University of Minnesota Athletics
Get to Know the Next Class of Incoming Gophers
4/9/2020 9:49:00 AM | Women's Swimming & Diving
"We are thrilled to welcome this very large and impactful class to the University of Minnesota! It's full of swimmers and divers spanning the coasts and across the globe, bringing in amazing diversity both in and out of the pool," said assistant coach Jesse Moore. "Coach Kremer and our staff have a long-term vision for our swimming & diving teams to achieve success at the highest levels in the NCAA, nationally and internationally, and the abilities of this group of student-athletes perfectly reflect that vision! We are even more proud of this group because they reflect the values that are important to our team, staff and the University of Minnesota. The 2020-2021 season will be a special year! Go Gophers!"
Megan Van Berkom (Chatham, Ill. – Glenwood H.S.)
Top Times
100 Breast – 1:03.58
200 Breast – 2:15.62
200 IM – 2:01.50
400 IM – 4:10.50
100 Fly – 56.02
200 Fly – 2:03.42
Prep: Van Berkom comes to the U as a USA Swimming Scholastic All-American and 2019 runner-up in the 400 IM at the Speedo Winter Junior Championships (West) this past December. Also this past year, Van Berkom hauled in an Olympic Trials cut in the 400 IM. At the YMCA Short Course National Championships in April of last year, Van Berkom placed seventh overall in the 400 IM. Additionally, Van Berkom won three events at the 2018 Illinois YMCA State LCM Championships, taking first place in the 100 breast, 200 breast and 200 IM. Van Berkom is a member of the Springfield YMCA (Ill.) club team.
Why Minnesota: "I chose the University of Minnesota because they offer a wonderful combination of excellence in both academics and athletics. I was impressed not only with the campus, coaches and facilities, but by the U of M's firm commitment to success academically. I am so excited to begin my academic and athletic career at the U of M. From the first moment I visited campus and met the swimmers and coaches, I felt like it was home. It's the perfect place for me. Go Gophers!"
Molly Urkiel (Rosemount, Minn. – Rosemount H.S.)
Top Times
100 Breast – 1:04.44
200 Breast – 2:18.38
200 IM – 2:05.80
Prep: Throughout her time at Rosemount High School, Urkiel set six different program records and hauled in a handful of swimming accolades. She was named an All-American in the 200 free relay and 400 free relay in 2017, while also receiving All-State honors in the 400 free relay (2016, 2017, 2018), 200 free relay (2017) and 200 IM (2018). During her senior campaign, Urkiel was a finalist in three different events at the Minnesota Senior State Championships, finishing third in the 200 IM, fifth in the 200 breast and sixth in the 100 breast. As a freshman and sophomore, Urkiel helped Rosemount secure sectional and conference championships. Urkiel also competes for Blackline Aquatics.
Why Minnesota: "The coaching staff is unmatched and you can tell they work towards the improvement of each student-athlete. The academics are also incredible and will prepare me for success in the future."
Katia Soudakova (Rosemount, Minn. – Eastview H.S.)
Top Times
50 Free – 23.88
100 Free – 51.82
200 Free – 1:49.27
500 Free – 4:48.93
1000 Free – 10:07.26
1650 Free – 16:55.13
Prep: Soudakova heads to The Great North after taking first place in the 500 free at the Minnesota Senior State Championships this past March. While claiming the championship, she also managed to final in both the 100 free and 1650 free, finishing eighth and third, respectively. This past August, Soudakova became a two-time champion at the Minnesota Swimming Senior LCM Championships. The Rosemount native took first place in both the 200 free and 400 free, adding to an impressive year that also saw her final in four events (200 free, 500 free, 1000 free, 1650 free) at the Speedo Champions Series in Greensboro, N.C. Soudakova is also a member of Riptide Swim Team.
Why Minnesota: "I chose Minnesota because of the team atmosphere and state-of-the-art facilities. The coaching staff truly cares about your well-being and that was one of the most important factors for me."
Paula Rodriguez Rivero (Gran Canaria, Spain)
Top Times
50 Back – 28.98 (LCM)
100 Back – 1:01.83 (LCM)
200 Back – 2:15.14 (LCM)
Prep: Competing at Spanish Nationals, Rodriguez has taken first place in the 100 backstroke every year since 2016. Along with that accomplishment, she has also finished within the top-two in the 4x100 free relay, 4x200 free relay and 4x100 medley relay in each of the past four years at Spanish Nationals. Rodriguez's top times in the 50-meter back and 100-meter back also represent current Spanish records at 17-years-old. Internationally, she has twice medaled at the Italian Championships in the 100 back with a silver and bronze to her credit.
Why Minnesota: "I chose the University of Minnesota because Minnesota offers one of the best swimming programs, as well as a great academic program."
Megan Phillip (Edina, Minn. – Edina H.S.)
Top Marks
1M (six dives) – 337.35
1M (10 dives) – 441.65
3M (10 dives) – 465.00
Platform (nine dives) – 331.05
Prep: Before even beginning her collegiate career, Phillip has already turned in some pretty strong results in the diving well. The Edina native was named a NISCA All-American in both 2018 and 2019, while being a Junior and Senior National Finalist in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Perhaps most impressively, Phillip swept first place in the conference, sectional and state competitions in the 1-meter in each of her four years at Edina, culminating with yet another state championship this past November with an 11-dive score of 493.55.
Why Minnesota: "It's a great school for academics and athletics. I love the coaching staff. [Wenbo Chen] is the best coach in the country. The team has a lot of fun together and is like a family."
Maeve O'Driscoll (Madison, Wis. – Madison Edgewood H.S.)
Top Times
50 Free – 23.30
100 Free – 51.49
200 Free – 1:54.40
Prep: O'Driscoll's commitment to the U comes on the heels of four years as a high school letterwinner in swimming and another four in track & field (three-time all-state). As a three-time All-American (200 free relay in 2017 and 2019, 200 medley relay in 2017), O'Driscoll holds two state swimming records (200 free relay, 200 medley relay) in addition to school records in both events, as well as in the 50 free. In 2019, O'Driscoll was crowned state champion in the 50 free. The Madison native has also earned All-State recognition on a multitude of occasions, doing so in the 50 free (2017, 2019), 100 free (honorable mention in 2019) 200 medley relay (2016-19) and 200 free relay (2016-19). O'Driscoll also swims for Badger Aquatic Club.
Why Minnesota: "I chose Minnesota because I absolutely love everything about it. The team and coaches were extremely welcoming and made me feel instantly at home. The campus is gorgeous and I love how close it is to the city. I want to major in Business and Minnesota is the perfect place to do that. I also am able to continue my swimming career in the best place possible."
Elle Niebuhr (Minneapolis, Minn. – Minneapolis Southwest H.S.)
Top Times
50 Free – 23.54
100 Free – 51.98
200 Free – 1:51.88
500 Free – 4:56.41
200 Fly – 2:04.46
Prep: Niebuhr is a six-time letterwinner at Minneapolis Southwest, having garnered All-State honors on four separate occasions (2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018). As a senior this year, she was named a team captain while adding three program records to her total (200 free, 200 IM, 500 free). At the state meet her senior season, she placed third in the 500 free, hauling in a new best time of 4:56.41 while also swimming a new best in the 200 free (1:51.88). Niebuhr won the 200 free relay championship at the state club meet as a senior as well, while earning a nomination for Female Athlete of the Year from the Coaches Association in MSHSL. Overall, Niebuhr owns six school records, two pool records and four conference records. Niebuhr is a member of Edina Swim Club.
Why Minnesota: "The academic and athletic opportunities at the U of M are a perfect fit for me. With a top business program and swim program, I knew this would be the best place for me to grow and succeed as student-athlete."
Indy Jongman (Scjijndel, Netherlands)
Top Times
50 Back – 28.37 (SCM)
100 Back – 1:00.33 (SCM)
200 Back – 2:09.63 (SCM)
50 Free – 25.78 (SCM)
100 Free – 55.89 (SCM)
200 Free – 2:00.41 (SCM)
200 IM – 2:15.60 (SCM)
Prep: Jongman brings her talents to the Maroon & Gold as a multi-time Dutch Champion in the 100 back, 200 back and 200 IM. Having qualified for the European Juniors in both 2016 and 2018, Jongman also qualified for the European Youth Olympic Festival back in 2015.
Why Minnesota: "I chose the University of Minnesota because it is one of the top-ranked schools, both academically and athletically. The coaches and the team immediately treat you like a family. I am certain that I will develop myself exceedingly as a swimmer here. I can't wait to join such an amazing university. Go Gophers!"
Ava Hoffman (St. Paul, Minn. – Visitation H.S.)
Top Times
50 Free – 23.53
100 Free – 51.89
Prep: As a two-sport athlete in swimming and track & field, Hoffman was named an All-State performer on three occasions from 2016-18. The Minneapolis native is also a four-time All-Conference honoree and won sectional championships in the 50 free and 100 free in both 2017 and 2018. In each of her first three years, Visitation finished first in the True Team State competition. During her senior year, Hoffman brought home a pair of first place finishes in the 50 free and 100 free at the MSHSL 4A Sectional Championship. Hoffman went on to finish fourth in the 100 free and fifth in the 50 free at the Class A State Championship.
Why Minnesota: "I chose Minnesota because of the outstanding academics and incredible swim program. The coaches and team members were friendly and welcoming and I look forward to being a part of their great team dynamic. Growing up in the Twin Cities, I know I love it here. I look forward to spending the next four years at the U of M!"
Susanna Fish (Minnetonka, Minn. – Hopkins H.S.)
Top Marks
1M (6 dives) – 241.3
1M (11 dives) – 434.85
Prep: In both 2018 and 2019, Fish came away with All-State and All-Conference honors in the diving well while lettering for her second and third seasons. At the 2019 MSHSL Class AA State Championship, Fish claimed silver in the 1-meter with an 11-dive score of 434.85. Fish also placed 24th overall in the 1-meter (317.75) at the 2019 USA Diving Zone D Championships. While competing at the Junior Region 8 Championships, Fish notched 10th place in the 1-meter and 15th place in the 3-meter.
Why Minnesota: "I chose Minnesota for the amazing coaching and the strong engineering programs. I believe that I will be able to reach my fullest athletic and academic potential here."
Pyper Doo (Vadnais Heights, Minn. – Roseville H.S.)
Top Times
50 Back – 25.90
100 Back – 55.16
50 Free – 23.06
100 Free – 49.60
200 Free – 1:50.07
Prep: Doo joins the Gophers as a 2017 All-American in the 100 free and a four-time All-Conference honoree. As a senior, she won both the 50 free and 100 free at the Minnesota Swimming Senior Long Course Championships, while also being a finalist at the TYR Pro Series in Des Moines, Iowa. In both 2016 and 2017, the Vadnais Heights native was named All-State and All-Section as well, while setting school records in the 50 free, 100 free and 200 free in the latter of the two years. Doo is a member of the North Suburban Aquatic Club.
Why Minnesota: "I have wanted to go to the U of M ever since I was little. After my visit, I knew it was the right place for me!"
Holley Dennis (Denver, Colo. – Mountain Vista H.S.)
Top Times
100 Breast – 1:02.30
200 Breast – 2:15.56
50 Free – 23.85
100 Free – 51.71
100 Fly – 55.47
Prep: Entering as a three-time Academic All-American in high school, Dennis performed well both in and out of the pool. Dennis garnered All-American status in the 100 breast and 400 free relay in 2019, while being named an All-American in the 200 medley relay for the second consecutive year. Also a three-time All-State selection, she placed third in the 100 breast at the state championships in 2019 and was a Summer Junior finalist in the event as well. At Winter Juniors, Dennis sped her way into the B final in both the 100 and 200 breast, while also swimming the fly leg to help her team to a first place finish in the 400 medley relay and a second place result in the 200 medley relay. Dennis also competes for the University of Denver Hilltoppers club team.
Why Minnesota: "Ever since I was little, I wanted to be a part of the Big Ten and once I set foot on campus, I knew I wanted to be a Gopher. The team made me feel as if I was one of them. I truly felt connected to the coaching staff, as well as the swimmers and I knew I was right at home. I felt in love with Minnesota right from the start."
Dani Cramer (Milton, Wis. – Milton H.S.)
Top Times
50 Fly – 25.59
100 Fly – 55.55
200 Fly – 2:03.47
50 Back – 26.54
100 Back – 55.44
200 Back – 1:59.43
200 IM – 2:05.33
Prep: As a four-year letterwinner at Milton High School in Minnesota, Cramer earned All-State Honorable Mention honors in the 100 back in 2016 and 2017, while being named All-State and receiving NISCA All-American consideration in the event in 2018. In 2018, she also garnered All-State Honorable Mention status in the 200 IM. Additionally, Cramer is a four-time All-Conference honoree in the 400 free relay and a four-time Conference Champion in the 100 back. From 2016-19, she won a trio of conference championships in the 100 fly. This past season, she placed third in both the 100 fly and 100 back at sectionals, while finishing fourth and fifth in the 100 fly and 100 back at the WIAA Division 1 State Championship, respectively. Cramer also swims for J-Hawk Aquatic Club.
Why Minnesota: "I chose the University of Minnesota because of the amazing coaches, academics, opportunities and teammates. I couldn't feel more at home at the U of M with the incredible team culture and staff."