Swim/Dive Opens Season Friday vs. Florida
CORAL GABLES, Fla. — The University of Miami swimming & diving team will open its 2018-19 season this weekend at the Whitten University Center Pool, taking on in-state opponents Florida and FIU on Friday and Saturday, respectively.
Friday’s meet will begin at 3 p.m., while Saturday’s dual meet with the Panthers is slated for an 11 a.m. start time. Admission to both events is free.
“It’s exciting,” head swimming coach Andy Kershaw said about the start of the season. “I think we’ve worked really hard to build the bond and they’re driven in all aspects – driven the team chemistry, driven the hard work. I know they’re excited to show that off and to have two great programs like Florida and FIU coming, it’s a great way to showcase the work they have put in.”
The Hurricanes return the majority of their top contributors from a season ago, including their group of senior tri-captains: Katie Sickinger, Sydney Story and Roxanne Yu. Senior Carolyn Chaney is the veteran member of a diving contingent that will look to contend among the nation’s elite. Joinng her are redshirt sophomore Alicia Blagg and freshman Millie Haffety, as well as men’s divers Briadam Herrera, David Dinsmore and Zach Cooper.
“They all have their own style. I think that’s been an important thing,” Kershaw said of his tri-captains. “That’s what we’ve encouraged them to do, is own what they are and be true to who they are. That is a great combination. You can see the team follow them in the right way.”
Several of Miami’s top performers a season ago were true freshmen and will be officially beginning their sophomore campaigns on Friday. They are joined by a freshman diving contingent that has impressed in early fall training.
“There will be some great opportunities for some new people and some veterans to step up,” Kershaw said. “We’re going to be missing a couple of contributors this weekend, so it’s going to be more opportunities see both new freshmen – who have been showing a lot in practice – and returners take the spotlight and run with it.”
