For former Michigan water polo standout Leah Robertson, it’s a huge honor to compete for Team USA at the World University Games taking place in Shenzhen, China.

Having been in the United States National Water Polo system for a long time — playing for the Junior National team in 2005, the Senior National “B” Team in 2008, and practicing with the Senior national team in 2010 — the Newport Beach, Calif. native is excited to get her first chance to travel overseas to represent her country. She is also thrilled to be a part of the first United States women’s water polo team to compete at the World University Games.

But what really makes these games so special for Robertson is the opportunity to play for Matt Anderson, her former coach at Michigan.

“Its such a gift,” Robertson said. “Matt and I were very close during my time at Michigan. My four years of playing at Michigan were probably the greatest water polo experiences of my life. The chance to play for him again is really special and that made this opportunity more exciting for me.”

Robertson, a senior captain in 2010, was a prominent part of the team during her time at Michigan, helping the Wolverines reach three straight NCAA Championships to finish off her collegiate career. Recruited to Michigan for her formidable defense, Robertson starred.

She anchored Michigan’s defense throughout her years, helping the Wolverines establish an imposing presence on that side of the ball. She holds the program record for most steals in a game, season and in a career. She also ranks second all-time for career drawn rejections.

But while she was recruited as a highly touted defender, Robertson developed her offense and became one of the great all-around players in the program’s history. While she put in long hours of hard work, she credits Anderson for her immense improvement and helping her become an even better player.

“In high school, I was mostly defensive,” Robertson said. “I was the two-meter defender, and that was where I was the most useful. In college, I was primarily a defender as well, but throughout my years — mostly towards junior and senior year — (Anderson) really pushed me to be more aggressive on offense and to start being more creative that way. That was really new for me because I wasn’t offensive at all in high school, and I’ve really grown as an offensive player which has really helped me round my game out very well.”

Robertson’s offense grew each season. After scoring 30 goals as a freshman, Robertson increased her scoring as a sophomore, netting 43 goals. Her season total for goals dropped slightly to 41 as a junior, but she did post a higher goal per game average.

But the most improvement can be seen during her senior season. In only 25 games, she became an offensive force, totaling 45 goals.

But as much as Robertson improved as a player, she enjoyed playing for Anderson because he impacted her in other parts of her life.

“He really brought me out of my shell as a player and as a person,” Robertson said. To me, he was really good at instilling confidence and allowing me to be the player that I wanted to be. He allowed me to be creative and make mistakes and learn as I played.

“As for growing as a person, he’s the type of coach who doesn’t bend the rules for anyone. He holds everyone accountable and holds everyone to the highest standard and it really makes you push yourself in every aspect of your life, whether it be water polo or school.”

For Anderson, he’s just happy to be able to coach such a special player one more time.

“It’s really an honor to have the opportunity to coach this team,” Anderson said. “It’s just really special to be able to coach Leah because she’s just an amazing player.”