Dozen Dandies: Chapman nets all-time high 12 All-Americans in 08-09

ORANGE, Calif. - "If you build it, they will come."

Chapman University had 12 student-athletes named to their respective All-America teams during the 2008-09 academic year, an all-time high for the Panthers.

It's no coincidence the record number of All-America athletes at Chapman comes in the same year when the Donald P. Kennedy Intercollegiate Athletics Program moved into its brand new home in the Lastinger Athletics Complex, which opened last Fall. It also serves as a testament to Chapman's commitment to becoming one of the best NCAA Division III athletic programs in the country.

"This is a tribute to our coaches, faculty, administration and outstanding generosity of our donors," said Director of Athletics David Currey, "I'm so proud of our student-athletes. We have come so far and so far and yet we feel we are just getting started."

"Chapman's new facilities are some of the finest in Division III and here's proof that our student-athletes are as well," said Currey.

Headlining the dozen Chapman All-Americans are a trio of three-time honorees: Jill Felger (volleyball), Alex Mulé (men's water polo) and Wayde Kitchens (baseball). All three are the first in their sports to earn All-America honors three times at Chapman. Liz Lewis (women's tennis) is also a two-time All-America selection.

The others: Linda Ly (volleyball), Austin McElvaney (men's water polo), Kelley Fox (women's tennis), Clifford Yook (men's tennis), John Semel (baseball), Tristan Phillips (baseball), Sabrina Cook (women's water polo) and Celia Huling (women's water polo).

Good news for Chapman is that just five of the 12 student-athletes are graduated seniors, meaning the other seven would likely return for the 2009-10 school year. Semel - a junior in school - was drafted by the New York Mets in this month's baseball draft, but would be eligible to come back to the Panthers if he opts not to sign a contract.

Mulé will attempt to become Chapman's first four-time All-America selection in school history when he takes the pool for his senior season in September.