Nov. 17, 2008
AUSTIN, Texas -- University of Texas head women's swimming and diving coach Kim Brackin and head diving coach Matt Scoggin announced Monday the signings of 10 prep standouts to National Letters of Intent.
Brackin announced the signings of eight swimmers: Bethany Adams (Frederick, Md./Thomas Johnson H.S.); Kelsey Amundsen (The Woodlands, Texas/The Woodlands H.S.); Spindrift Beck (Dallas, Texas/The Hockaday School); Jessica Guro (Bethlehem, Pa./Liberty H.S.); Lauren and Lindsey Norberg (Newfield, N.Y./Ithaca H.S.); Leah Reinhardt (Louisville, Ky./duPont Manual H.S.) and Laura Sogar (Exeter, R.I./The Prout School).
"Our objective was to sign great people who also swim fast," Brackin said. "We were extremely fortunate to get young women who absolutely allowed us to achieve that goal. The quality of person is exceptional, the commitment to academics is outstanding and the level of talent is truly exciting."
Scoggin announced the signings of two divers: Samantha Holland (San Antonio, Texas/Reagan H.S.) and Maren Taylor (Arlington, Va./Yorktown H.S.).
"We're very fortunate to have Maren and Samantha joining the Longhorns," Scoggin said. "Both divers will be factors on all three boards and they will immediately help us at our conference meets and in the team pursuit at the NCAA Championships. Both Samantha and Maren will progress dramatically. They are excited to join a strong swim team and help with the pursuit of lighting the UT Tower orange. We are pleased to sign two women with wonderful personalities who have high academic standards and athletic talents."
BETHANY ADAMS (Frederick, Md./Thomas Johnson HS/Green Terror Aquatic Club/Club Coach: Jeff Hiestand
• Placed 11th in the 50m freestyle (26.47) at the 2008 NCSA Junior National Championships
• NISCA All-American
• Four-time member of the All-Maryland Swim Team
• Two-time Scholastic All-American
Top Times (short-course yards): 50 free - 23.14; 100 free - 49.85; 200 free - 1:51.08; 100 breast - 1:02.36; 200 breast - 2:19.48; 100 fly - 58.69; 200 IM - 2:03.70
Top Times (long-course meters): 50 free - 26.47; 100 free - 58.90; 200 free - 2:07.50; 100 breast - 1:12.82; 200 IM - 2:23.00
I signed with Texas because: The University of Texas offers the best combination of excellent academics and an excellent swimming program. It has the most welcoming and positive team of swimmers and coaches to help me achieve all of my goals.
Brackin on Adams: Bethany is an explosive athlete just on the verge of breaking out. Her speed in both the 50 and 100 free will address one of our missing components. She's excited to contribute to a team effort. Jeff Hiestand has sent some male swimmers to Texas in the past. I think we're all excited to have his first female swimmer at Texas.
|
|
 |
KELSEY AMUNDSEN (The Woodlands, Texas/The Woodlands HS/The Woodlands Swim Team/Club Coach: Scott MacFarland) • Three-time NISCA All-American during the 2007-08 season
• Placed seventh in the 100m freestyle (58.10) at the 2008 NCSA Junior National Championships
• 2006 Texas UIL Class 5A State Champion, 100 freestyle
Top Times (short-course yards): 50 free - 23.43; 100 free - 50.78; 200 free - 1:51.40; 100 fly - 56.09; 200 IM - 2:04.14
Top Times (long-course meters): 50 free - 26.93; 100 free - 57.58; 200 free - 2:05.77
I signed with Texas because: I think The University of Texas has a lot to offer. The coaches and the team were just awesome and everything about UT was comfortable. Also, the education programs at UT are some of the best available.
Brackin on Amundsen: I love her versatility. I think we have a lot more to learn about her speed. I also love that she wanted to stay in-state to represent Texas. There is an immeasurable loyalty and pride before she ever takes one step on campus. The Woodlands is a team that continually produces great talent. We're fortunate in that Scott MacFarland feels confident we can help her succeed.
SPINDRIFT BECK (Dallas, Texas/The Hockaday School/Dallas Mustangs/Club Coach: Mook Rhodenbaugh)
• National high school record holder, 100-yard breaststroke (1:00.66)
• Six-time NISCA All-American
• Captain of the 2006-07 USA Junior National Team
• Placed third in the 100m breaststroke (1:11.32), 200m breaststroke (2:33.33) and the 200m IM (2:18.64) at the 2007 USA Junior National Championships
• Placed 20th in the 200m IM (2:16.24) and 23rd in the 200m breaststroke (2:32.19) at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials
• Placed seventh in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:01.47) and the 200-yard breaststroke (2:12.78) and eighth in the 200-yard IM (1:59.81) at the 2007 USA Short Course National Championship
• Won silver in the 200m IM (2:17.50) at the 2007 Junior Pan Pacific Championships
Top Times (short-course yards): 100 breast - 1:00.66; 200 breast - 2:10.51; 200 IM - 1:58.99; 400 IM - 4:16.24
Top Times (long-course meters): 100 breast - 1:11.06; 200 breast - 2:32.19; 200 IM - 2:16.24; 400 IM - 4:57.39
I signed with Texas because: The University of Texas is excellent academically, especially in the fields of interest to me (communications/liberal arts). From the first time I met with coaches Kim Brackin and Jim Henry, as well as the girls on the team, I knew it was a special environment in which to train, compete and improve. It is my hope to win a NCAA title with my future teammates. Being a Texan myself, I really feel at home here.
Brackin on Beck: Another in-state slam dunk! We have had our eyes on Spin since we arrived. She is an outstanding breaststroker but will also add strength to our individual medley ranks. Mook Rhodenbaugh has taken her to great heights already and we're excited to build upon that foundation. She is a team player and I believe she will do anything in her power to make her team better. Spin will be a leader in and out of the pool.
JESSICA GURO (Bethlehem, Pa./Liberty H.S./Atlantis Aquatic Club/Club Coach: Matt Beckwith)
• Two-time member of the USA National Junior Team (2007-08, 2008-09)
• Four-time NCSA Junior National Champion (50 back, 100 back, 200 back, 50 fly)
• NSCA Junior National record holder
• Placed third in the 100m backstroke (1:02.93) (1:02.93) at the 2008 USA Summer Junior Nationals
• 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier, 100m and 200m backstroke, 100m butterfly
Top Times (short-course yards): 100 back - 54.50; 200 back - 1:58.02; 100 fly - 54.11
Top Times (long-course meters): 100 back - 1:02.93; 200 back - 2:17.46; 100 fly - 1:01.53
I signed with Texas because: Academically, Texas is one of the top universities in the country for my major (math/secondary education). Texas Swimming has an unparalleled tradition of excellence. When you combine that with the tremendous coaches and the great team, Texas was the perfect fit!
Brackin on Guro: Finally, after eight months, I can comment on how excited we are to get Jess. Her early decision in March of 2008 shows her enthusiasm and her level of commitment to Texas. She is an underwater machine! Her speed in both butterfly and backstroke are exactly what we need. She will be a great addition to any medley relay.
SAMANTHA HOLLAND (San Antonio, Texas/Reagan H.S./San Antonio Divers/Club Coaches: Craig Nolder, Allison Huntress, Alex Vollelunga)
• Three-time NISCA All-American
• Eight-time qualifier, USA Spring and Summer National Championships
• Three-time All-Region selection
• Participated in the 2005 USA/Canada Challenge
I signed with Texas because: Of all the places I visited, Texas was by far my favorite, and it was where I felt most at home. I loved the people, the atmosphere, the coach and the location. It's an honor to come to UT, and being from Texas, who would want to leave?
Scoggin on Holland: Samantha is a former camper of ours, so we've had experience working with her and we know how easily she makes corrections. She is a strong springboard and platform diver and will immediately impact our team and help us light the UT Tower orange.
LAUREN NORBERG (Newfield, N.Y./Ithaca H.S./Ithaca Aquatics Club/Club Coach: Roy Staley)
• Member of the 2007-08 USA National Junior Team
• 2007 New York state high school champion, 100y breaststroke
• Led Ithaca HS to state team titles in 2006 and 2007
• 11-time individual sectional champion
• Ranked 10th among U.S. high school seniors in the 100y breaststroke
• Twin sister of UT swimming signee Lindsey Norberg
Top Times (short-course yards): 100 breast - 1:03.13; 200 breast - 2:19.45; 200 IM - 2:06.01; 400 IM - 4:29.89
Top Times (long-course meters): 100 breast - 1:11.84; 200 breast - 2:37.27; 200 IM - 2:22.99; 400 IM - 5:03.36
I signed with Texas because: After coming home from my visit to The University of Texas, I knew I could go nowhere else. Academically, Texas has everything I am looking for and I felt completely at home with the swimmers and coaches as soon as I got there. It is a perfect fit for me.
LINDSEY NORBERG (Newfield, N.Y./Ithaca H.S./Ithaca Aquatics Club/Club Coach: Roy Staley)
• 2005 and 2006 New York state high school champion, 100y breaststroke
• Led Ithaca H.S. to state team titles in 2006 and 2007
• 21-time individual sectional champion
• Placed third in the 50 breaststroke at the 2007 U.S. Short Course Junior Nationals
• Placed second in the 50 breaststroke and the 100 breaststroke at the 2006 U.S. Short Course Junior Nationals
Top Times (short-course yards): 100 breast - 1:02.34; 200 breast - 2:19.00; 200 IM - 2:05.31
Top Times (long-course meters): 100 breast - 1:10.98; 200 breast - 2:40.48; 200 IM - 2:24.88
I signed with Texas because: I knew that I wanted to come to The University of Texas as soon as I went down for my visit. It has everything I need academically, and the swim team is amazing! It was the perfect fit for me, and I could not see myself going anywhere else.
Brackin on the Norbergs: How fun to go full circle and sign two talented young women from my high school alma mater. Lauren has had steady improvement over the last two years and is hungry for an environment that will allow her to continue to excel. Lindsey wanted teammates who would force her to step up to a new level. Both ladies are super athletes who will add great depth to a talented breaststroke group. Roy Staley is an experienced coach and I am confident these ladies will come in with a great training background.
LEAH REINHARDT (Louisville, Ky./duPont Manual H.S./Lakeside Aquatics: Club Coach: Mike DeBoor)
• 2008 USA Spring Junior National Champion, 200m butterfly
• Two-time Kentucky state high school individual champion
• Helped duPont Manual H.S. to four consecutive state team titles
• Two-time Academic All-American
Top Times (short-course yards): 100 fly - 55.29; 200 fly - 1:58.33; 200 IM - 2:03.39
Top Times (long-course meters): 100 fly - 1:01.34; 200 fly - 2:14.42; 100 free - 59.92; 200 IM - 2:21.91
I signed with Texas because: I chose to come to Texas because it has everything I'm looking for in both a college and a swim team. All of the girls on the team are so nice and welcoming and so much fun to be around. I clicked with them instantly and knew that these were the girls I wanted to surround myself with on a daily basis, not only for swimming, but also for creating friendships. I really appreciate and respect what both Kim and Jim have to say about their program and the direction in which it's headed. They truly care about each of their swimmers in and out of the pool, and that's something that I find very important. The University of Texas offers many strong majors and programs in which I'm interested, and I know that by receiving an education here that I'll be well prepared for my future. UT really does have the whole package for me. I love the swim team and coaches, and I love the school. I love the city of Austin, and I love the pride that every UT student takes in being a Longhorn. I can't wait to be a part of it next fall!
Brackin on Reinhardt: What an engaging young woman! Leah is someone who will be everyone's friend but also challenge her teammates daily. Mike DeBoor continually produces kids who see their best days in their collegiate careers. I feel confident Leah won't disappoint. She is a great young butterflier in both the 100 and 200 distances. She looks forward to being challenged daily by (UT freshmen) Kathleen Hersey and Leah Gingrich.
LAURA SOGAR (Exeter, R.I./The Prout School/Bluefish Swim Club/Club Coach: Chuck Batchelor)
• Won gold in the 400m medley relay, silver in the 50m breaststroke and bronze in the 200m breaststroke at the 2008 FINA World Youth Swimming Championships in Monterrey, Mexico
• Captured the 200m breaststroke (2:27.38) at the 2008 U.S. Open
• Placed eighth in the 200m breaststroke (2:27.90) and 13th in the 100m breaststroke at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials
• Member of the 2008-09 USA Junior National Team and will represent the USA at the 2009 Junior Pan Pacific Championships
Top Times (short-course yards): 100 breast - 1:01.46; 200 breast - 2:13.71; 200 IM - 2:03.30; 400 IM - 4:24.59
Top Times (long-course meters): 100 breast - 1:09.37; 200 breast - 2:26.41; 200 IM- 2:18.48; 400 IM - 4:52.66
I signed with Texas because: The academics and athletics at Texas are both incredible, but the primary reason I chose Texas over any other school was because of the community I saw. The team displayed a very close bond, and they all seemed to share a connection and a common goal. They are all highly motivated, which makes the perfect environment for success. Kim and Jim are building something that has already created a huge impact, and I can't wait to be a part of that.
Brackin on Sogar: A former camper who fell in love with Texas! Laura is an extremely bright girl with loads of talent. We saw her exhibit incredible composure last summer at the U.S. Olympic Trials and then get even better representing the USA in Mexico at the FINA World Junior Championships. Those experiences will help her be an immediate role model on the team. She is definitely a rising star. Chuck Batchelor has done an outstanding job with her and I look forward to helping her continue to develop and watching her race in an insanely competitive breaststroke group.
MAREN TAYLOR (Arlington, Va./Yorktown, H.S./Montgomery Dive Club/Club Coach: John Wolsh)
• Placed ninth in the three-meter event at the 2008 USA Diving National Championships
• Placed third in the one-meter event and the three-meter event at the 2008 USA Diving Speedo Junior National Championships
• Swept the one-meter, three-meter and platform events at the 2008 USA Diving Summer Junior Zone A Championships
• Captured the three-meter event at the 2008 USA Diving Spring Junior East Championships
• Claimed the three-meter event at the 2007 AAU Diving Nationals
Scoggin on Taylor: Maren comes from a strong junior program. She has very sound mechanics and will flourish on all three boards when she arrives at Texas.
