Swimming Set for Senior Day vs. Harvard

CORAL GABLES, Fla. — The University of Miami swimming team will compete in its final home meet of the 2012-13 season Friday, when Harvard arrives at the The Norman A. Whitten University Center Pool for a dual meet. Competition is set to begin at 2 p.m.

The day will be bittersweet for head coach Christie Shefchunas, as the team’s five seniors will bid farewell in the final home event of their careers. Now in her seventh year at the helm of the program, Shefchunas credited her senior class with helping turn the program around.

“They had a lot of passion for swimming, wanted to have fun, and wanted to enjoy the entire experience,” Shefchunas said. “They really set the tone for the rest of the program. This is definitely one of my most special classes.”

While the Hurricanes’ most recent competition was the Georgia Tech Invitational back in early December, Shefchunas said the team has been practicing hard in its recent build-up towards the Atlantic Coast Conference Championships.

“We’ve been working really hard since we got back from break a few weeks ago,” she said. “Our focus is always preparing for ACC’s, and tomorrow is another step towards that.”

Seniors Christine Anderson, Celeste Degen, Sofia Johansson, Hannah Kling and Kayla Smith, all of whom have played critical roles in the team’s success, will once again be relied upon against the Crimson.

“To think about their journey, and how far they’ve come, it’s going to be a tough one,” Shefchunas said. “They’re my family now. I’m excited to give them the recognition they deserve.” 

Following Friday’s matchup with Harvard, the Hurricanes will compete in their final tri-meet of the season on Jan. 19 when they face Virginia Tech and William & Mary. ACC Championships are set for Feb. 20-23 in Greensboro, N.C.