University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Profile: Incoming Freshman Loren Brandon
8/18/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Swimming & Diving
Periodically throughout the summer, gophersports.com will feature incoming freshmen as they are getting ready to join the University of Minnesota women’s swimming and diving team. This week's Gopher student-athlete is distance freestyler Loren Brandon. A 2009 graduate of Cherry Creek High School, based in Colorado, Brandon signed a National Letter of Intent during the early signing period. Listed below is her high school/club bio and a short question and answer session with the incoming freshman.
HIGH SCHOOL: A 2009 graduate of Cherry Creek High School • swam with both Cherry Creek and Mission Aurora Colorado Swimming • state champion in the 500 free and the 400 free relay as a junior and the 200 free, 500 free and 400 free relay as a senior • named the Colorado Swimmer of the Year in 2009 • holds the state record in the 1650 and 1500 for 17-18 year olds • a three-time all-state honoree • All-American in 2008 and 2009 • scholatic All-American by USA Swimming • four-year letterwinner in swimming • has competed at Junior Nationals in 2007, 2008 and 2009 • enters her collegiate career with top times of 1:50.03 in the 200 free, 4:48.74 in the 500 free and 16:35.91 in the 1,650 free.
PERSONAL: Born April 20, 1991 • plans to major in civil engineering • daughter of Dave and Teresa Brandon • has a younger sister Bonnie • dad, Dave, played basketball at Northern Colorado • lists breaking the state record in the 400 free relay as her most memorable sports thrill.
Loren Brandon: I love the University because it was so pretty and everyone was so nice. Even though I didn't know anyone I felt like I was completely at home. I didn't want to leave on my recruiting trip. I couldn't ask for a better group of people.
GS: What was one of your favorite memories either at the high school or club level?
LB: My favorite memory is breaking the state record in the 400 free relay at high school state. We were all so pumped and it was amazing to be able to contribute to something so special for everyone.
GS: Since you’ve committed to Minnesota, what have you been up to and what have you been doing this summer?
LB: This summer hasn't been very different from other summers. I have just been swimming a lot. I went to Florida for an open water camp and that was really fun. I got to swim in the ocean for the first time and did a lot better than I expected. I swam at Juniors this summer.
GS: Do you have any individual or long-term goals at Minnesota?
LB: I would really like to make NCAAs as a freshman but I am not sure if I will be able to. I would also like to place top eight in the mile at our conference meet. Someday I would like to place top eight at NCAAs in the mile, but that probably wont be realistic for another few years.
GS: What’s your favorite thing to do when you aren’t in the pool?
LB: My favorite thing to do outside of the pool would probably be to read or bake. I love reading most any type of book just not ones with sad endings. I also really like to bake and eat!
GS: What are you the most excited for after stepping foot on campus?
LB: I think I am most excited for making new friends. The group of girls all seem amazing and I am really looking forward to getting to know them all.
Players Mentioned
