OMAHA, Neb. – The University of Nebraska at Omaha women's swimming and diving team announced the signing of five recruits for the 2009-2010 season today, the most early signings in the 12-year history of the program. The signees include Alicia Goetz (Tipton, Iowa), Cami Hansberry (Olathe, Kan.), Chelsea Hartman (Parker, Colo.), Ashton Porter (Bellevue, Neb.) and Mallory Schroeder (Wichita, Kan.). The Mavericks were able to sign a swimmer for each of the four strokes.
“Each person is competitive in the water, and each person is extremely solid in the class room,” said head coach Todd Samland. “I also think that each one of these recruits has characteristics that will enhance the chemistry of the team.”
In addition to their athletic prowess, Samland says he expects these recruits to excel in the classroom. The average ACT score of the group is 25.2, none has a grade point average lower than 3.8 and two of the swimmers are ranked first in her class.
Alicia Goetz will become a part of UNO's rich tradition of freestyle sprints. During her high school career, she has placed 13th in the state meet in both the 50- and 100-yard freestyle events.
“I think Alicia is a very driven person,” said Samland. “I look forward to helping her reach her goals.”
Cami Hansberry is another sprinter who Samland says also could compete in the backstroke events for the Mavericks. She has been a valuable member of her club's relay teams, helping them to second-place finishes in the 200-yard medley relay and 400-yard freestyle relay.
“After speaking with her coach, Hank Krusen, I think he's more excited than I am that Cami is coming to UNO,” said Samland. “We both see her moving well beyond the level at which she is competing now.”
Chelsea Hartman will bolster the Mavericks' corps of breaststrokers. Samland foresees her competing in longer races than she has previously with her club team.
“Her club coach, Alexi Keto, feels that she could surprise some people in the distance events,” said Samland. “I love getting a swimmer who is open to trying totally new events. They have a tendency to blossom in our program.”
Ashton Porter is the one native Nebraskan in Samland's incoming class of recruits. She follows in a long line of swimmers who have come to UNO from the Metro Omaha Swim Team, or MOST, including current Mavericks Carrie Murphy, Cait Hopkins, Laura Kemp and Amy Bechdolt. She will compete as a butterflyer, but Samland says he sees potential for her in the individual medley events. She finished 10th in the 100-yard butterfly at the 2008 Nebraska High School Championships.
“Ashton is a tenacious swimmer,” said Samland. “In addition to the butterfly, she has other solid strokes which could show great promise for the 400-yard individual medley.”
Mallory Schroeder is a product of the tradition-rich Wichita Swim Club. She will swim in the backstroke events for the Mavericks and also could contribute in the freestyle.
“She is smart and committed to achieving high expectations,” said Samland. “I believe she is going to contribute to our program in many different areas.”
The Mavericks have posted a 4-4 dual meet record so far this season. They're coming off a 163-135 win over Division I South Dakota on Dec. 12. UNO returns to the pool on Friday, Jan. 30 when it hosts the University of Nebraska at HPER pool.
