Watch Out in 2002-03

Like Mleczko before her, Ruggiero says she has every intention of coming back for her remaining two years of eligibility after the Olympics. One oddity with her situation is that last year's freshman class will be seniors when she returns, while she will be listed as a junior.

"Yeah, I realized that all the freshman from last year will be seniors," Ruggiero said. "That's not fair! I initiated you!"

Ruggiero has every expectation that Harvard will still be a national title contender upon her return.

"I know we had a great freshman class last year, and I know some of the new players on the team this year," Ruggiero said. "Hopefully we'll get some good recruiting so we'll have a strong team when I come back."

The expectation of playing with a talent like Ruggiero would certainly be a boon to Harvard's recruiting. According to Stone, Botterill will also return for the remainder of her eligibility after the Olympics. The last time the pair came together after an Olympic year, the team went 33-1-0. With Ruggiero and Botterill reunited, Harvard undoubtedly would be capable of returning to such previously uncharted heights.