University of Minnesota Athletics
A Look at the Golden Gopher Freestyle
10/26/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Swimming & Diving
The University of Minnesota women’s swimming and diving team has a bright outlook heading into the season. Every athlete who qualified for the NCAA Championships a year ago is back on the team. The Golden Gophers are already off to a strong 3-0 start in dual meets in 2010-11 with victories against Michigan, Michigan State and Iowa State. During the streak the Gophers have already celebrated two Big Ten Athletes of the Week in diver Maggie Keefer and swimmer Jillian Tyler. Depth will definitely play an important role in the Golden Gophers’ success as Minnesota will feature all-around talent throughout the lineup.
“Right now, we’re pretty well-balanced,” said Gopher co-head coach Terry Nieszner. “From the sprints, to the strokes, to the distance events, to the diving, we are excited about our talent and depth.”
Sprint Free
Be on the lookout for senior Alison Eggers, who finished seventh in the 50 free at the Big Ten Championships. Not far behind is a big and strong supporting cast including Kaylee Jamison, Meagan Radecke and Abby Staats. Jamison and Radecke finished 13th and 15th respectively at the Big Tens. Virtually the same strong 50 free swimmers double up in the 100 free so the Gophers should see success in that event as well.
There are a couple of new additions whom are capable of making a difference, including senior Meagan Radecke’s younger sister, Monica. According to Coach Terry Nieszner, the Stillwater, Minn., freshman “is going to be someone to look out for. She’s going to be a sleeper.” As for freshman Erin Caflish, “From what we’ve seen, she’s big, she’s strong and she’s got some speed,” Nieszner added.
Mid-Distance Free
Minnesota should see continued success in the 200 free with juniors, Ashley Steenvoorden and Marissa Davies and sophomore, Lauren Weis. These three finished 10th, 11th and 12th respectively at the Big Tens.
When it comes to the 500 freestyle, Ashley Steenvoorden will have a target on her back. Steenvoorden was the 2010 Big Ten champion in the 500. She also placed 18th at the NCAA’s. Don’t overlook fellow junior, Hannah Whitehead. Whitehead was not far behind at the Big Tens coming in at third place.
Distance Free
Ashley Steenvoorden refuses to be a one trick pony as she takes her talents to the 1650 free as well. Steenvoorden was also the 2010 Big Ten Champion in this event. At the NCAA’s, Steenvoorden finished in ninth place. Loren Brandon is another name to not take lightly. Brandon finished fourth at the Big Tens and 27th at the NCAA’s in just her freshman season. Brandon will be looking to improve on her times as she begins her sophomore campaign. Lissa Tommerdahl, Kristen Steenvoorden and Courtney Veerman all placed in the top 20 at the Big Ten Championships.
This is the first of a three-part series on the 2010-11 Golden Gophers. Check back to gophersports.com for part two on the other strokes and part three on the Gopher divers.
Players Mentioned
