Zarkoski earned the spot on the U.S. Developmental team after being named Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the Women's National Championship, which began June 1 in College Park, Md.
Over 84 athletes from across the nation participated in the event, competing in five matches over the course of eight as the U.S. Women's coaching staff, led by Bodimeade, evaluated the field.
Zarkoski represented the Pennsylvania region in the Championship match of the WNC against eventual winner New Jersey. With her play throughout the week, Zarkoski obviously made a great impression on Bodimeade and his staff.
"We want to make sure we have players, not just on the National Squad but also on the Development Squad that can be called in and get their opportunity at the highest level," Bodimeade said. "To be on the Development Squad could be a very important phase in an athlete's career given the unknown scenarios post Olympics."
Zarkoski becomes the first Spider to earn a spot on the U.S. Developmental team.
"To be present and witness this honor for Anna brought so much joy," Richmond head coach Gina Lucido said. "Anna has rooted her God given talent in humility and hard work, and she is reaping the fruit in her advancing career. She brings tremendous pride to the program."
Goalkeeping coach Kristen O'Rourke had similar sentiments. "Anna's being named to the developmental squad does not come as a surprise to me," O'Rourke said. "With zero margin for error and unfavorable odds, the position is highly challenging. Anna faces that challenge head on with a measure of grit, determination, and poise I have rarely witnessed. She has hit the ground running this past year and I'm very excited to see her hard work pay-off."
Zarkoski was a Third-Team All-American, First-Team All-South Region selection and First-Team All-Atlantic 10 pick as she led the nation in save percentage (.815) and her 1.00 goals against average ranked fourth in the country.
As a sophomore last fall, Zarkoski had 101 saves and seven shutouts and as she helped lead the Spiders to the 2011 Atlantic 10 Championship and the NCAA Tournament.
