January 21, 1999

Villanova, Pa.--- Allyson Gillespie will begin her first season as head coach of the Villanova University women's water polo team in 1999. Gillespie comes to the Main Line from Bucknell University where she served as head coach for the 1997-98 season.

A 1996 graduate of Bucknell University, Gillespie was a four-year member of the Bison water polo team. Serving as the team captain in 1995 and 1996, she received United States Water Polo Academic All-America distinction in both those seasons. In 1996, Gillespie was named to the All-East Water Polo Team.

In addition to her accomplishments for the Bucknell water polo team, Gillespie also made strides in the pool as a four-year member of the Bison Swim team, serving as team captain in 1996. She left Bucknell with one individual swimming record in the 100 yard breaststroke and two relay records in the 200 and 400 year medley relays.

Growing up in Rochester, N.Y., Gillespie currently resides in Philadelphia, Pa. She takes over a Wildcat squad in 1999, that posted a 11-13 record in their first season of varsity water polo one season ago.