Michigan Inks Seven Swimmers in Early Signing Period
11/23/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Swimming & Diving
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan women's swimming coach Jim Richardson announced that the Wolverines signed seven student-athletes to National Letters of Intent during the early signing period. Emily Christy (Schwenksville, Pa./Spring-Ford Senior), Leigh Cole (Ann Arbor, Mich./Pioneer), Emily Hanson (Bloomington, Ill.), Margaret Kelly (Ann Arbor, Mich./Pioneer), Catherine Nosal (St. Charles, Ill./St. Charles North), Mary Catherine Steiner (Rochester, Mich./Rochester), and Claire Tyler (Rochester, Mich./Adams) will all join the Wolverines for the 2006-07 season.
"Overall, this is one of the stronger classes we have signed," Richardson said. "All of these young women have the physical capabilities to score at the Big Ten Championships, and I'm sure several of them will eventually be performing at the NCAA Championships. Most importantly, they are all excellent students and they embody the kind of character that we strive for to build our program at Michigan. We are already looking forward to next year!"
Christy is a middle distance swimmer who specializes in the butterfly. She has Olympic Trial qualifying times in the 200-yard butterfly and also competes in the 500-yard freestyle. Christy is coached by Linda Jones at the Boyertown YMCA Navy Seals. "Emily has the potential to be an NCAA qualifier immediately," said Richardson.
Cole is the 2005 Michigan high school state champion in the 100 freestyle and specializes in sprints and middle distance. She is trained by Dennis Hill (Pioneer High School) and Dan Ohm (Ann Arbor Swim Club). "Leigh will be a strong addition to the sprint and middle distance program," Richardson said. "Leigh reminds me of Lindsey Smith (Dexter, Mich./Dexter) in assessing her potential for improvement."
Hanson is a National qualifier in the 1,500-meter and 1,650-yard freestyle events. She is coached by Charlie Yourd. "Emily comes from a very strong middle distance program in the Waves Bloomington/Normal Y Swim Team," said Richardson. "She has the ability to become an NCAA qualifier."
Kelly is the 2005 Michigan High School Swimmer of the Year. She holds the state record in the 100-yard butterfly and was the state champion in the 100-yard backstroke. Kelly has national qualifying times in five different events. She is also trained by Hill and Ohm. Margaret should contribute immediately in individual events and in relays," said Richardson. "She has the potential to be an NCAA qualifier."
Nosal is a 2005 Illinois state finalist in the 200- and 500-yard freestyle events. She also has a U.S. Open qualifying time in the 50-yard freestyle. She is coached by Rob Rooney at St. Charles North. "Catherine has excellent technical skills and has the potential to become a NCAA-caliber swimmer," said Richardson.
Steiner is a 2005 Michigan state finalist in both the 200- and 500-yard freestyles. She also swims the 1,650-yard freestyle. She is trained by Jeff Cooper, who was the club coach for Peter Vanderkaay, an Olympic gold medalist who is a senior on the U-M men's team. "Mary Catherine has an excellent training background," said Richardson. "She will be an immediate contributor in the middle distance and distance freestyles. If she can gain some strength, she could challenge for a spot on the 800-yard freestyle relay."
Tyler is a 2005 Michigan high school finalist in the 100- and 200-yard freestyles, finishing third in both. She has a U.S. Open qualifying time in the 400-yard individual medley. She is trained by Jeff Cooper at the Oakland Live Y'ers. "Claire should contribute in both the 100-yard and 200-yard freestyle and in the 200-yard and 400-yard IM," said Richardson.
The Wolverines will graduate four seniors following the 2005-06 season. Clinique Brundidge (Southfield, Mich./Southfield-Lathrup), Elsa Larson (Portland, Ore./Lincoln), Abby Seskevics (Grand Haven, Mich./Grand Haven), and Carolina Sierra (Medellin, Colombia/Colegio Palermo de San Jos) are in their last year of eligibility this season.
Contact: Matt Baumer (734) 763-4423
Players Mentioned
