H2O Women Prepare to Climb the Mountain in 2009-10
9/24/2009 12:00:00 AM | Swimming and Diving
Sept. 24, 2009
Returning four TCU record holders, the women's team looks poised to bring home the Mountain West Conference Championship in 2009-10. After taking two years of recruiting and building, the fruits of sweat and hard work should pay off this season with a solid squad.
After leaning on 16 underclassmen a year ago, head coach Richard Sybesma has a more confident and determined group in 2009-10, anchored by 10 juniors and seniors.
"We have years where we have had huge senior classes and we've had years with lean senior classes, but I think it is always good to see a lot of returning faces." Sybesma said. "There is a camaraderie and a trust factor in the fact that the kids have swam well together and their careers are moving in the right way. They are doing the right things in and out of the water."
FREESTYLE
The Frogs currently have two of the most dynamic swimmers in the program's history in the current roster in junior Maria Paula Alvarez and sophomore Ashley Bolin. The tandem battled for the team lead in wins a year ago with both ending the season with 17 victories. Smashing a pair of records each, Alvarez was a silver medalist in the 1650-free at the MWC Championships, while Bolin garnered All-MWC recognition in the 200- and 500-free. Both swimmers were also major cogs in TCU's record-breaking 800-free on the first day of the MWC Championships to garner the bronze medal.
"We are really talented in the freestyle events from the 100- to the mile," Sybesma said. "Our real strength lies in the 200-, 500- and the 1000-free. The freestyle events will be the core of this team."
Bolin, alongside sophomore Zrinka Korac, freshmen Ali Berry, Sabine Rasch and Parris Schoppa and transfer Mary O'Sullivan, will look to lead the Frogs in the sprint and mid-distance events. Alvarez and fellow All-MWC selections Lindsey Stevens and Kaitlyn Vann will carry the load in the distance events.
"We have several tough girls to beat in the distance events," Sybesma added.
TCU will also look for solid freestyle support from juniors Meredith Grubb and Kim Jones, as well as freshman Madi Rupp. Grubb led all Frogs in the 100-free (52.64) in 2008 and is returning after being granted a medical redshirt last year.
BUTTERFLY
Stephanie Futscher, TCU's record holder in the 200-fly, is returning for her senior year and will lead the Frog's in the fly events. A two-time all-MWC selection in the 200-fly, Futscher will look to be a leader in and out of the water during her final season in Fort Worth.
"We have Stephanie returning to lead our butterfliers," Sybesma said. "She's the TCU record holder in the 200-fly, so it doesn't get much better than that.
Futscher will be joined by sophomore All-MWC selection Jennifer Oster. The Engelwood, Colo., native brings with her the Frogs' fastest 100-fly times from a year ago. Sybesma could also work in junior Shannon Jones, sophomores Korac and Kelsey Krug, as well as newcomers Rasch, Rupp, Kristi Dena and Alison Simon to get them some good experience early in their careers.
BACKSTROKE
The Frogs have a deep wealth of solid swimmers in this event. Junior Brittney Martinez leads the charge, followed by senior Crystal Shipps, junior Sammie Smith and Oster. Martinez s the top returner in the 100- and 200-back, listing times in the top-five of TCU's all-time list. Freshman Rachel Nash could also contribute in the backstroke events this season.
"I am really expecting some great results in the backstroke events this season, because of the solid group we have returning," Sybesma said. "I thought we really looked strong at the end of the season in the backstroke and I hope to see that momentum carry into this year."
BREASTSTROKE
After losing All-MWC selections Katie Rosen and Ellie Bradley during the offseason, sophomores Megan Higginbotham and Krug will be counted on to fill the open spots in the breaststroke events in 2009-10. Higginbotham is the fastest returner in the breaststroke events, and will look from help from the supporting cast of Krug and freshman Maggie Smith for success.
"The breaststoke events are the biggest question marks heading into the season because we have solid breaststrokers, but we've got to have someone stand out," Sybesma added.
INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY
Bolin, Sammie Smith, Higginbotham and Rupp will be looked upon in the individual medley events. Bolin is the top returner, while Grubb turned in TCU's top times in 2008. Sybesma could also piece Maggie Smith into the mix for added depth.
DIVING
TCU diving coach Wayne Chester can be pleased with what the Horned Frogs have to offer from above. Between senior Jennifer Ferguson, junior Destiny Glampe and newcomer Kelsey Krause, he has a trio of divers coming into the season that can make in impact on the Frogs team score.
Ferguson, one of the premier divers in the MWC, is coming off of an outstanding junior season, earning All-MWC honors in the three-meter springboard and platform diving. She picked up 12 wins last season, including sweeping the both springboard events in four meets. The Beaconsfield, Quebec, product also snared the bronze medal for the three-meter dive at the 2009 MWC Championships.
"Jen Ferguson has been one of our top divers and holds the school record for the one-meter dive. She's really going to be a difference maker in her senior year."
Players Mentioned
