage (.762) all-time at Richmond. This season she recorded 84 saves, seven shutouts and a .824 save percentage ranks first in the nation. Prior to her First Team honor, Zarkoski, was placed on the All-American Third Team in 2011.
Zarkoski was also placed on the All-South Region First Team, All-Atlantic 10 First Team and was also selected to represent Richmond on the NFHCA Senior Game that was played on Nov. 23.
“Equally I want to sing high praises and celebrate her goalkeeping coach and mentor Kristen O'Rourke,” added Lucido. “Kristen's investment and talent have been most significant in Anna reaching this benchmark. I am richly blessed to have Kristen among my outstanding coaching staff.”
This is the second-straight All-American honor for Barry as she was placed on the All-American Second Team as a sophomore. Barry led the Spiders with 15 goals and seven assists which was good for 37 points this season. The Limerick, Ireland native finished the season ranked tied for 18th in the nation in goals per game.
Barry was also placed on the All-South Region First Team, All-Atlantic 10 First Team and Atlantic 10 All-Tournament team this season.
“Rebecca's third team honors are truly another end of the season worthy player recognition,” said Lucido. “Rebecca's ability to score amazing goals has been proven throughout her three-year playing career at Richmond. She is one of the most passionate and talented leaders I have mentored.
“The entire Spider family celebrates all of the post-season awards, including the A-10 Conference, All-Regional and All-American awards earned by numerous Spiders. While the 2013 season ended with heavy hearts, the women walked away with heads high and worthiness beyond the playing field,” concluded Lucido.
Zarkoski and Barry join fellow Spider All-Americans Sarah Blythe-Wood (2009), Allie Howard (2004), Holly Cram (2004), Heather Rice (2000) and Dawn Reyerson (1993).
