University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Profile: Incoming Freshman Kaela Anderson
6/16/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Swimming & Diving
Periodically throughout the summer months, Gophersports.com will connect with some of the incoming Minnesota freshmen. This week's edition is Stillwater, Minn., native Kaela Anderson. Swimming with the Stillwater Ponies last year, Anderson was a member of the state champions and their team captain. Anderson is one of three Stillwater athletes joining the Gopher program next season. Below is her biography as well as a short question and answer session with the rookie mid distance swimmer.
High School: Swam at Stillwater High School under coach Brian Luke and the St. Croix Swim Club under former Gopher great Olga Splichalova Espinosa • a multiple All-American • a four time all-state and five-time all-conference selection • team captain for the 2009 Ponies team that went onto win its second-straight state title and fourth of her career • a member of the Ponies that won the conference championship five straight years and went undefeated in duals over the last five years • member of the Ponies team that won the state championship in 2009-10, 2008-09, 2006-07, 2005-06 and 2004-05 • won the 200 IM (2007), 400 free relay (2006, 2007, 2008) and the 500 free (2006) at the Minnesota State High School League Championships • lettered five years in swimming and earned four academic letters • also competed at the World Trial Championships in Indianapolis, Ind., after her junior season • graduated with a grade point average of 3.9 • named a USA Swimming Academic All-American and a High School Academic All-American • enters her college career with top times of 4:52.85 in the 500 free, 2:01.55 in the 200 fly, 2:04.19 in the 200 IM 4:21.20 in the 400 IM and 1:51.01 in the 200 free.
Personal: Born August 6, 1992 to Greg and Erin Anderson • her mother, Erin (Driscoll), swam for the Gophers from 1981-85 • dad, Greg, was a two-sport athlete at Hamline • has a younger brother, Brady • undecided on a major.
Gophersports: What are you most excited for as you start out at Minnesota?
Kaela Anderson: I am most excited to start swimming on the swim team at the University of Minnesota. I have gotten to know the team really well throughout years of club swimming and through my recruiting trip. I really love the team dynamic and I feel like I truly belong.
GS: How does it feel to represent your home state?
KA: I am very honored to be representing Minnesota. I have been a big fan of the Gophers for a very long time and I am so happy to finally be a part of such a great school.
GS: How does it feel to stay together with some of your high school teammates?
KA: I am really excited to still be close to some of my high school teammates, however, I am also very excited to branch out and meet new people. I know that I will stay close to my high school teammates but I would like to feel the same connection with other people I don't know yet.
GS: What are your goals for your career at Minnesota?
KA: I have many goals in the pool, but I also have set some high goals for myself in the classroom. I am excited to begin my journey and narrow down a major and area of study. In this process, I hope to keep my grades up and balance my time between swimming, school, and my social life. I also want to make new friends that will last a lifetime.
GS: Do you have any exciting summer plans?
KA: This summer, I will be swimming in Irvine, Calif., for my national swim meet. I am very excited because I have never been to this pool and I believe that I will swim very fast. I will also be working at my athletic club as a lifeguard and swim lesson teacher. I cannot wait to get my summer off to a great start!
