Twist of fate pays off for Gannon, Michigan

Kelli Gannon has become a crucial cog in the Michigan field hockey team's powerful offense. But if it weren't for a fortuitous twist of fate, Gannon could have easily been tearing up tennis courts instead of field hockey fields.

In fact, Gannon had never heard of field hockey before her freshman year at San Pasqual High School (Escondido, Calif.) and she was so unsure of her interest in the game that she tried out for the school's tennis team at the same time.

Her frustration with the complexities of field hockey convinced her to quit the team and focus her attentions on tennis.

But after informing her coach that she was quitting the team, her sister's car broke down and she had no way to get home.

She decided to stay for one more practice, had a great time and stuck to field hockey.

DAVID ROCHKIND/Daily Michigan forward Kelli Gannonhas been running circles around opposing teams this year notching the winning goal in two recent contests.

Fate works in mysterious ways. Three years later, Gannon was named the county and league Player of the Year.

The following season, an outstanding rookie campaign at Michigan earned her Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors.

Michigan's players, coaches and fans are grateful that Gannon decided to stick to the sport.

"She's a really special player," Michigan coach Marcia Pankratz said. "She's the field general of our team. She has a lot of natural skills that you can't teach players and reads the field really well."

Opposing teams may not share the same sentiments. Recently, Gannon has single-handedly ruined several teams' days.

The junior forward/midfielder's game-winning goal against Michigan State last Wednesday destroyed the Spartans' hope for an undefeated Big Ten campaign.

Her dominating performances against Ohio and California last weekend eliminated all hopes those teams had of upsetting No. 12 Michigan.

By scoring four goals in Michigan's last three games, Gannon has proven that she is a force to be reckoned with.

She currently leads the Wolverines in goals, points, shots and game-winning goals and is among the leaders in assists.

Last season, after leading the team in goals, she was named an AstroTurf/NFHA second team All-American.

This year, she is a nominee for All-America honors, and if she continues her stellar play, the first-team award is a distinct possibility.

Teammates agree that Gannon's role on the team is a crucial one.

"Kelli is a great team player with incredible offensive and defensive skills," senior captain Ashley Reichenbach said. "The team feeds off her determination and relentlessness- she's a key player."

Although modest about her accomplishments, Gannon acknowledges the contribution she makes to the team.

"I see myself as a playmaker on the field," Gannon said. "I play as hard as I can, lead by example and play my best."

Gannon is especially important in the penalty corner. Both of her goals against the Golden Bears and her game-winning goal against the Spartans came on penalty plays.

Pankratz describes Gannon's shot as "lethal," and teammates acknowledge that if it weren't for her presence, the offense would not capitalize on these opportunities as regularly.

"She has one heck of a shot, especially on penalty corners," Reichenbach said. "She's really powerful."

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