University of Connecticut Athletics
2006-07 Women's Swimming and Diving Season Preview
10/12/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Swimming and Diving
STORRS, Conn. (October 12, 2006) - The 2006-07 UConn Swimming and Diving team opens their 2006-07 season this Friday as they host the Husky Invitational.
Junior tri-captains Sarah Kearns (Milford, Mass.), Andrea Ryan (Davenport, Iowa) and Kelly Recupero (Stratford, Conn.) lead a young and exciting women’s team this season.
Recovering from the graduation of one of the best swimmers in UConn history, Ryan Smith, the Huskies will still have lots of weapons in the water.
Sarah Kearns is a swimmer that Goldberg sees as having potential to be very successful for the Huskies. Kearns was a member of the Huskies U.S. Open qualifying 4 x 200 freestyle relay team.
“Sarah has had two great years at UConn, but she has more to accomplish,” says Goldberg “I expect great things from her over the next two years.”
Andrea Ryan is another junior who Goldberg thinks is a tremendously talented swimmer and leader.
“Andrea is an outstanding student and leader, she does everything right,” says Goldberg.
The final captain is junior Kelly Recupero, who has come a long way since coming to the team as a walk-on. Recupero was named most improved swimmer at the conclusion of the 2005-06 season, which included a win in the 100 breaststroke versus Holy Cross, and was an overwhelming pick as captain this year.
”The improvement Kelly has shown in the last two years is truly remarkable,” says Goldberg.
Aside from the leadership of the Huskies, the program returns many solid performers from the 2005-06 team.
The women’s senior class includes Heather Grieb (Manasquam, N.J.), Juliet Paradine (Garden City, N.Y.) and Diane Duncheskie (Oreland, Pa.). Duncheskie is expected to be a factor in the sprint fly, freestyle and breaststroke. Grieb is rebounding from an ankle injury and should return as the leading backstroker. Paradine is a second year transfer from Boston College, and has become a factor in the UConn lineup.
“Juliet has been a wonderful late addition to our team,” says Goldberg. “She can swim in several stroke events.”
The junior class for the women’s program includes the trio of Emily Karel (Bethesda, Md.), Jordan Zarin (Rockville, Md.), and Lindsay Rogers (Gaithersburg, Md.) from Maryland. These swimmers have been strong competitors.
“Emily came within an eyelash of breaking the 100 and 200 freestyle records last season,” says Goldberg. ”This year she should be able to challenge those records again.”
Also a member of the junior class is diver Allison Coleman (New Canaan, Conn.). Coleman is the reigning BIG EAST one-meter diving champion and this season Coach Bransfield has high expectations for her.
“Allison works hard and has potential to compete for a spot on the national level,” says Bransfield.
Another junior diver, Rachel Silverstein (Seattle, Wash.) continues to show promise and should qualify for the BIG EAST Championships.
The junior class is rounded out by Courtney Haney (Mesa, Ariz.), Laura Kunces (Naugatuck, Conn.), and Colleen Cavanaugh (Bradford, Mass.). Haney has gained back her strength after having a successful surgery after her freshman year. Coach Goldberg expects solid contributions from these three swimmers.
“Any coach in the country would be happy to have this class of swimmers,” smiles Goldberg. “They are fast, smart, hard working and a great group of athletes to be around.”
Leading this talented group is Katie DeVinney (Avondale, Ariz.) and Danielle Sanders (Mississauga, Ontario). DeVinney set a school record in the 200 fly last season. Sanders set a new school record in the 1000 freestyle.
Diver Liza Marianni (Cherry Hill, N.J.) set school and pool records in her freshman year on the three-meter boards. Marianni also competed in the BIG EAST and NCAA Zone Championships. This year she looks to build upon those accomplishments.
Another talented sophomore is Kristalynn Kempton (Glen Head, N.Y.). Kempton battled a back injury her freshman year, but looks to be healthy and competitive this season.
Audrey Prior (Lutz, Fla.), Cassie Peterson (Whitefish Bay, Wis.), Erin McLaughlin (Woodbridge, Conn.), and Lynn Gilbody (Quincy, Mass.) look to be in great shape and will challenge for top spots in their respective events.
Rounding out the sophomore class is Lisa Shelps (Quakertown, Pa.), who has a ton of potential that gets Coach Goldberg excited.
“Lisa has the ability to step into Ryan Smith’s spot as our go to guy,” exclaims Goldberg. “That is a lot to put on one swimmer, but Lisa has the ability to be that good.”
The freshman class of Sam O’Donnell (Cheshire, Conn.), Christie Swanepoel (Durban, South Africa), Katie Tice (Aberdeen, N.J.), Rachel Harrison (Holliston, Mass.), Jackie Foster (Bedford, N.H.), Ali Tichy (Oxford, Conn.), Danielle Willis (East Hartford, Conn.) and Molly McGroarty (Linwood, N.J.) will look to make an impact for the team.
