UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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Don't forget to leave room in the scholly coffers for Alex Walsh & Regan Smith in 2020 though!

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UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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Izzie, along with Kate Douglass, are both priority prospects IMO in the next recruiting cycle, based on their strengths in the pool v. the team's future needs, and equally as important, appearing to be a great fit with Bears! Then onto Regan Smith & Alex Walsh in the 2020 class... :p

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With Eva Merrell committed to the Dawgs for 2018, a 2019 class that doesn't appear to be quite as loaded in backstroke aces, and losing Back studs Thleen & Amy as well as Katie to graduation followed next by Abbey, no question in my mind that #1 Regan Smith & #3 Alex Walsh will represent our most important potential gets for 2020.

Our pair of elite recruits here with both the credentials in the classroom and massive top-end versatility in the pool -

• Walsh: top class Breast & Back + great Free & IM
• Smith: Back & Fly superstud + solid Free & IM

Now with every top programme in the whole fricking country going to be after the duo with everything they have & more (LSJU, UGA, Horns, A&M, $C, Michigan etc), we can't just assume that either will be natural best fits for Bears, or get too attached to the idea of them wanting to be sporting the blue & gold lol - esp after the crushing recruiting success of the past few years that must have put a smug smile or two on Greg's and those furdette faces down on the farm...


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Ikee Lowers WJR, Seto Sets World Cup Record on Night One in Tokyo

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https://instagr.am/p/BbedhHLFGrc
https://instagr.am/p/BbbVMqaFgjb

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UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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Our pair of elite recruits here with both the credentials in the classroom and massive top-end versatility in the pool -

• Walsh: top class Breast & Back + great Free & IM
• Smith: Back & Fly superstud + solid Free & IM

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Not to be a downer, but it seems as though Smith is a furd lean, but she's following both Cal and the Furd's instagram pages, so...

https://instagr.am/p/BSR3mGIheef

UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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Now with every top programme in the whole fricking country going to be after the duo with everything they have & more (LSJU, UGA, Horns, A&M, $C, Michigan etc), we can't just assume that either will be natural best fits for Bears, or get too attached to the idea of them wanting to be sporting the blue & gold lol - esp after the crushing recruiting success of the past few years that must have put a smug smile or two on Greg's and those furdette faces down on the farm...

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bearz012 said:

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Not to be a downer, but it seems as though Smith is a furd lean, but she's following both Cal and the Furd's instagram pages, so...

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LSJU does seem to be a favoured destination for most of the top women's swim recruits these days ~sigh~, the farm is def. on Regan's short list! She's also good friends w/furdettes Zoe, Lucie & Brooke from their Junior National trips. I'll admit that Regan posting a photo of herself sporting a furd sweat at this early stage obviously isn't a good sign at all for us lol

OTOH the furd may not be our sole competitor when it comes to wooing Smith, as she's also close with 2018 Georgia signee Dakota Luther:

https://instagr.am/p/BbfgoHIBXdO
However, wouldn't count Bears completely out quite yet... :p

Backstroke U, top coaching, top notch academics and a rich history when it comes to Cal Swimming's record of developing Olympians & NCAA champions surely has to count for something, right?

Regan had also developed a good relationship w/Thleen @ Budapest 2017, then with 2018 Baby Bear Alex Sumner at Junior Worlds...as well as with her roomie Kate Douglass @ Indy, so would be an extra bonus if we can sign Kate (ranked #3) for 2019...

Then there's always Alex, who's even more versatile than Regan as Walsh doesn't really have a weak stroke, with arguably greater relay value thanks to her strong breast & free skills.




Here's how the pair had fared in finals at the Tokyo & Singapore stops of the 2017 FINA World Cup series - participants at these meets included world class elites such as Sarah Sjostrom, Katinka Hosszu, Cate + Bronte Campbell, Ranomi Kromowidjojo, Emily Seebohm, Pernille Blume & Yulia Efimova:

* TOKYO *

• Alex Walsh
  100m IM........................4th
  50m Back......................4th
  Mixed 4x50m Medley....2nd
  Mixed 4x50m Free........3rd

• Regan Smith
  200m Back....................2nd
  100m Fly.......................4th
  50m Fly.........................7th
  Mixed 4x50m Medley....2nd

https://instagr.am/p/BbrpxMNFV5h

* SINGAPORE *

• Alex Walsh
  100m Back....................3rd
  200m IM........................4th
  50m Breast....................5th
  Mixed 4x50m Medley....5th - WJR
  Mixed 4x50m Free........3rd

• Regan Smith
  100m Back....................2nd
  200m Back....................2nd
  Mixed 4x50m Medley....5th - WJR

https://instagr.am/p/BboqXYWDDmi

We also have competition from UVA when it comes to recruiting Kate Douglass; she's best (or close) friends with Kaki Christensen, who is signed to the UVA S&D Class of '22.

In addition, outside sources shows that Kate made a visit to UNC Chapel Hill in the recent weeks.

Bay Swimmer said:

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So for the class of 2015 Teri didn't announce Weitzeil until signing day. She ended up being a full scholarship commitment for the class of 2016 then along with her 2016 got Murphy, Devine, Blovad, Mykkanan (sp?). For the class of 2017 (hold tight I promise to make my point) for the class of 2017 we didn't hear about the two biggest recruits until the very end of the recruiting window. So, accident or strategy?

I think strategy. Cal was getting HEAT and negative press for recruiting so much top talent, that came to a head with Missy's class and only got worse through the class of 2015. I think Teri is holding off on at least one major recruit until the end of the recruiting cycle. And that's brilliant because Stanford is getting the heat right now. Ppl are gonna start saying things like $tandord which they deserve.

Don't get me wrong, Cal missed out on some major recruits. However, MSH, Grinalds, and Homovich have still not committed. Those are just the ones we know about though.

Just saying... it's far from over this year.

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What I'm worried about is, has Sarah Grinalds made a desicion yet? She took trips to the Ivies, and was at National Select Camp a few weeks back...

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Uni High's Rajic already thinking about Cal

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UPDATE =>

ROSARY WINS 3RD STRAIGHT ILLINOIS TITLE; STATE RECORD FALLS IN FINALS

Ema Rajic came back from a 4th place prelims finish to defend her 200 IM title. Rajic came in close to half a second off her IHSA record set last year, but still posted her 3rd fastest time ever. Rajic had a huge breaststroke split, 33.98, which led the field by over half a second. Rajic was also the only girl in the field to drop time from her prelims race.

Ema Rajic defended her state title in the race between the last 3 IHSA 100 breast champions. Rajic took the event almost half a second slower than her IHSA record performance of 1:00.77 last year. Valerie Tazari and Ema Rajic had the exact same split on the 1st 50 (28.88), but Rajic was able to come home considerably faster, leaving Tazari in 2nd.


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UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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Cierra's transfer to Wisconsin ... lent additional fuel to some unfairly caustic rumours (from a handful of "fans" on a certain swim site) maliciously slandering the coaching

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OLYMPIAN CIERRA RUNGE LEAVING WISCONSIN PROGRAM

swimmer19 said:

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We also have competition from UVA when it comes to recruiting Kate Douglass; she's best (or close) friends with Kaki Christensen, who is signed to the UVA S&D Class of '22.

In addition, outside sources shows that Kate made a visit to UNC Chapel Hill in the recent weeks.

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I think that looking on their Twitters and Instagrams to see which swim team accounts they follow is a good indication of where they're looking. Looking in Kate's instagram, it looks like she's following the swim team accounts of Duke, UNC, UVA (also following UVA coaches), LSJU, and USC's swim accounts, which isn't good, but we still have a chance, because it seems as though she's good friends with commit Alex Sumner.

https://instagr.am/p/BYPTn9TAPS1

However, it seems as though Ivey is really good friends with Cassidy, which always ups our chances.

UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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Bears ranked #4 here. ...

Top 10 Recruiting Rankings | Women's Class Of 2022

1.) Stanford

2.) Georgia

3.) Texas

4.) Cal

Key 2018 Losses: Valerie Hull, Maija Roses, & Noemie Thomas

Rationale
The biggest upcoming loss for Teri McKeever's squad is certainly Noemie Thomas. At NCAAs last year, Thomas was fifth in the 100 fly, 10th in the 200 fly, and a major key on Cal's relays. The good news for the Golden Bears? They pick up Cassidy Bayer and Elise Garcia two studs who have both been 52 in the 100 fly and 1:55 and 1:56, respectively, in the 200. Not to be forgotten, Kathleen Baker picks up a serious training partner in 1:52 backstroker Alex Sumner.

5.) NC State
6.) Florida
7.) Virginia
8.) Texas A&M
9.) Tennessee
10.) Indiana

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FIRST LOOKS: RANKING THE INCOMING NCAA WOMEN'S CLASSES OF 2022


HONORABLE MENTIONS (IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER)

• Arizona State
• Indiana
• Virginia Tech
• Notre Dame
• Michigan
• Harvard
• Virginia

#10 DUKE

#13 Easop Lee, Brynne O'Shea, Lucy Callard, Melissa Pish, Rachel Peroni, Shae Nicolaisen, Shayna Hollander, Zoe Lusk


#9 USC

#8 Erica Sullivan, Isabelle Odgers, Makenna Turner, Lara Bate


#8 FLORIDA STATE

Alexis Durlacher, Boglrka Bonecz, Hannah Womer, Ida Hulkko, Katherine Baker, Laura Glerup Jensen, Lauren Hew, Maddie McDonald, Maggie Emary, Nina Kucheran, Stephanie Holmes


#7 NC STATE

#14 Emma Muzzy, Kylee Alons, Maddie Smith, Sami Nickerson, Shannon Kearney, Sophie Hansson, Taylor Bennett


#6 TEXAS A&M

#7 Gabrielle Kopenski, Amanda Armstrong, Caroline Theil, Claire Smith, Emma Carlton, Kylie Powers


#5 TEXAS

#10 Julia Cook, #17 Grace Ariola, Holly Jansen, Kendall Shields


#4 CAL

#5 Cassidy Bayer, #18 Elise Garcia, Top 20 HM Alex Sumner, Ema Rajic, Alicia Wilson

Cassidy Bayer is the big snag here, a fantastic butterflier who will help pad the loss of outgoing senior Noemie Thomas. She's been 52.7/1:55.2 FL in yards, but her 58.1/2:07.9 LCM times indicate she has much further to go than that. Bayer has battled knee injury that included a meniscus surgery, and she sat out her junior season that's a big reason why her best times are from 2016 or earlier, but a determined Bayer could bounce back and become a great weapon for the Golden Bears. She's also a 1:58.2 IM'er and has been 22.9 in the 50 free, so she likely won't be doing just butterfly at Cal.

Elise Garcia was also in our top 20, plus honorable mention Alex Sumner. Garcia is a strong sprinter (22.6/49.5), and she upped her worth with some development in butterfly this spring, spitting out bests of 52.7/1:56.6 and adding another dimension to her abilities. Meanwhile, Sumner is one of the best 200 backstrokers in the class (her 1:52.33 would've scored at the 2017 NCAA Champs), and she's also been 53.41 in the 100 back and 1:59.05 in the 200 fly.

Rounding out the class is Ema Rajic and Briton Alicia Wilson. Rajic is a big breaststroke get, having been 1:00.7 in the 100 and 2:14.1 in the 200, with the 100 being most exciting for the Bears. Cal has notoriously had trouble with breaststroke, having to co-opt IM'er Caitlin Leverenz to the medley relays several years ago, putting relay duties on 200 specialist Marina Garcia up until last year (and still DQ'ing their 400 relay in finals at NCAAs), and still never having anyone under 59.00 in program history. Rajic could be an option to buck that trend with some improvement, though she's also a capable IM'er (2:00/2:14). Wilson is another IM talent, with LCM bests of 2:14/4:52 as well as PRs of 26.2/56.7 in sprint free.


#3 FLORIDA

#6 Vanessa Pearl, Mabel Zavaros, Rosie Zavaros, Leah Braswell, Layla Black, Kirschtine Balbuena, Ellie Zweifel


#2 GEORGIA

#1 Eva Merrell, #11 Dakota Luther, #12 Olivia Carter, Top 20 HM Madison Homovich, Callie Dickinson, Portia Del Rio Brown, Caroline Aikins, Tatum Smith, Addison Kelly


#1 STANFORD

#2 Taylor Ruck, #3 Morgan Tankersley, #4 Zoe Bartel, #9 Allie Raab, #15 Amalie Fackenthal, #16 Lucie Nordmann, Anya Goeders


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bearz012 said:

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swimmer19 said:

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We also have competition from UVA when it comes to recruiting Kate Douglass; she's best (or close) friends with Kaki Christensen, who is signed to the UVA S&D Class of '22.

In addition, outside sources shows that Kate made a visit to UNC Chapel Hill in the recent weeks.

---

I think that looking on their Twitters and Instagrams to see which swim team accounts they follow is a good indication of where they're looking. Looking in Kate's instagram, it looks like she's following the swim team accounts of Duke, UNC, UVA (also following UVA coaches), LSJU, and USC's swim accounts, which isn't good, but we still have a chance, because it seems as though she's good friends with commit Alex Sumner.

https://instagr.am/p/BYPTn9TAPS1

However, it seems as though Ivey is really good friends with Cassidy, which always ups our chances.

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Took a good look at Isabel Ivey's insta, and she's following both our men and women's account (a good sign) and the Gators (no dip; she swims for their club team IMO); also following Missy and some of the NJT men who are freshmen at Cal this year.

As of right now, we have no indication that she's leaning toward Stanford, and UF is our only real competition as she is based out of the Gator Swim Club in Gainesville.

As for Kate Douglass, UNC Chapel Hill, ASU, Georgia, Bob Bowman, Michigan, Ohio State, UVA (coaches too), USC (SoCal), Navy, and UofArizona all follow her. I think that's an indication of how good she is if all of these programs really want her.

A 2019 class with Kate Douglass, Isabel Ivey, and CA swimmers Chloe Clark and zoie Hartman would be huge for cal

zeldazcat said:

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A 2019 class with Kate Douglass, Isabel Ivey, and CA swimmers Chloe Clark and zoie Hartman would be huge for cal

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Not only huge, but sort of imperative actually for Bears to load up in a significant fashion the next recruiting cycle, in order to offset the massive attrition stemming from 3/4 of the Dream Team graduating in 2019 - Thleen, Katie & Amy!

Do like your list of 2019 names btw, zeldazcat, as they mirror somewhat several of the prospects we've discussed on the board in the past ... see quoted posts below, which also includes some backstroke times/rankings, since the loss of Baker & Bilquist will have a deep impact on our top-end back depth!

UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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(June 2017 - note that PBs & 2018 commitments referred to below were as at the date of the original post, so may not reflect the current status!)

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As a sidenote, a trio of talented locals in the 2019 class to keep an eye on for the future (stepping away from the backstroke path discussion for a sec)...kudos to BearDevil for the tip! :beer:

• Zoie Hartman (#1 CA, #8 Nat) - Danville | Crow Canyon Sharks
  Chloe Clark (#2 CA, #11 Nat) - Granite Bay | Sierra Marlins (...well, I'm considering the Greater Sac area as local here, relative to SoCal :p)
  Miranda Heckman (#4 CA, #16 Nat) - Livermore | Pleasanton Seahawks

Anyway, here are PB times in the 100y Back (i.e. bonus relay value) & 200y Back for some of the better known 2018-2020 recruits that qualify for a 2017 NCAA 'B' cut.

May have missed a number of promising backstrokers (esp from the 2020 class at this very, very early stage!), but basically these are primarily the back specialists, plus several aces in the other strokes + versatile multi-strokers who can put down a decent back race when asked to.

Recruit rankings as per CollegeSwimming.

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100y Back (2017 NCAA 'A' Cut: 51.45)

~ 2017 NCAA A Final Qualifying Time (8th) = 51.10 ~
(Current Bear) Kathleen Baker ..... 49.80...... 2017 NCAAs
(Current Bear) Amy Bilquist .......... 50.50...... 2016 Pac-12s

~ 2017 NCAA B Final Qualifying Time (16th) = 51.73 ~
(2020 recruit) Regan Smith ...... 51.09...... 2016 Dec
(2020 recruit) Alex Walsh ......... 51.62...... 2015 Dec

~ 2017 NCAA Slowest Invited Time (41st) = 52.65 ~
(2018 recruit) Eva Merrell ......... 52.26....... 2016 Nov (#1 CA, #1 Nat)
(2018 recruit) Julia Cook ........... 52.37...... 2017 Mar (#1 TX, #2 Nat) {TEXAS commit}
(Current Bear) Keaton Blovad .. 52.41...... 2017 Pac-12s
(2018 recruit) Lucie Nordmann .. 52.48...... 2017 Feb (#3 TX, #9 Nat)
(2018 recruit) Emma Muzzy ....... 52.65...... 2017 Mar (#1 VA, #5 Nat) {NC STATE commit}
(2019 recruit) Kat Berkoff ........... 52.65...... 2017 Mar (#1 MT, #5 Nat)

~ 2017 NCAA 'B' Cut: 55.09 ~
(2018 recruit) Taylor Ruck ......... 52.95...... 2014 Dec (#1 AZ, #1 Nat)
(Current Bear) Jasmine Mau .... 52.96...... 2015 Feb
(2018 recruit) Grace Ariola ........ 53.04...... 2016 Dec (#1 IL, #6 Nat) {TEXAS commit}
(2018 recruit) Sam Shelton ........ 53.04...... 2017 May (#3 CA, #17 Nat)
(2019 recruit) Chloe Clark .......... 53.23...... 2016 May (#2 CA, #11 Nat)
(2019 recruit) Caitlin Brooks ....... 53.38...... 2016 Nov (#3 FL, #21 Nat)
(2018 recruit) Alex Sumner ....... 53.41...... 2017 Feb (#1 PA, #29 Nat)
(2017 Bear) Sophie K-Zhou ...... 53.50...... 2016 May
(2019 recruit) Alexandra Crisera 53.54...... 2017 May (#3 CA, #13 Nat)
(Current Bear) Abbey Weitzeil . 53.80...... 2015 Mar
(2019 recruit) Kayla Sanchez ..... 53.80...... 2017 Mar (#2 ON, #4 Nat) - (converted from 1:00.92 LCM)
(2019 recruit) Isabel Ivey ............ 53.83...... 2017 Feb (#1 FL, #1 Nat)
(Current Bear) Courtney Mykk. . 53.90...... 2015 Feb
(Current Bear) Aislinn Light .... 54.31...... 2016 May
(2018 Bear) Cassidy Bayer ....... 54.78...... 2014 Dec

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200y Back (2017 NCAA 'A' Cut: 1:51.95)

~ 2017 NCAA A Final Qualifying Time (8th) = 1:50.86 ~
(Current Bear) Kathleen Baker ...... 1:48.33...... 2017 Pac-12s
(Current Bear) Amy Bilquist .......... 1:49.90...... 2016 Pac-12s

~ 2017 NCAA B Final Qualifying Time (16th) = 1:52.52 ~
(2020 recruit) Regan Smith ...... 1:51.79...... 2016 Dec
(2020 recruit) Alex Walsh ......... 1:52.07..... 2015 Dec
(2018 recruit) Eva Merrell ......... 1:52.20...... 2016 Nov (#1 CA, #1 Nat)
(2018 recruit) Alex Sumner ...... 1:52.33 .... 2017 Mar (#1 PA, #29 Nat)

~ 2017 NCAA Slowest Invited Time (40th) = 1:54.00 ~
(2018 recruit) Taylor Ruck ....... 1:53.13...... 2014 Dec (#1 AZ, #1 Nat)
(2018 recruit) Emma Muzzy ..... 1:53.38...... 2017 Mar (#1 VA, #5 Nat) {NC STATE commit}
(2019 recruit) Katharine Berkoff 1:53.64...... 2017 Mar (#1 MT, #5 Nat)
(Current Bear) Keaton Blovad 1:54.00...... 2017 Pac-12s

~ 2017 NCAA 'B' Cut: 1:59.19 ~
(2018 recruit) Lucie Nordmann .1:54.08...... 2015 Dec (#3 TX, #9 Nat)
(2018 recruit) Julia Cook .......... 1:54.48...... 2017 Feb (#1 TX, #2 Nat) {TEXAS commit}
(2018 recruit) Grace Ariola ....... 1:54.60...... 2014 Dec (#1 IL, #6 Nat) {TEXAS commit}
(Current Bear) Courtney Mykk. 1:55.09...... 2017 Pac-12s
(2019 recruit) Caitlin Brooks ..... 1:56.17...... 2017 Mar (#3 FL, #21 Nat)
(2017 Bear) Sophie K-Zhou .... 1:56.79...... 2016 May
(2019 recruit) Chloe Clark ......... 1:56.79..... 2016 Feb (#2 CA, #11 Nat)
(2019 recruit) Kayla Sanchez .... 1:56.83?... 2016 Nov (#2 ON, #4 Nat)
(2019 recruit) Alexandra Crisera 1:57.47..... 2017 Mar (#3 CA, #13 Nat)
(Current Bear) Aislinn Light ... 1:58.55..... 2017 Pac-12s

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UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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(Aug 2017)

A few recruits of potential interest who made the Top 8 (not a comprehensive list!):

Kate Douglass (#1 NY, #3 Nat for 2019) - 50m Free, 100m Free, 200m IM
Zoie Hartman (#1 CA, #8 Nat for 2019) - 100m Free, 100m Breast, 200m Breast
Miranda Heckman (#4 CA, #16 Nat for 2019) - 200m Free, 400m Free

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Perhaps a mite premature to start up a new topic of discussion for our 2019 frosh recruiting prospects lol ... but heck, why not, since the recent trend has been verbals coming in earlier & earlier...

- tedbear or BearDevil (or anyone else brave enough ) - care to initiate a new thread on "2019 Women's Swimming Recruiting" sometime before Christmas?

Meanwhile, whilst not realistically expecting Teri to magically fulfill tedbear's or my longstanding dreams of welcoming MSH (CAN), Freya Anderson (GBR), Minna Atherton (AUS), Marrit Steenbergen (NED) or Viktoriya Zeynep Gunes (TUR) for 2018 or 2019 (never mind that some of these international studs have probably already gone pro or will do so lol), I'm holding on to a spot of optimism that there may be an announcement of a key addition or two to our Baby Bears roster in the 2018 regular signing period!

UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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Do like your list of 2019 names btw, zeldazcat, as they mirror somewhat several of the prospects we've discussed on the board in the past ... see quoted posts below, which also includes some backstroke times/rankings, since the loss of Baker & Bilquist will have a deep impact on our top-end back depth!

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Considering we're going to need more backstroke strength with the graduations of Baker and Bilquist, here are the top backstrokers in the class of 2019 (all rankings are based on CS rankings)

Katharine Berkoff (#8 Nat, #1 Montana - typically not a state with many strong swimmers)
100 back: 52.65
200 back: 1:53.64

Good backstroke, but doesn't seem to be as good at any other stroke (23.5 50 free)

Caitlin Brooks (#20 Nat, #3 Florida - same club and high school, I think? as Ivey)
100 back: 52.65
200 back: 1:56.17
50 back: 24.66

Backstroker, other strokes not as strong; equal w/ Berkoff in the 100

Chloe Clark (#16 Nat, #3 California)
100 back: 53.46
200 back: 1:56.79
200 IM: 1:57.32

Seems to be an IMer, but has decent backstroke. Also an in-state recruit

Alexandra Crisera (#19 Nat, #4 California)
100 back: 53.54
200 back: 1:56.67
100 free: 48.87

Backstroker with sprint free

Isabel Ivey (#2 Nat, #1 Florida)
100 back: 53.83

Not her strength, but a good time in a class of weaker backstrokers

Katie Mack (#21 Nat, #2 Virginia - same club of Ledecky, Seliskar: NCAP)
100 back: 53.69
200 back: 1:56.94
50 free: 22.60
100 fly: 54.17

A sprint freestyler, but has decent backstroke. Decent fly as well.

Like you guys mentioned before, it seems as though this class is weak in backstroke, but does seem to have a lot of distance free and breaststroke talent. Also seems to be weaker in fly and IM. Not the strongest class, but if we can get some heavy hitters (Ivey, Douglass), it will try and mend the loss of the Dream Team a little bit more. Berkoff seems to be the fastest backstroker in this class, but they're all still in their junior year, and so much can change.

Cheers for compiling all those useful stats so swiftly, bearz012!

Reckon Eva would have represented such a valuable backstroke bridge (amongst her other contributions) to the 2020 class which features super ace backstrokers in the form of Regan & Alex, but oh well, let's move on... :p

Yup, the 2019 class isn't esp known for its back strengths or depth right at this point, so Bears would prob. just have to ride out a year of relative downgrade in this stroke - on the bright side, 2018 Baby Bear Alex Sumner's already a stud in the 200 Back and I have every confidence that she'll make great strides in the shorter distance seeing how she had hit all those massive PBs in long course over the summer ... hopefully Keaton & Coco will continue to develop in this discipline as well.

Local Zoie could be a massive asset in the breast area, even if we have plugged up our breast holes somewhat in the guise of Ali, Sarah, and incoming Ema for next season.

Relying on social media as accurate indicators of a recruit's leanings haven't worked out too well in the recent past lol (i.e. Eva etc), but thought I'd close out this post with a few "hopeful" photos...you never know haha:

https://instagr.am/p/BYKKv_NDgD8
There used to be one of Izzie in Cal sweats, but these ones which were posted on this thread a while back will have to do for now



https://instagr.am/p/_SVz5hO0vD

If we are (no guarantees here!) able to recruit several of the 2019 girls from this past summer's World Junior Team, in addition to Douglass and Ivey, that would be really nice.

In addition, if we could also recruit Talia Bates (c/o 2019) who is Isabel Ivey's teammate in both club and high school that would also be a stellar catch.

I made a list of top times of the class of 2019. They're probably not 100% accurate, so please check.
All times/stats as of November 22, 2017. We should probably add this to the 2019 recruiting forum when it's created, although it's relatively early to start it.

TOP TIMES OF THE CLASS OF 2019:
50 free: Kate Douglass (#4 Nat, #1 NY): 22.04
100 free: Isabel Ivey (#2 Nat, #1 FL): 47.88
200 free: Isabel Ivey (#2 Nat, #1 FL): 1:43.64
500 free: Miranda Heckman (#10 Nat, #2 CA): 4:41.53
1000 free: Madelyn Donohoe (#6 Nat, #1 VA): 9:41.46
1650 free: Madelyn Donohoe (#6 Nat, #1 VA): 16:08.71
100 back: Katharine Berkoff (#8 Nat, #1 MT) and Caitlin Brooks (#20 Nat, #3 FL): 52.65
200 back: Katharine Berkoff (#8 Nat, #1 MT): 1:53.64
100 breast: Emily Weiss (#11 Nat, #1 IN): 59.37 **VERBALLY COMMITTED TO INDIANA**
200 breast: Ella Nelson (#12 Nat, #1 TN): 2:09.99
100 fly: Isabel Ivey (#2 Nat, #1 FL): 52.61
200 fly: Mary Smutny (#14 Nat, #2 FL): 1:56.58
200 IM: Isabel Ivey (#2 Nat, #1 FL): 1:57.04
400 IM: Kelly Pash (#14 Nat, #2 IN): 4:11.66

Well, some bad news for us bear fans:

https://instagr.am/p/BK4Dhnshyut

In the photo above, towards the right, we can clearly see Kate sporting a Furd hoodie... this was posted a little over a year ago; however, who knows when this was taken

Also note Kate's picture with missy franklin https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/175651-2/

2018 baby bear Daniel O'Connell on the men's side is from CCS, the same club that Zoie Hartman is from. Maybe he can try and convince her to come here

bearz012 said:

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TOP TIMES OF THE CLASS OF 2019:
50 free: Kate Douglass (#4 Nat, #1 NY): 22.04
100 free: Isabel Ivey (#2 Nat, #1 FL): 47.88
200 free: Isabel Ivey (#2 Nat, #1 FL): 1:43.64
500 free: Miranda Heckman (#10 Nat, #2 CA): 4:41.53
1000 free: Madelyn Donohoe (#6 Nat, #1 VA): 9:41.46
1650 free: Madelyn Donohoe (#6 Nat, #1 VA): 16:08.71
100 back: Katharine Berkoff (#8 Nat, #1 MT) and Caitlin Brooks (#20 Nat, #3 FL): 52.65
200 back: Katharine Berkoff (#8 Nat, #1 MT): 1:53.64
100 breast: Emily Weiss (#11 Nat, #1 IN): 59.37 **VERBALLY COMMITTED TO INDIANA**
200 breast: Ella Nelson (#12 Nat, #1 TN): 2:09.99
100 fly: Isabel Ivey (#2 Nat, #1 FL): 52.61
200 fly: Mary Smutny (#14 Nat, #2 FL): 1:56.58
200 IM: Isabel Ivey (#2 Nat, #1 FL): 1:57.04
400 IM: Kelly Pash (#14 Nat, #2 IN): 4:11.66

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Appreciate the list. Hadn't had Mary Smutny on our radar previously, so thanks!

Here are some of the names from your compilation who have received past mentions in either the 2016, 2017 or 2018 recruiting threads, along with their current CS rankings (28 Nov 2017), and club ties with recent past & present Bears on the women's side...may have missed a few there:

{2019}

Zoie Hartman (#5 Nat, #1 CA) | Crow Canyon Country Club Sharks - Maddie
Katharine Berkoff (#8 Nat, #1 MT)
Miranda Heckman (#10 Nat, #2 CA) | Pleasanton Seahawks - Celina
Kelly Pash (#13 Nat, #2 IN) | Carmel Swim Club - Amy
Chloe Clark (#16 Nat, #3 CA)
Alex Crisera (#19 Nat, #4 CA)
Caitlin Brooks (#20 Nat, #3 FL)


And a couple of in-state candidates who have been discussed on these pages:

{2020}

Ella Ristic (#10 Nat, #1 CA) | Mission Viejo Nadadores - Katie
Tea Laughlin (#21 Nat, #4 CA) | Buenaventura Swim Club - Ali


btw reckon wouldn't be the end of the world if either Kate D (2019) or Regan (2020) follows thru on wearing those cringey furdette gear lol, as Izzi (2019) & Alex W (2020) are actually more versatile recruits...

But would naturally prefer to welcome all 4 super prospects to the Bear family (if I'm allowed to dream a mite here haha), as would be even willing to forgive half of them for having been associated with that eyesore of a red colour

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UPDATE -> Note that 2019 recruits should really have their rankings bumped up a spot, since Penny's still listed as the #1 recruit, but shouldn't be eligible due to having already signed a 4-year partnership/endorsement deal with ASICS Canada.

With 2017 Winter Nationals scheduled to kick off with some relays tomorrow evening, thought it might be interesting to keep an eye on the performances of some of the bright prospects potentially coming down the pipeline the next several recruiting cycles, esp since this meet's being competed in SCY.

Just mentioning some of the names that caught my eye after a quick glance at the psych sheet here, feel free to add to this...have also noted swim club ties that readily came to mind (recent female Bears only):

UPDATE #1 (corrected link for Psych Sheet) -> https://www.usaswimming.org/docs/default-source/eventsdocuments/guides/2017-winter-nationals/2017-winter-nationals-psych-sheet.pdf


{2019}

Isabel Ivey (#2= Nat, #1 FL)
Maddie Donohoe (#6 Nat, #1 VA)
Miranda Heckman (#10 Nat, #2 CA) | Pleasanton Seahawks - Celina
Katie Mack (#21 Nat, #2 VA)
Caroline Kulp (#23 Nat, #3 VA)
Alexa Cuomo (#32 Nat, #4 VA)
Sophia Kudryashova (#72 Nat, #1 NJ) | Berkeley Aquatic Club - Alexa Buckley
Whittney Hamilton (#75 Nat, #6 VA)
Averee Preble (#88 Nat, #14 CA)


{2020}

Olivia Bray (#4 Nat, #1 VA)
Phoebe Bacon (#7 Nat, #2 VA)
Abby Harter (#12 Nat, #3 VA)
Paige Hetrick (#17 Nat, #1 PA)
Nikki Oliva (#25 Nat, #5 CA) | Santa Clara Swim Club - Cat Ladd
Chloe Stepanek (#31 Nat, #2 NY)
Anna Keating (#36 Nat, #4 VA)
Johanna Jorgenson (#43 Nat, #3 MI)


{2021-2022?}

Claire Tuggle (Clovis, CA)
Meghan Lynch (CT)


There seems to be an amazing depth of top swim talent from Virginia...

Also Izzie taking on a massive load here event-wise - 200 IM, 50 Free, 200 Free, 100 Back, 100 Free, 200 Breast! Ivey will likely scratch a few of these I'd imagine, unless she's just using the meet to train through rather than aim for PBs?

At any rate, hope Izzi has mostly recovered from her injury, which severely impacted her LCM performances this summer (notably in her back half speed).


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UPDATE #2 ->

Another meet of interest taking place this weekend is the 2017 Music City Invite @ Nashville: https://www.teamunify.com/senac/__eventform__/917067_psych.pdf

Featuring a pair of recruits, who have been discussed on these pages, from host Nashville Aquatic Club:

• 2019 Ella Nelson (#12 Nat, #1 TN)
• 2021-2022? Gretchen Walsh - Alex's sibling

Another top tier swim club, Lakeside Swim Team, will also be fielding their swimmers.


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UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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With 2017 Winter Nationals scheduled to kick off with some relays tomorrow evening, thought it might be interesting to keep an eye on the performances of some of the bright prospects potentially coming down the pipeline the next several recruiting cycles, esp since this meet's being competed in SCY.

Just mentioning some of the names that caught my eye after a quick glance at the psych sheet here, feel free to add to this...have also noted swim club ties that readily came to mind (recent female Bears only):

{2020}
Phoebe Bacon (#7 Nat, #2 VA)

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Recruits on Day 1 of the 2017 Winter Nationals:

Full Recap: https://swimswam.com/2017-u-s-winter-nationals-day-1-finals-live-recap/

2020 recruit Phoebe Bacon (#7 Nat, #2 VA) split a 24.66 in backstroke on the 200 medley relay, which was the fastest split in the entire field. The class of 2020 looking to be very strong, especially compared to 2019 (Also, just curious, which class do you think was the strongest, amongst recent years? IMO, the class of 2015 - dream team of Kathleen, Katie, Amy, Abbey and of course LSJU's Eastin and Ledecky, as well as Comerford - seems to be one of the strongest recruiting classes of all time).

Also, Bacon's teammate and 2019 recruit Katelyn Mack (#21 Nat, #2 VA) split a 22.38 on the free, which was the fastest of all the club teams there.

Hey appreciate the quick reporting - hope you can keep it up the next few days with regards to posting the results for these promising recruits @ Winter Nattys as I'll be a wee tied up... Don't forget to follow 2018 signee Reece on the men's side, along with graduated Bear Bros Nathan, Murph, Pebs, Prenot...

Tho will try to follow the progress of both of our teams @ the UGA Fall Invite over the weekend ... to complicate things further, there's also the Texas, Tenn, Minn + a number of other mid-season NCAA Invitationals going on at the same time lol

Would def. agree that 2015 was without a doubt cream-of-the-crop when it comes to the women's HS recruiting classes of recent years, if not all-time!

As you had mentioned - superstars Thleen, Katie, Amy, Eastin, Ledecky, Comerford ... not to mention uber-studs Abbey, Lilly, Siobhan, Pickrem... as well as a number of talented swimmers in Vose, Scott, Konopka, Stevens & Rule ... oh heck, I'm probably forgetting a few other prominent names in the mix!

Argh, don't know how I missed Abbey, but anyways, back to 2017 Winter Nats...

Recruits on Day 2 of 2017 Winter Nationals (Prelims):

Full Recap: https://swimswam.com/2017-u-s-winter-nationals-day-2-prelims-live-recap/

500 free:
- 2019 recruit Madelyn Donohoe (#6 Nat, #1 VA): 4:45.55, qualified for A final
- Fellow 2019 recruit Miranda Heckman (#10 Nat, #2 CA): 4:49.10; qualified for B final
- 2019 recruit Caroline Kulp (#23 Nat, #3 VA), teammate of NC State commit Emma Muzzy: 4:50.00, B final
- 2022 recruit Claire Tuggle (only 13 yrs old!!): 4:52.73, youngest in the field by a margin!

200 IM:
- Isabel Ivey (#2 Nat, #1 FL), qualifies 2nd for A final: 1:57.26, not far off her PB of 1:57.04!
Splits: 25.02 28.58 34.95 28.71; her backstroke split of 28.58 was second fastest only to Melanie Margalis
- 2019 and 2020 recruits and teammates Katelyn Mack (#22 Nat, #2 VA) and Phoebe Bacon (#7 Nat, #2 VA), qualify for B final, 1:59.61 and 2:00.90, respectively.
- 2020 recruit Anna Keating (#36 Nat, #4 VA): 2:03.39
- 2022 recruit Claire Tuggle: 2:03.89

50 free:
- Isabel Ivey (#2 Nat, #1 FL): 22.68, B final
- Katelyn Mack (#22 Nat, #2 VA): 22.73, B final

*Note: rankings are from collegeswimming.com as of November 30, 2017.

Recruits on Day 2 of 2017 Winter Nationals (Finals):

Full Recap: https://swimswam.com/2017-u-s-winter-nationals-day-2-finals-live-recap/

500 free:
- Madelyn Donohoe (2019, #6 Nat, #1 VA): 4:44.63, 8th
- Miranda Heckman (2019, #10 Nat, #2 CA): 4:43.79, 9th
- Caroline Kulp (2019, #23 Nat, #3 VA): 4:43.95, 10th
- Claire Tuggle (2022): 4:46.43, 18th

All four recruits that I was watching in the morning improved on their morning swims! Claire Tuggle had a 6 second drop from her morning swim!! (this is too far into the future haha)

200 IM:
- Isabel Ivey (2019, #2 Nat, #1 FL): 1:55.77, 2nd
- Phoebe Bacon (2020, #7 Nat, #2 VA): 2:00.00, 12th
- Katelyn Mack (2019, #22 Nat, #2 VA): 2:00.18, 13th

A stunning performance by our favorite 2019 recruit, Izzie! A 1.3-ish second drop from 2015, and had the fastest back split of 27.98 (faster than some of the other swimmer's free split!) Faster than the fastest 200 IM time from both the 2017 and 2018 classes! Solid performances from NCAP studs Bacon and Mack as well.

50 free:
- Isabel Ivey (2019, #2 Nat, #1 FL): 22.62, 11th
- Katelyn Mack (2019, #22 Nat, #2 VA): 22.76, 13th

Solid performances from both, especially after they both swam the 200 IM earlier.

400 medley relay:
- Phoebe Bacon (2020, #7 Nat, #2 VA): 53.24 backstroke split, fastest in the field

*Note: rankings are from collegeswimming.com as of November 30, 2017

UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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UPDATE #2 ->

Another meet of interest taking place this weekend is the 2017 Music City Invite @ Nashville: https://www.teamunify.com/senac/__eventform__/917067_psych.pdf

Featuring a pair of recruits, who have been discussed on these pages, from host Nashville Aquatic Club:

• 2019 Ella Nelson (#12 Nat, #1 TN)
• 2021-2022? Gretchen Walsh - Alex's sibling

---

Gretchen is in the class of 2021 by age (turns 15 in March 2018 I believe).

UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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bearz012 said:

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TOP TIMES OF THE CLASS OF 2019:
50 free: Kate Douglass (#4 Nat, #1 NY): 22.04
100 free: Isabel Ivey (#2 Nat, #1 FL): 47.88
200 free: Isabel Ivey (#2 Nat, #1 FL): 1:43.64
500 free: Miranda Heckman (#10 Nat, #2 CA): 4:41.53
1000 free: Madelyn Donohoe (#6 Nat, #1 VA): 9:41.46
1650 free: Madelyn Donohoe (#6 Nat, #1 VA): 16:08.71
100 back: Katharine Berkoff (#8 Nat, #1 MT) and Caitlin Brooks (#20 Nat, #3 FL): 52.65
200 back: Katharine Berkoff (#8 Nat, #1 MT): 1:53.64
100 breast: Emily Weiss (#11 Nat, #1 IN): 59.37 **VERBALLY COMMITTED TO INDIANA**
200 breast: Ella Nelson (#12 Nat, #1 TN): 2:09.99
100 fly: Isabel Ivey (#2 Nat, #1 FL): 52.61
200 fly: Mary Smutny (#14 Nat, #2 FL): 1:56.58
200 IM: Isabel Ivey (#2 Nat, #1 FL): 1:57.04
400 IM: Kelly Pash (#14 Nat, #2 IN): 4:11.66

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Appreciate the list. Hadn't had Mary Smutny on our radar previously, so thanks!

Here are some of the names from your compilation who have received past mentions in either the 2016, 2017 or 2018 recruiting threads, along with their current CS rankings (28 Nov 2017), and club ties with recent past & present Bears on the women's side...may have missed a few there:

{2019}

Zoie Hartman (#5 Nat, #1 CA) | Crow Canyon Country Club Sharks - Maddie
Katharine Berkoff (#8 Nat, #1 MT)
Miranda Heckman (#10 Nat, #2 CA) | Pleasanton Seahawks - Celina
Kelly Pash (#13 Nat, #2 IN) | Carmel Swim Club - Amy
Chloe Clark (#16 Nat, #3 CA)
Alex Crisera (#19 Nat, #4 CA)
Caitlin Brooks (#20 Nat, #3 FL)

And a couple of in-state candidates who have been discussed on these pages:

{2020}

Ella Ristic (#10 Nat, #1 CA) | Mission Viejo Nadadores - Katie
Tea Laughlin (#21 Nat, #4 CA) | Buenaventura Swim Club - Ali


btw reckon wouldn't be the end of the world if either Kate D (2019) or Regan (2020) follows thru on wearing those cringey furdette gear lol, as Izzi (2019) & Alex W (2020) are actually more versatile recruits...

But would naturally prefer to welcome all 4 super prospects to the Bear family (if I'm allowed to dream a mite here haha), as would be even willing to forgive half of them for having been associated with that eyesore of a red colour

--------

UPDATE -> Note that 2019 recruits should really have their rankings bumped up a spot, since Penny's still listed as the #1 recruit, but shouldn't be eligible due to having already signed a 4-year partnership/endorsement deal with ASICS Canada.

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1. Add Talia Bates (class of 2019, #30 CS, #5 FL) to the list of potential 2019 recruits. Comes from same high school and club team (Gator Swim Club) as Isabel

2. If we can shoo in recruits from clubs that our current swimmers represented in the past (think the Amy-Carmel tie) we could have a long chain of influence to recruiting classes down the road

3. If we can reel in members of this past summer's Junior Worlds team (Miranda, Kelly, the Ellas) that would be a steal as well

bearz012 said:

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200 IM:
- Isabel Ivey (2019, #2 Nat, #1 FL): 1:55.77, 2nd

A stunning performance by our favorite 2019 recruit, Izzie! A 1.3-ish second drop from 2015, and had the fastest back split of 27.98 (faster than some of the other swimmer's free split!) Faster than the fastest 200 IM time from both the 2017 and 2018 classes!

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Cheers, bearz012 for your comprehensive report & analysis of the various performances @ Winter Nats!

Isabel's eye-catching PB here would have scored in the B final @ 2017 NCAAs, and faster than any current or 2018 Baby Bears other than Thleen!

Technically speaking, the 2017 class' #1 recruit, furdette Brooke Forde, has actually gone slightly faster in this event back in Dec 2016 with a 1:55.55...but Forde was slower at the recent College Challenge (1:56.26) and at LSJU's mid-season meet, the Art Adamson Invite (1:56.66).

Wasn't able to catch the race, but a glance at the splits @ Omega Tining indicates that Izzie was right up there with Mel Margalis the first half of the race - in fact leading the entire field at the conclusion of the back leg, only to fall back to the new Pool & Meet record holder on the breast portion of the race...

Looks like USA Swimming has posted some race videos online - no "A final" videos at this point though (due to copyright considerations related to NBC Sports' broadcast schedule perhaps?)

bearz012 said:

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500 free:
- Miranda Heckman (2019, #10 Nat, #2 CA): 4:43.79, 9th
- Caroline Kulp (2019, #23 Nat, #3 VA): 4:43.95, 10th
- Claire Tuggle (2022): 4:46.43, 18th

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bearz012 said:

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200 IM:
- Phoebe Bacon (2020, #7 Nat, #2 VA): 2:00.00, 12th
- Katelyn Mack (2019, #22 Nat, #2 VA): 2:00.18, 13th

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bearz012 said:

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50 free:
- Isabel Ivey (2019, #2 Nat, #1 FL): 22.62, 11th
- Katelyn Mack (2019, #22 Nat, #2 VA): 22.76, 13th

Solid performances from both, especially after they both swam the 200 IM earlier.

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UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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Technically speaking, the 2017 class' #1 recruit, furdette Brooke Forde, has actually gone slightly faster in this event back in Dec 2016 with a 1:55.55...but Forde was slower at the recent College Challenge (1:56.26) and at LSJU's mid-season meet, the Art Adamson Invite (1:56.66).

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Oops, I was going off SwimSwam's rankings, and those were before Dec 2016, so my bad. Looking forward to an exciting weekend. Ivey's performances so far indicate that she's recovered and is ready for some fast swimming! We really need to make a 2019 recruiting forum haha

In related news, the UGA Invite is tomorrow, and Thleen is not participating because of a sickness, I think?

swimmer19 said:

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3. If we can reel in members of this past summer's Junior Worlds team (Miranda, Kelly, the Ellas) that would be a steal as well

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Great point - an awful lot of close friendships are developed early on amongst all these National Junior elites during their team trips & meets, so maintaining a connection and building bridges to future Olympians can only help our recruiting!

bearz012 said:

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UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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Technically speaking, the 2017 class' #1 recruit, furdette Brooke Forde, has actually gone slightly faster in this event back in Dec 2016 with a 1:55.55...but Forde was slower at the recent College Challenge (1:56.26) and at LSJU's mid-season meet, the Art Adamson Invite (1:56.66).

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Oops, I was going off SwimSwam's rankings, and those were before Dec 2016, so my bad. Looking forward to an exciting weekend. Ivey's performances so far indicate that she's recovered and is ready for some fast swimming! We really need to make a 2019 recruiting forum haha

In related news, the UGA Invite is tomorrow, and Thleen is not participating because of a sickness, I think?

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According to our fellow friends at SwimSwam, Thleen is out sick and will be resting and preparing for upcoming finals

bearz012 said:

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We really need to make a 2019 recruiting forum haha


bearz012, I nominate you to start the 2019 thread. Hopefully you bring the good luck that I nor BearDevil could bring!

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tedbear said:

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bearz012, I nominate you to start the 2019 thread. Hopefully you bring the good luck that I nor BearDevil could bring!

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Hey tedbear, you're not giving the both of you enough credit lol, as 2015 proved to be pretty fruitful & rewarding actually, imo ... indeed BearDevil & you were so successful in your predictions for the 2015 class that Meehan & Salo absconded with your wishlists soon after then!

Anyway, here are the OPs for each of the last 4 recruiting cycles, for reference (btw please excuse some really ugly formatting code esp in my posts haha, as a whole bunch of the legacy formatting code didn't carry over to the new board system unfortunately):

Women's Swim Recruits (2015)

Women's Swim Recruiting: Class of 2016

Women's Swim Recruiting: Class of 2017

2018 Women's Swimming Recruiting

tedbear said:

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bearz012 said:

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We really need to make a 2019 recruiting forum haha


bearz012, I nominate you to start the 2019 thread. Hopefully you bring the good luck that I nor BearDevil could bring!

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Amen. Being dead wrong in public isn't all it's cracked up to be...

BearDevil said:

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tedbear said:

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bearz012 said:

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We really need to make a 2019 recruiting forum haha


bearz012, I nominate you to start the 2019 thread. Hopefully you bring the good luck that I nor BearDevil could bring!

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I'm honored, but I'm scared I'll bring bad luck haha. I nominate UAC, you've never started one and you've been on these forums for a long time. I'm too inexperienced