CORAL GABLES, Fla. — After a successful run through the 2013Atlantic Coast Conference Championships, the University of Miami swimming teamwill have three representatives at the NCAA Division I Women’s Swimming &Diving Championship in Indianapolis, Ind.
“We’re obviously really excited,” head coach ChristieShefchunas said. “What’s most exciting to me is that two years ago, withAnnika [Saarnak], we had our first NCAA qualifier in nearly ten years. Lastyear we had two in Kelsi [Hall] and Sofia [Johansson], and now we have three.”
Shefchunas and associate head coach Aaron Ciarla are excited aboutthe upward trend of one of the ACC’s budding powers.
“Having three competitors really proves that we’re movingforward and bringing this program among the nation’s elite,” Shefchunas said.
Johansson will be competing in her second consecutive NCAApostseason. The Sweden native, who captured her third consecutive gold medal atthe ACC’s in the 100-Yard Breaststroke, will be looking to attain herfirst-ever All-American status.
Fellow senior Celeste Degen will be participating in her firstNCAA postseason. The Hudson, Fla., native, who qualified via the BulldogInvitational Last Chance Meet hosted by the University of Georgia, will battleit out in her signature event, the 50-Yard Freestyle.
After a tremendous sophomore campaign, Lucy Worrall will alsocompeting in her first NCAA postseason. The Vicars Cross, England native, whobroke the ACC record in the 100-Yard Butterfly in Greensboro, was one of only72 swimmers to earn an NCAA “A” cut time, automatically qualifyingher for the postseason.
“It shows everbody that when you do things right, you getbetter,” Shefchunas said. “You become an elite athlete. Celeste, Lucyand Sofia have done everything right all year. They’re so passionate, and havemade this a priority in life, and it has paid off. It’s a beautifulthing.”
For the next three weeks, the Hurricanes will be preparing for thetrip to the IU Natatorium and the IUPUI Sports Complex in Indianapolis, eachhoping to become Miami’s next All-American swimmer.
Despite the prestige surrounding the event, Shefchunas isconfident in her swimmers to rise to the occasion.
“It’s about consistency, and really letting their experienceshow through. They’ve done some great things that have prepared them to bewhere they are. It’s the world’s fastest meet – while that can be a little bitintimidating, they’re going to be ready to show the world what they’re allabout.”
Miami may very well have additions to its postseason roster, asthe Hurricane divers are set to compete in the Zone Regional qualifiers fromMarch 11-17.