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12 CAVALIER CORNER Field hockey alumna Michelle Vittese had the honor of continuing her career at the national level for eight years and earned 211 inter- national caps. As a member of the U.S. National Team, she traveled to the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Olympics. Her team earned a silver medal in Ireland's 2012 Champions Challenge I, a bronze medal in London's 2016 Women's Hockey Champions Trophy competition and another bronze at the 2017 Pan American Cup in Pennsylvania. Vittese's team won four gold med- als, including two at the Pan American Games in 2011 (Mexico) and 2015 (Canada), at the 2014 Champions Challenge (Scotland) and the 2017 World League Semifinals (South Africa). "Competing in Rio was an incredibly special experience," she said. "The group spent four grueling but rewarding years prepar- ing for the games. The preparation was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. "Although our performance was spectacular, it ended in the quar- terfinal. Even though I'm a ruthless competitor at my core, all of the wins, losses, goals scored and goals conceded cannot and will not ever supersede the feeling of family. "Rio was particularly special because of that, the years of suffer- ing and joy brought on through training with a group of people that wanted the exact same thing you and the rest of the field hockey community wanted. "I was inspired by each of my teammates. Each of us had our own story, our own hardships and life events that shaped who we were. We put the group and the mission first. It was inspiring to be dedi- cating a large part of my life to this mission and something bigger than myself." Vittese has since gained coaching and administrative experience with the Spirit of USA club team and is currently the associate head coach at Temple University. Prior to her long international career, this three-time UVA All- American loved playing collegiate field hockey alongside her sister Carissa, followed by sister Tara, and all three spent time with the U.S. National Team. Vittese gives her parents and sisters recognition for supporting and inspiring her, while Michele Madison, her UVA coach, further guided her development and provided her with an opportunity to lead. "My UVA experience sparked my true love for competition and for pursuing excellence," she said. "My Olympic experiences pro- vided a space to explore, fail and persevere. It forever changed my belief in myself and what I was capable of achieving. It undoubtedly set the tone for the rest of my life." These student-athlete alumni stories are a glimpse into the rich history of UVA Olympians, who share a very special career accom- plishment. We are proud of our Hoos! Alum and Olympian Erik Imler also lists national championship titles on his résumé. As a Cavalier, Imler played soccer from 1989-92 and was a member of three NCAA championship teams (1989, 1991 and 1992). A team captain, he was a two-time second-team All-American and majored in sports medicine. Imler's national and Olympic achievements occurred throughout his college experiences as well. He was a member of the U.S. National Team at the 1987 U-16 World Cup in Canada and played on the U.S. U-20 National Team. During the 1991 Pan American Games, Imler suited up for the U.S. gold medal team and then played for the U-23 National Team heading into the 1992 Summer Olympics. In 1993, Imler earned his caps with the U.S. National Team in a 2-2 tie against El Salvador. Of the opening ceremony, Imler recalled: "Seeing the archer who shot the fire arrow inside Olympic Stadium to the cauldron outside the stadium was an amaz- ing experience that still gives me chills to this day." He also remembered being greeted by the USA basketball "Dream Team" and coaches in Barcelona before entering the Olympic Stadium, noting that it was amazing to hang out with icons such as Charles Barkley, David Robinson, Clyde Drexler and John Stockton. During Imler's professional soccer career, he played for several teams, includ- ing D.C. United during their 1996 MLS Cup and 1996 U.S. Open Cup title runs. He was later named to Soccer America magazine's College Team of the Decade (1990s) and Team of the Century in 2000. Upon retiring, Imler maintained his passion for soccer, coaching for youth and college programs. He is currently the Youth Academy Director at Charlotte Soccer Academy and assistant coach for the National Independent Soccer Association professional team Stumptown AC. In addition, Imler serves as a technical repre- sentative for Kwik Goal. Imler played for the U.S. U-23 National Team heading into the 1992 Summer Olympics. Vittese (left) has earned 211 international caps while playing for the U.S. National Team, including playing in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. MICHELLE VITTESE FIELD HOCKEY ERIK IMLER | SOCCER