University of Minnesota Athletics
Kremer Previews 2014-15 Season
9/29/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Swimming & Diving
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The University of Minnesota's swimming and diving program officially begins its season this weekend with a non-conference dual at Arizona State. We caught up with head coach Kelly Kremer to talk about where he sees the Gophers in 2014-15.
How has training been so far?
For the men, it's been really good. They are starting out in better shape, ready to go then what I have seen in the past. We are ready to get started.
The women's team has ten seniors, and it's one of the most accomplished classes that we've had. They pull the team up in terms of culture, where they are an amazing example of what and how to do things. It has just been a really, really nice start to the year.
What are your expectations for the season?
I would like to see the men's team finish the year and look back knowing that they've given it everything they had. I know we are a better team than we were a year ago, and it's exciting to be a part of team that is improving each day.
I would like to see our women not get caught up in defending three-straight B1G Championships. This is a new year, a new team. I want them to experience what it is like to prepare, compete and take the results that follow. I expect them to be themselves and be the type of team that we've established. That includes working really hard, resting at the end of the year and performing the way you want to - and not getting caught up with outcomes.
What do you think this freshman class brings to the team?
Already they've gotten close not just with the other freshmen, but with the team. I think on the men's side they will really strengthen and unify our group. From an athletic standpoint, they will definitely add a lot of balance - we are lucky to have them.
Our newcomers bring a lot of energy to this women's team. They are so excited to be a part of this program and be at the University of Minnesota - it shows all the time. It's nice to see that energy, it's amazing how quickly they've truly become Golden Gophers. Athletically, they bring a lot of talent and I'm excited to see that as the season goes on.
What types of leadership do you see in the senior class?
It's a large class and they've been leaders throughout their career at Minnesota. I know we are in really good hands with these men, and already they are showing leadership in a variety of areas. I just want them to be themselves and leave our program better than how they found it.
For the women, the seniors compliment each other so well. We have vocal leaders, leaders by example, leaders in the classroom, great student-athletes - some of them do it all. All ten are great leaders in their own right; that just makes our whole team a little bit more balanced. There is somebody that our entire team can go to that's in a leadership position with this team - it is just a great class.
What are you looking forward to the most?
For the men, the answer is almost always NCAA Championships - it's arguably the fastest meet in the world. This past year we brought six freshmen. Although in terms of placing we weren't fully satisfied, I am excited for what this 2014-15 team can do. B1G Freshman of the Year, Jakub Maly is returning for his sophomore season, distance freestyle swimmer CJ Smith has his senior year... what isn't there to be excited for?
If this women's team can get through the season and look back on it and feel like they really committed to it, continued to genuinely care about each other like they have, I think they are going to be so happy with the legacy that the senior class left behind, and the program the newcomers are a part of. I'm just so excited to be a part of it and see it unfold.
Players Mentioned
