Redder showing versatility for IU

In her three seasons as a Hoosier, junior Nicole Redder has never missed a game. Now, her consistent contribution comes in a more versatile manner.

A Grandville, Mich., native, Redder had demonstrated her understanding of versatility when she won three varsity letters in water polo and four in swimming at Jenison High School.

At IU, Redder sets her focus on battling between the cages. And she translates her understanding of versatility into playing various roles on the IU women’s water polo’s team.

Before the 2010 season started, IU coach Barry King said he expected to see Redder show her abilities to do more as he tried to move Redder to the center position in the offense.

Redder said the change was fun.

“It’s a little bit different for me,” Redder said. “I play more at the center this year than in the previous years, but it’s interesting to try.”

During her first two seasons at IU, Redder started 50 of 73 total games played, registering 69 goals, 48 assists and 115 steals as a perimeter attacker. Her efforts helped her earn superior distinction on the Collegiate Water Polo Association Scholar-Athlete team and Academic All-Big Ten team last year.

Redder said the change in position did not affect her that much, because all she wanted to do in every game is just to “get in there and play hard.”

And she did it as soon as the season kicked off.

On Jan. 24, Redder’s versatility also corresponded to her leadership as she had a three-goal run in a 57-second span in the fourth quarter against Colorado State, securing a Hoosiers victory.

“Nicole is very competitive offensively,” King said. “But I know she can show her aggressiveness on defense as well, though she’s already been doing very well.”

So far, Redder had 21 steals in 11 games as a starter on the season, next to sophomore Jakie Köhli’s team-high 26.

Junior center Kate Dunn has witnessed Redder’s competence in and out of the pool. As both a teammate and roommate, Dunn said she is not surprised to see how well Redder has been doing.

“Nicole is always energetic regularly,” Dunn said. “But when she’s ready to play the game, she is very tough-minded.”