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The Daily OrangeTraveling trio
Three SU players followed Ange Bradley from Richmond to Syracuse
By Bill Palka
Posted: 9/16/08, 12:41 AM EST Section: Sports
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They didn't want to play out their college careers for anybody but Ange Bradley.
"Once (Bradley) left I just felt like - there was like a hole there," said senior midfielder Taylor. "I didn't think that I would be complete or happy (at Richmond) unless she was there."
When Bradley decided she would leave the Atlantic 10 powerhouse she built at Richmond to take over at Syracuse two years ago, it left the trio wondering where their college careers would go.
Now, after sitting out last season due to NCAA transfer rules, Taylor, Conrad and Voelmle have become instrumental to No. 7 Syracuse's success. Through six games, Taylor and Conrad, a sophomore forward, lead the Orange (6-0) in goals with six each. Voelmle, a sophomore who starts in the midfield, has one goal, but her presence in the midfield has been crucial to the success of Syracuse's vaunted offensive attack.
The trio has played an integral role in SU's torrid start to the 2008 campaign. The Orange currently holds its highest position in the STX/NFCHA Division I Coaches Poll since its No. 9 ranking in 1990 and 1993. After last weekend's thrilling upset over No. 1 Maryland, the Orange will likely find its name even closer to the top of the poll.
For Bradley, knowing that she is the reason for three players transferring to Syracuse is gratifying.
"It's an honor," Bradley said. "It gives me chills. That's what coaching is about, changing the lives of young women."
The move north wasn't all smooth sailing for Bradley or the three players who followed her. In fact, the former Richmond coach, who compiled a 42-0 record in the A-10 before coming to Syracuse, received a dose of the silent treatment from her star player, Taylor. The midfielder was coming off a sterling junior season in which she was Atlantic 10 offensive player of the year and led the conference in goals (30) and points (69).
"When I announced I was coming to Syracuse (Shannon) was really, really upset," Bradley said. "She didn't even make time to talk to me during the time that I was still on staff. I never even had the chance to say goodbye to her."
The window of opportunity temporarily closed for Bradley and Taylor to make amends once the head coach's position at Syracuse was official. Once the three players decided they were going to transfer, they became recruits again, which meant by NCAA rule they were not allowed to speak with Bradley or any other head coach until the recruiting season restarted.
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