Women's Swim Recruiting: Class of 2017

132,058 Views | 337 Replies | Last: 4 yr ago by OBear073akaSMFan
tedbear
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Ok, I will be the first to admit that this is waaaay too early to start a recruiting thread for the Class of 2017, but with Olympic Trials just around the corner, we already know who a lot of the major players in the Class of 2017 will be, and, of course, there will be plenty of additions to this initial list. After a disappointing recruiting year in 2016, next year will be crucial to stay in touch with the Furd. Plus, BearDevil and UAC are already putting new info on the old recruiting thread, so might as well consolidate now. :p

So, first of all, who are we losing in 2017? Marina Garcia (100 Breast, 200 Breast, and medley relays), Celina Li (200IM and 400IM), Farida Osman (50 Free, 100 Free, and at least four relays), Kristen Vredeveld (50 Free and 100 Free), and diver Hayden Tavoda. So the biggest needs are Breast, IM, and a sprinter. We also need some middle distance swimmers from unfilled needs in the past.

Ever since Caitlyn Leverenz graduated, breast stroke has been a gaping weakness for our team. I remember when Marina first signed, we thought all of our worries would disappear. Although she is the best we have, Marina hasn't quite lived up to our lofty expectations. In my opinion, we not only need one sprint breaststroker, but it would also be nice to have depth at the position, and get a second breast sprinter. What I am leading to is that I want both, of what should be our top two recruits for the class of 2017.

The Breaststrokers
1A. Nicole Popov; Santa Clarita, California - Nikol is a current teammate of uber sprinting stud Abbey Weitzeil, so we already have a little bit of an inside track on recruiting her. Her top times are 59.64 in the 100Y Breast and 2:08.92 in the 200Y Breast. Wouldn't it be nice to have a sub minute breaststroker? Nikol also happens to be a solid 200IMer with a best time of 1:58.78, which addresses some of our big IM need.

1B. Maggie Aroesty; Long Beach, New York - Maggie's 100 Breast time is actually a little bit faster than Nikol's, although Nikol has been faster in the 200 Breast. Maggie has been 58.98 in the 100 Breast and 2:11.67 in the 200 Breast. Maggie is also an outstanding 200IMer with a time of 1:57.76. Maggie and Nikol happen to be friends, so that would be a pretty cool package deal if they both chose to come to Berkeley. I definitely want both!

The second biggest need is filling the shoes of the MVP of the past year, Farida Osman. While there are no uber sprinters in the mold of Simone Manuel or Abbey Weitzeil in this class, there are still some very good ones. I really don't have a favorite here yet, but we only need one on this list.

The Sprinters
1. Lauren Pitzer; Haltom City, Texas - I'm tentatively putting Lauren first here because she seems to have more middle distance range than the others. Her times are 50 Free (22.77), 100 Free (48.72), 200 Free (1.45.68), and 500 Free (4:42.80). As far as I know, we have no recruiting connections to Lauren.

2. Ashley Volpenhein; Mason, Ohio - Ashley is an outstanding student, and is also a top target of the Furd. Her times are 50 Free (22.35), 100 Free (48.96), and 200 Free (1:49.39). Ashley has been to our campus unofficially, but like I said before, she is also a target of the Furd.

3. Marta Ciesla; Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Marta was part of the US Junior National Team, so she knows Nikol and Maggie. Her times are 50 Free (22.52), 100 Free (48.97), and 200 Free (1:51.57)

Other Great Swimmers
1. Courtney Harnish; York, Pennsylvania - Courtney is from the same swim club as former Cal target, Meghan Small. She would fill our needs from 200 - 1650 Free, and is also a great in the 200Y Butterfly.

2. Hannah Kukurugya aka Kuks; Highland, Indiana - Hannah is also a great student and leader. She was one of the captains for the US Junior National Team. Her specialty is the 200 Fly, which leaves a little to be desired because of lack of versatility, but would be great with the intangibles. She is another Furd target.

3. Sierra Schmidt; Erdenheim, Pennsylvania - Sierra is a long distance swimmer who is known for her pre race dancing routine. We could use another distance swimmer depending on how Chenoa Devine and Anina Lund develop, but I'm not sure that Teri would spend another scholly on a distance swimmer. She has been reported to be a Michigan lean.

The Local
Taylor Ault; Sonora, California - Taylor is a middle and long distance swimmer, who might be a better deal scholly wise than Sierra. We haven't had good luck with the North Bay girls recently, so hopefully that will change with Taylor.

This list will change and grow a lot over the Summer, but this is a good starting reference sheet. My wish list is Nikol and Maggie, one of the sprinters, and Courtney. In my opinion 2018 is the big year talent wise. We are talking Dream Team type of talent, with the likes of Taylor Ruck, Eva Merrell, Penny Oleksiak, Cassidy Bayer, Madison Homovich, Grace Ariola, Halladay Kinsey, Samantha Shelton, and more!
BearDevil
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Great list, thanks.

Still think there's unfinished business with the 2016 class with a transfer or international. Kinda think 2017 will be all about beating LSJU, so the immediate needs would be middle distance, distance, and 400 IM. Nobody's beating LSJU in the 800 (Ledecky, Manuel, Neal, Eastin, Drabot), but Bears will still be solid (Baker, Amy, McL, Abbey). Problem is the individual 200 Free which potentially only Abbey will swim. Easy to get buried there. If Mau recovers, maybe shift McL, but another middle distance scorer would help. Depends on Keaton, but Celina may be the only 400 IM scorer in 2017. 400 IM and individual 200 Free is a tough double, but someone who could swim 500 Free/400 IM/1650 would work.

Definitely agree on Nikol and Maggie as top priority targets, just not entirely sold on the need for both. For sure need a sprint breastroker for medleys and individual scoring would be a boost, but also need help in distance, middle distance, and sprint. Definitely wouldn't turn both down if they wanted to come, but tough call on priority of a second breaststroker over a freestyler who could have a bigger relay impact.

Sprint relays are fine with the OG Dream Team, but individual 50 (Abbey, Amy, Hull), 100 (Abbey, Hull), and 200 (Abbey, McL) are tricky. If Mykkanen can contribute in both backs, could free up Baker for the 200 Free and Amy for the 100 Free. Tough call, but Bears could use any of the three sprinters.

Haven't looked at CH as a relay swimmer, but she and Sierra would both be awesome gets, although I suspect CH goes to Georgia or Tennessee and Sierra goes to UM or Georgia.

Sonora's between Yosemite and Sacramento. Ault goes to Sonora High in SoCal. Same club team as Ryan Kao. Would be another good get.
BearDevil
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One additional footnote on the potential transfer front. Auburn, once swimming royalty, finished 33rd!?! That program has completely imploded and a coaching change is long overdue. For sure there will be some transfers. Hull no doubt still has friends on the team and one (ideally from her recruiting class to align for 2018) might be useful to the Bears.

Still not sure who the last piece for 2016 will be, but my 2017 preferences would be: Popov (in state, keep her away from 'Zona or 'SC), Pitzer (100-200 strength, keep her from A&M and UT), CH (200 IM, 200 Free, 1650 Free, keep her from Georgia), Sierra (500/400 IM/1650, keep her from Georgia), and Ault (500/400 IM/1650). Way too much distance, but LSJU kills the Bears in 200/500/1650 and 800 with Ledecky, Byrnes, Stevens, Voss. Poppe's regressed and may retire and Eastin probably doesn't swim 100 Breast. Can see tedbear's double breast angle, but CH and Sierra are more versatile than Popov and Maggie.
OBear073akaSMFan
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Thanks for starting a separate thread on the recruits. Unless you post to the end of the other recruiting thread, some of the new postings were difficult to find in the humongous thread though not quit as bad as the Men's basketball recruiting thread.
longseeker
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Ditto...OB73... I thought it was just I who felt this way. THANKS!
BearDevil
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Looking at LJSU's roster, they only have three 2017 swim seniors (Neal, Stafford, Halsted). Would not be surprised if Poppe retired from swimming after two disappointing seasons. That means they need sprint, middle distance, and breast. As noted, they'll be in on Volpenhein (UVa, 'SC) and Kuks (Lville, Georgia). Not on Popov ('Zona, 'SC, Cal). Maggie's a bit of a mystery. Probably use Eastin on medley relays and Szekely in the individual breast events. Not much crossover this year since tedbear basically gave Meehan a road map last year.
UrsusArctosCalifornicus
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BearDevil;842670943 said:


Not much crossover this year since tedbear basically gave Meehan a road map last year.


Thank you tedbear for being such a loyal :bear:! lol Don't forget we need to downplay the brightest prospects and talk up the others from now on, in order to confuse Greg Meehan and any furds who may be paying attention to this board... :p

Srsly tho, cheers for some great picks once again, and for BD's always comprehensive perspective :beer:
BearDevil
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UrsusArctosCalifornicus;842670996 said:

Thank you tedbear for being such a loyal :bear:! lol Don't forget we need to downplay the brightest prospects and talk up the others from now on, in order to confuse Greg Meehan and any furds who may be paying attention to this board... :p


Revisiting the current class relative to tedbear's treasure map to Meehan, does occur to me that Teri cleaned up some dual and PAC holes that may ultimately strengthen the program's NCAA prospects too.

It's absurd that Baker swam every event except the 1000 Free in dual meets last season. Versatility's great and a hallmark of Teri's teams, but she needs to hone in on events where KB and others can help the team most at NCAAs. Linn and Lund may never become NCAA qualifiers or scorers, but they can save others from swimming off events in duals. Naze and KV were highly ranked recruits, but didn't become NCAA scorers until junior years. Huge payoff if Jenna, Mykkanen, Murphy, and Chenoa qualify or score at NCAAs early.
OBear073akaSMFan
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BearDevil;842671239 said:

It's absurd that Baker swam every event except the 1000 Free in dual meets last season. Versatility's great and a hallmark of Teri's teams, but she needs to hone in on events where KB and others can help the team most at NCAAs.


Wow..think this is a first. Never heard you critique coach Teri before but think you are on the right track.
BearDevil
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OBear073akaSMFan;842671270 said:

Wow..think this is a first. Never heard you critique coach Teri before but think you are on the right track.


Like Teri personally and professionally, but don't think she's perfect. Do like how well her teams represent the University, but do have some minor quibbles. Would prefer that she'd have two scorers in every swimming event along with single springboard and platform scoring divers. Agree with building around relays, but Teri tends to focus on individual event stroke cluster scoring (back, fly, and sprints). Roster make up doesn't really matter since the highest score wins, not how points are generated. Also think Teri has too many transfers.
BearDevil
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Bumping this since recruiting season starts in a couple of weeks.

Still feel a big time transfer will surface before classes start. Maggie's slightly ahead of Popov now.
BearDevil
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Maggie-18th in the 100 Breast at Olympic Trials; Popov-22nd. Maija-56th.

Other former Cal recruits:

Riley Scott-25th, Kristen Vose/Meaghan Raab-26th. LSJU's Poppe was 122nd (second to last). Think she retires with two more years of eligibility.
BearDevil
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tedbear;842668964 said:



The second biggest need is filling the shoes of the MVP of the past year, Farida Osman. While there are no uber sprinters in the mold of Simone Manuel or Abbey Weitzeil in this class, there are still some very good ones. I really don't have a favorite here yet, but we only need one on this list.

The Sprinters
1. Lauren Pitzer; Haltom City, Texas - I'm tentatively putting Lauren first here because she seems to have more middle distance range than the others. Her times are 50 Free (22.77), 100 Free (48.72), 200 Free (1.45.68), and 500 Free (4:42.80). As far as I know, we have no recruiting connections to Lauren.

2. Ashley Volpenhein; Mason, Ohio - Ashley is an outstanding student, and is also a top target of the Furd. Her times are 50 Free (22.35), 100 Free (48.96), and 200 Free (1:49.39). Ashley has been to our campus unofficially, but like I said before, she is also a target of the Furd.

3. Marta Ciesla; Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Marta was part of the US Junior National Team, so she knows Nikol and Maggie. Her times are 50 Free (22.52), 100 Free (48.97), and 200 Free (1:51.57)



Additional OT data points: Ciesla-19th, Maddie Murphy-23rd (!?!), Pitzer-36th in the 50 Free. Perceived Murphy as a flyer, but looks like she could swim a leg on the 200 Free Relay too.

Abbey and Bilquist have the range to swim all three free relays, so the trade off would be 50/100 specialist (Ciesla) vs 100/200 specialist (Pitzer).

Teri can go with Abbey, Amy, Hull, McL, Baker, Murphy in the 200/400 and McL, Baker, Abbey, Amy in the 800. Probably need more depth/options (Jenna? Chenoa?) in the individual 200 Free and 800 Relay.

Based on OTs, looks like Murphy and 'furdette Voss were underrated and 'furdette Drabot was overrated.
OBear073akaSMFan
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BearDevil;842705480 said:

Additional OT data points: Ciesla-19th, Maddie Murphy-23rd (!?!), Pitzer-36th in the 50 Free. Perceived Murphy as a flyer, but looks like she could swim a leg on the 200 Free Relay too.

Abbey and Bilquist have the range to swim all three free relays, so the trade off would be 50/100 specialist (Ciesla) vs 100/200 specialist (Pitzer).

Teri can go with Abbey, Amy, Hull, McL, Baker, Murphy in the 200/400 and McL, Baker, Abbey, Amy in the 800. Probably need more depth/options (Jenna? Chenoa?) in the individual 200 Free and 800 Relay.

Based on OTs, looks like Murphy and 'furdette Voss were underrated and 'furdette Drabot was overrated.


Apologies BD, didn't see you talked about our future relays on this thread..
BearDevil
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Barring a last minute surprise Cal addition (transfer or international), 2017 'furdettes look like an unbeatable juggernaut.

Bear relays will be solid, but the chronic problems (diving, distance, and breast) still remain. The Runge loss still hurts, so the ideal addition would be a distance and/or 400 IM scorer who could swim an 800 relay leg. Keaton's a great addition, but Bears need a second 400 IM scorer to go with Celina.

Eastin was underrated only relative to the Dream Team and she'll likely be LSJU's primary breastroker. Maybe AS, but neither are going to pile up a ton of individual breast points. Tedbear's dynamic duo of Maggie/Popov would be a better combo, but that needs to be balanced against two additional sprinters.

Given diving facilities coming on line, would not be surprised to see improved diving recruits along with a coaching change.

Taylor Ault's distance results at OTs were promising. Get Kao on her.

Slight aside, but Durden put a monster medley relay on Team USA: Murphy/Pebley, Prenot, Shields, Adrian/Ervin. LSJU men probably get shut out on Team USA in a consecutive quadrennial. David Nolan is a Seliskar clone and his talent was wasted on the farm. Great distance core, but the rest of the men's team is crappy.
UrsusArctosCalifornicus
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Looking slightly ahead to the [U]2018[/U] crop :p, here's how a few of them fared @ 2016 Olympic Trials

Cassidy Bayer:
[INDENT][U]200 fly[/U] (#3)
[U]100 fly[/U] (#4)[/INDENT]

Eva Merrell:
[INDENT][U]200 back[/U] (#9) - 1st alternate for tonight's final
[U]100 fly[/U] (#11)
[U]100 free[/U] (#26)
[U]50 free[/U] (#34)
[U]100 back[/U] (#50)[/INDENT]

Alex Walsh: (2019 recruit??)
[INDENT][U]200 back[/U] (#11)
[U]100 back[/U] (#12)
[U]200 IM[/U] (#46)[/INDENT]

Anya Goeders:
[INDENT][U]50 free[/U] (#9) - 1st alternate for tomorrow's final[/INDENT]

[COLOR="#000066"][SIZE=4]Anya Goeders Swims 3rd-Fastest 15-16 50 Free Ever at 25.16[/SIZE][/COLOR]



https://swimswam.com/anya-goeders-swims-3rd-fastest-15-16-50-free-ever-at-25-16/
UrsusArctosCalifornicus
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tedbear;842668964 said:


The Sprinters

3. Marta Ciesla; Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Marta was part of the US Junior National Team, so she knows Nikol and Maggie. Her times are 50 Free (22.52), 100 Free (48.97), and 200 Free (1:51.57)


[COLOR="#006699"]Well looks like Michael Jensen & Ryan Hoffer are already friends w/Marta, as can be seen from this insta that Marta had posted from Trials: [/COLOR]

Marta Ciesla - 3 July 2016
sprinters...what are ya gonna do �� until next time omaha ����


[COLOR="#006699"]These relationships & sense of camaraderie are often developed & fostered during these elite recruits' stints on the [U]National Junior Team[/U]:[/COLOR]
[INDENT]http://www.usaswimming.org/_Rainbow/Documents/db5ca371-82f4-4443-b9e4-6cbd8e96178f/National%20Junior%20Team%202015-2016.pdf[/INDENT]
UrsusArctosCalifornicus
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BearDevil;842707028 said:

Marta would be an awesome get. Would not be surprised if LSJU's first two verbals are Maggie and Volpenhein.


[COLOR="#006699"]I can see that happening, but OTOH haven't completely given up on Ashley being on Teri's shopping list, should Lauren & Marta not be under consideration (assuming a sprinter is being sought for the 2017 freshman class, since Farida & KV will have graduated by then). UVa & U$C are probably also in the running.

Volpenhein did visit Berkeley back in Oct '15 (see post below). [/COLOR]



UrsusArctosCalifornicus;842572728 said:

Ashley Volpenhein was spotted on campus today, presumably an unofficial visit.

2017 recruit who's ranked #8 nationally by CollegeSwimming: http://www.collegeswimming.com/swimmer/338772/

Ashley was on the Jr Worlds team this year and came in 7th in the [U]50m free[/U] finals in Singapore (highest placing American in that event, ahead of top 2017 prospect Lauren Pitzer). A promising sprinter...

[video=youtube;jkLAOmHPuNw][/video]


UrsusArctosCalifornicus
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[COLOR="#0066cc"][SIZE=5]Grieshop, Taylor, Hoffer Headline 2016 U.S. Jr. Pan Pacs Roster[/SIZE][/COLOR]

https://swimswam.com/grieshop-taylor-hoffer-headline-2016-u-s-jr-pan-pacs-roster/


Roster: http://www.usaswimming.org/_Rainbow/Documents/6ae4841c-8ecb-450d-8e1b-974f7225bbbf/2016%20Junior%20Pan%20Pacs%20Roster.pdf
UrsusArctosCalifornicus
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[SIZE=5]Top 20 NCAA Swimming Recruits in the Girls High School Class of 2017[/SIZE]



[INDENT][SIZE=4][U]Top 10 Swimmers[/U] From The Class of 2017[/SIZE][/INDENT]

1. Courtney Harnish York YMCA West York Area High School York, PA
Best Times: 500 free 4:39.13, 200 fly 1:54.37, 200 free 1:45.62, 1650 free 16:08.57, 400 IM 4:11.93, 100 fly 52.87, 100 back 54.04, 200 back 1:55.41

For the second-straight year, a York YMCA swimmer is our top girls recruit. Harnish is more distance-oriented than 2016's Meghan Small, but has the same brand of across-the-board versatility. Harnish is already at NCAA scoring level in the 500 free and 200 fly, and should also have a big relay impact as a 200 freestyler and perhaps 100 flyer. And her 400 IM might turn out most valuable in the long run.


2. Sierra Schmidt North Baltimore Aquatic Club Erdenheim, PA
Best Times: 1650 free 15:57.89, 500 free 4:38.47, 200 free 1:47.63, 400 IM 4:11.64

As with our boys recruits, the #2 swimmer is very much centered on the distance freestyles, but is great enough at them to merit a lofty rank. Schmidt is well under NCAA scoring range in the mile and 500, with a great 400 IM to boot. Schmidt has international experience from Junior Pan Pacs in 2014 and Pan Ams in 2015, plus she's a fan draw the college that snags her should see an attendance increase from fans who want to see Schmidt's famous pre-race dancing live and in person.


3. Margaret Aroesty Long Island Aquatic Club Long Beach Senior High School Long Beach, NY
Best Times: 100 breast 58.98, 200 breast 2:11.67, 200 IM 1:57.76, 400 IM 4:12.03

Aroesty is the best sprint breaststroke prospect we've seen in years, already notching a sub-59 as a high school junior. Compare that to the top 100 breaststroker (as of July 1 before their senior seasons) in the class of 2016 (Lindsey Horejsi, 59.5), class of 2015 (Lilly King, 59.6) and class of 2014 (Bethany Galat, 1:00.2). Aroesty's flat-start 100 time would make her an upgrade for 11 of 16 teams in the NCAA 400 medley relay final last March, and that's not even accounting for the boost she would get from a rolling relay start. And she's good enough in the IMs to eventually score NCAA points there as well.


4. Brooke Forde Lakeside Swim Team Sacred Heart Academy Louisville, KY
Best Times: 400 IM 4:07.49, 200 IM 1:57.85, 200 fly 1:57.03, 100 fly 53.44, 200 free 1:46.76, 200 breast 2:11.29

The recruiting class's best 400 IMer is never going to fall very far in these ranks, given how much college coaches value versatility. Forde could wind up swimming 4 different event disciplines at any dual meet or conference championship, and contributing in all 4. She's also a fast riser her 400 IM has dropped from a 4:14 in 2014 to a 4:07 last year, and her 200 IM has shaved two full seconds in that time, from 1:59.8 to 1:57.8.


5. Nikol Popov Canyons Aquatic Club Valencia High School Santa Clarita, CA
Best Times: 100 breast 59.64, 200 breast 2:08.92, 200 IM 1:58.78, 400 IM 4:13.78

California's Nikol Popov is actually a better all-around breaststroker than Aroesty, with an NCAA scoring-level 100 and a 200 that would have missed scoring by just .01 last year. Popov is a little less valuable in the IMs, though, and it's relay value that currently gives Aroesty the edge. But Popov could very easily join Aroesty under 59 during her senior season and is a clear-cut blue chip prospect in this class.


6. Lauren Pitzer Lakeside Aquatic Club Fossil Ridge High School Haltom City, TX
Best Times: 50 free 22.66, 100 free 48.72, 200 free 1:45.68, 500 free 4:42.80, 100 fly 55.01, 400 IM 4:16.77

Pitzer is our highest-ranked swimmer without a time that would have scored at last year's NCAAs, but she earns this rank for her potential across all of the freestyle distances. Pitzer has range for days she's ideally situated right in the NCAA's relay sweet spot, with times just a few tenths off of NCAA scoring in the 50, 100 and 200 frees. In a class marked by 50/100 specialists and 200/500 specialists, Pitzer can do it all from a single roster spot. Her fly and IM times are just bonus from there.


7. Ashlyn Schoof Schroeder Swim Team Muskego High School Muskego, WI
Best Times: 100 back 51.98, 200 back 1:54.35, 200 free 1:47.76, 100 fly 54.46, 200 fly 2:00.65

Schoof's value is kind of a roller coaster. The backstrokes have become so insane at the NCAA level that the national high school record (51.4) would barely eke out points at college nationals. That makes it hard for even an elite high school backstroker to carry big value right away. But Schoof is also head and shoulders the best backstroker in this class. In a crowd of girls going 53s and 54s, Schoof has already been sub-52. She's also not far off NCAA scoring level in the 200 back and could turn into a relay factor with her 200 free.


8. Hannah Kukurugya Crown Point Swim Club Crown Point High School Crown Point, IN
Best Times: 200 fly 1:55.64, 100 fly 53.44, 200 IM 1:58.59, 400 IM 4:18.58, 200 free 1:47.10, 500 free 4:47.83

A fast riser on the internatioanl scene in the butterfly and IM races is Indiana's Hannah Kukurugya, who has now competed at Junior Pan Pacs in 2014 and Junior Worlds in 2015, winning bronze in the 200 fly at the latter. In short course, Kukurugya has made vast improvements since 2014: from 1:57.4 to 1:55.6 in the 200 fly and from 54.9 to 53.4 in the 100 fly. She's right at NCAA scoring level in the 200 fly, and her versatility helps power her into the top 10 in her class.


9. Taylor Pike Razorback Aquatic Club Aquahawgs Bentonville High School Bentonville, AR
Best Times: 200 fly 1:55.57, 100 fly 53.54

Pike and Kukurugya are almost mirror images in the butterfly events. Pike is slightly better in the 200, slightly slower in the 100. Even their improvement curves since 2014 are almost identical. Kukurugya gets the nod based on her added IM prowess, but Pike could overtake her in the coming year, especially after hitting lifetime-bests in both short course and long course fly between the 2015 Winter Nationals and the 2016 NCSA Championships.


10. Grace Zhao Palo Alto Stanford Aquatics Palo Alto High School Palo Alto, CA
Best Times: 200 breast 2:09.23, 100 breast 1:00.65, 50 free 22.75, 100 fly 55.87

A 3rd breaststroker in the top 10? That has to be a recruiting class record. But Zhao is just tenths away from scoring level in both breaststrokes, and with so many breaststroke-needy medley relays in the college ranks seemingly every year, Zhao's value is on the rise. The clincher? Her 22.7 in the 50 free is one of the best in the class, and means she could be a Breeja Larson-type breaststroker with value extending into the freestyles and free relays.


[INDENT][SIZE=4][U]Honorable Mention[/U] (#11-20)[/SIZE][/INDENT]

11. Victoria Edwards Longhorn Aquatics Westlake High School Austin, TX
Best Times: 200 fly 1:56.08, 100 fly 52.74, 100 back 53.30, 200 back 1:57.79, 200 IM 2:00.85

No NCAA scoring times, but on the cusp in several races. She's very much in the mix with Kukurugya and Pike for the title of class's best all-around butterflyer.


12. Ashley Volpenhein Mason Manta Rays Mason High School Mason, OH
Best Times: 50 free 22.35, 100 free 48.96, 200 free 1:49.39, 100 fly 54.73

Hard to rank the class's premier sprinter this low. But it's a deep class of swimmers who can already score at NCAAs, and Volpenhein isn't quite there yet.


13. Marta Ciesla Pine Crest Swimming Pine Crest School Fort Lauderdale, FL
Best Times: 50 free 22.52, 100 free 48.97, 200 free 1:49.53

See Volpenhein. Ciesla is a little less versatile, but since when do sprint freestylers need versatility, with two individual slots and up to 4 relays?


14. Caitlin Tycz Long Reach Swim Club Brunswick High School Brunswick, ME
Best Times: 100 fly 52.43, 200 fly 1:58.00


15. Alexis Margett Brea Aquatics Glendora High School Glendora, CA
Best Times: 100 fly 52.59, 200 fly 1:57.74, 200 IM 1:59.78


16. Anna Belousova Nation's Capital Swim Club Bethesda, MD
Best Times: 200 breast 2:10.14, 100 breast 1:00.58, 200 IM 1:58.71, 200 back 1:56.11, 100 back 54.96


17. Taylor Ault La Mirada Armada Sonora High School Sonora, CA
Best Times: 200 free 1:46.07, 500 free 4:41.73, 1650 free 16:13.41


18. Paige Madden City of Mobile Swim Association UMS-Wright Preparatory School Mobile, AL
Best Times: 500 free 4:42.17, 200 free 1:45.68, 100 free 49.75, 200 back 1:55.57, 100 back 53.71


19. Joy Field Magnolia Aquatic Club Magnolia High School Magnolia, TX
Best Times: 1650 free 16:02.07, 500 free 4:45.86, 200 free 1:49.18


20. Regan Barney Nitro Swimming Cedar Park, TX **Verbally committed to Georgia**
Best Times: 400 IM 4:10.99, 200 IM 1:59.06, 200 back 1:56.23, 100 back 54.76


https://swimswam.com/top-20-ncaa-recruits-girls-high-school-class-2017/


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UrsusArctosCalifornicus
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[COLOR="#006699"]Sorry BD, didn't see your post as I was in the midst of posting mine...[/COLOR] :p
BearDevil
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UrsusArctosCalifornicus;842705534 said:

Looking slightly ahead to the [U]2018[/U] crop :p, here's how a few of them fared @ 2016 Olympic Trials

Cassidy Bayer:
[INDENT][U]200 fly[/U] (#3)
[U]100 fly[/U] (#4)[/INDENT]

Eva Merrell:
[INDENT][U]200 back[/U] (#9) - 1st alternate for tonight's final
[U]100 fly[/U] (#11)
[U]100 free[/U] (#26)
[U]50 free[/U] (#34)
[U]100 back[/U] (#50)[/INDENT]

Alex Walsh: (2019 recruit??)
[INDENT][U]200 back[/U] (#11)
[U]100 back[/U] (#12)
[U]200 IM[/U] (#46)[/INDENT]

Anya Goeders:
[INDENT][U]50 free[/U] (#9) - 1st alternate for tomorrow's final[/INDENT]

[COLOR="#000066"][SIZE=4]Anya Goeders Swims 3rd-Fastest 15-16 50 Free Ever at 25.16[/SIZE][/COLOR]



https://swimswam.com/anya-goeders-swims-3rd-fastest-15-16-50-free-ever-at-25-16/


Not to rekindle faint dashed hopes, but tedbear's girl Penny is still in collegeswimming (self reporting) database. Top ranked 2019 recruit. Assume she'll swim in Canada as a pro, but...
tedbear
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This list is exactly what we expected. Maggie and/or Nikol are must gets. Kuks is way overrated IMO. 2018>>2017
tedbear
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BearDevil;842707972 said:

Not to rekindle faint dashed hopes, but tedbear's girl Penny is still in collegeswimming (self reporting) database. Top ranked 2019 recruit. Assume she'll swim in Canada as a pro, but...


Penny!!! :bravo But why the switch to 2019? Hmmmm, interesting.
BearDevil
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tedbear;842708007 said:

Penny!!! :bravo But why the switch to 2019? Hmmmm, interesting.


Still dubious Penny ever swims for an American college, but 2019 would be better for Cal than 2018. 2018 is the deeper recruiting class (especially in CA), so Bears might not have enough scholly $ is 2018. 2019 will be a smaller Cal recruiting class (Baker, Amy, McL), but Penny would be the clear recruiting priority. Noemie needs to work on Penny...
tedbear
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BearDevil;842708069 said:

Still dubious Penny ever swims for an American college, but 2019 would be better for Cal than 2018. 2018 is the deeper recruiting class (especially in CA), so Bears might not have enough scholly $ is 2018. 2019 will be a smaller Cal recruiting class (Baker, Amy, McL), but Penny would be the clear recruiting priority. Noemie needs to work on Penny...


But 2019 is right before Tokyo, which isn't ideal either.
HBear
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Still must admit that I'm a newbie to posting (not quite sure how you experienced fellows favor doing things), but spotted Kuks' name in this recap: https://swimswam.com/greensboro-sectionals-day-3-recap/ where:

Another notable swim on the women’s side was the 100 fly, which saw UNC’s Hellen Moffitt swim to a convincing win. Moffitt posted the only sub-1:00 of the evening to win in 59.13. Rounding out the top 3 behind her were Haley McInerny (1:00.87) and [SIZE=3]Hannah Kukurugya (1:01.50).[/SIZE]
tedbear
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BearDevil;842708637 said:

2017 is a solid recruiting class for Cal specific needs (breast, distance), but it's not a strong class overall. Any of Abbey, Baker, Amy, or McL would be the top ranked recruit in this class. Pitzer, Marta, and AV are all very good, but there isn't a dominant across the board sprinter like Abbey, Manuel, or even Stanzi Mosely in the class.

Kuks would be a very welcome addition to any program in the country, but it's a testament to how strong the Bay Area duopoly is now that she wouldn't have a huge impact in the pool for either team. 200 Fly is a niche event, but she wouldn't be the medley relay flyer for either team. If Teri opts for another flyer (loses Farida, still will have Noemie, McL, and Maddie), Margett would be a bigger bang for the buck flyer (faster in the 100, in state) than Kuks.

Kuks will be a future team captain wherever she goes, good student, and a recruiting pipeline to former Junior National teammates. She'll end up on the farm if that's her dream school, but she'll have better financial offers from Georgia, Lville, or 'SC.


Hbear, any contribution you can make to our small community is always appreciated. We don't really have any rules or formalities. Kuks' 1:01.50 would have placed her 92nd at Olympic Trials. She's a good swimmer, and like BD said, she has a lot of intangibles when it comes to academics, leadership, etc., but I just think that being ranked the No.8 recruit in the country is a little high. The bigger target in the Fly is 2018 recruit Eva Merrell. Eva's results at OT, 100 Fly 59.02 (11th in semis), 50 Free 25.88 (34th), 100 Free 55.92 (26th), 100 Back 1:02.53 (50th), and 200 Back 2:10.21 (9th in semis). Not only could she contribute to four different relays, but she has the versatility that Teri loves.

Since we are looking at OT results, here are some other times for the top 2017 recruits.
Maggie Aroesty - 100 Breast 1:08.59 (18th), 200 Breast 2:31.40 (28th), 200 IM 2:13.99 (7th, 9th in semis), and 400 IM 4:48.78 (18th). To me, Maggie is Caitlyn Leverenz reincarnated. She should be by far be our number one target. She would anchor both medley relays, and fill all kinds of holes in both our Breast and IM events.
Nikol Popov - 100 Breast 1:09.51 (29th), 200 Breast 2:35.69 (73rd), and 200 IM 2:17.68 (38th). As most of you know, I want both Nikol and Maggie. They are already friends, and they could push each other, just like Amy and Kathleen in the Back.

Will do the sprinters comparison later, but like Marta Ciesla's upside more than Ashley Volpenhein and Lauren Pitzer.
BearDevil
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https://swimswam.com/ncaa-runner-miranda-tucker-transferring-michigan/

Not all that surprising that breaststroker Miranda Tucker transferred out of IU. Lilly King is America's best breaststroker and was in the same class. Had hoped she might transfer to Cal. An intraconference transfer is unusual.
OBear073akaSMFan
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BearDevil;842710706 said:

Had hoped she might transfer to Cal.
Would had been huge if it happened and she would had been treated like a queen..on this board!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
UrsusArctosCalifornicus
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OBear073akaSMFan;842710707 said:

Would had been huge if it happened and she would had been treated like a queen..on this board!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[COLOR="#006699"]Well seeing that Lilly was already an honorary :bear: of sorts @ 2016 NCAAs, at least in some folks' eyes (guilty here lol), reckon that a lot of the crew here would have spoilt her with the same sort of VIP treatment that we continue to favour [U]the Dream Team[/U] with :p

Not too late really for Lilly to change her mind (hint hint to those of her relatives & friends who may be checking up on the board from time to time ~wink wink~) ... heck I'm sure Teri would be very happy to have Ray Looze come along as part of the package haha. At any rate, Lillia will surely be a household name after she snags a few Olympic medals in a week's time!

Had actually noticed that Miranda was listed under "[U]Club Wolverine[/U]" at trials and a couple of meets before then...didn't think much of it at the time as had just assumed she was training closer to home after NCAAs...after all, Miranda was the #1 ranked recruit from Michigan in the class of 2015:
[INDENT]https://www.collegeswimming.com/swimmer/201844/
https://www.collegeswimming.com/recruiting/rankings/2015/F/MI/[/INDENT]
[/COLOR]
Mark King
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Sorry, gang. Lil loves Bloomington. Go USA!
UrsusArctosCalifornicus
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Mark King;842710863 said:

Sorry, gang. Lil loves Bloomington. Go USA!

[COLOR="#006699"]Well one can but dream...even if it happens to be a bit of an empty dream here

No matter, we'll continue to madly cheer Lilly all the way on to the podium in Rio ... @ future Worlds & Grand prix events ... also @ the B1G Conference! Heck, even @ NCAAs...esp when she prevails against the Furd & U$C

Now, mind you, should Maggie Aroesty or Nikol Popov ever get recruited as baby :bear:s and they face off in the blue & gold against Lilly @ the 2018 & 2019 editions of the big dance, well naturally things may be a bit different there... :p
[/COLOR]

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[COLOR="#2F4F4F"][SIZE=5]Sports Illustrated Picks Evansville’s [U]Lilly King[/U] to Win Olympic Gold in Rio[/SIZE][/COLOR]




http://wbkr.com/sports-illustrated-picks-evansvilles-lilly-king-to-win-olympic-gold-in-rio/


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[COLOR="#000066"][SIZE=5][U]King[/U]’s competitiveness is driving her Olympic dreams[/SIZE][/COLOR]


[SIZE=1]Lilly King Photo furnished The King family includes (from left) Lilly, Mark, Ginny and Alex King.[/SIZE]


http://www.courierpress.com/sports/kings-competitiveness-is-driving-her-olympic-dreams-3855b025-e3a8-6dbc-e053-0100007f451d-388740461.html


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tedbear
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Can you imagine if these two ever swam on the same team in college!

https://swimswam.com/canadians-oleksiak-ruck-first-ever-olympic-medalists-born-2000s/
BearDevil
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tedbear;842713187 said:

Can you imagine if these two ever swam on the same team in college!

https://swimswam.com/canadians-oleksiak-ruck-first-ever-olympic-medalists-born-2000s/


Both have scary range: Penny-50/100/200 Frees plus100 Fly, Ruck-back, sprints, distance. Likely top ranked recruits in consecutive classes.

Penny's further along now than Abbey and Manuel were at 16.
 
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