[M T]

Read on another site that we're missing 5 (that's 83% of our starting field players). UCLA and USC two each. Cal, perhaps one.

GoStanford.com indicates 4 are taking a leave of absence.  All the others named in that article played in the opening weekend (so the 5th isn't due to an injury).  3 players that scored in the NC game are playing this year, plus the All-American goalie.

The number 5 might be the starters from last year's team that aren't here this year.  The 5th is Aria Fischer who was listed as a red-shirt senior last year.  (4 other Seniors last year are not on this year's roster)

I believe the NCAA allows players to take a year off for the Olympics.  It hurt the 2020 team as well.

(If you're not familiar with WP, there are 6 field players and a goalie.  Stanford's 2023 goalie is playing again this year.)

While this loss of players seems hard on Stanford this year, it might be a recruiting goldmine.  If you're a top high school player, what better chance would you have to start playing under one of the best coaches right away?  (But then, playing next year would be more challenging!)

The losses weren't to the top teams.  There's a big drop off from the top 4 or 5 normally.  Stanford's passes & playing didn't look very crisp to me.

[M T]

Read on another site that we're missing 5 (that's 83% of our starting field players). UCLA and USC two each. Cal, perhaps one.

GoStanford.com indicates 4 are taking a leave of absence.  All the others named in that article played in the opening weekend (so the 5th isn't due to an injury).  3 players that scored in the NC game are playing this year, plus the All-American goalie.

The number 5 might be the starters from last year's team that aren't here this year.  The 5th is Aria Fischer who was listed as a red-shirt senior last year.  (4 other Seniors last year are not on this year's roster)

I believe the NCAA allows players to take a year off for the Olympics.  It hurt the 2020 team as well.

(If you're not familiar with WP, there are 6 field players and a goalie.  Stanford's 2023 goalie is playing again this year.)

While this loss of players seems hard on Stanford this year, it might be a recruiting goldmine.  If you're a top high school player, what better chance would you have to start playing under one of the best coaches right away?  (But then, playing next year would be more challenging!)

The losses weren't to the top teams.  There's a big drop off from the top 4 or 5 normally.  Stanford's passes & playing didn't look very crisp to me.