Marshall University Swimming and Diving head coach Russell Hunt recently announced the addition of four student athletes for the fall of 2011.
“Our incoming class of freshman is further bolstered by this second wave of commitments,” says Hunt. “In my second year at Marshall we have come a long way towards developing a positive team identity. The addition of Casey, Katie, Rachael, and Kacey, and their unwillingness to shirk from a challenge, will only continue to decidedly affect that development.”
The additions to the Thundering Herd for the 2011-12 campaign are Katie Kramer (Naples, FL), Casey Kyriacopoulos (Charlottesville, VA), Kacey Preun (St. Andrews, MB, Canada), and Rachael Wheeler (Charleston, WV), who join current signees Alexandra Dschaak (Loveland, OH), Kaley Gregory (Hurricane, WV), Emily Heniken (Northbrook, IL), and Lauren Hurd (Orange Village, OH) to comprise the class of 2015.
“I am very excited to see these exceptional young ladies mesh not only with the current freshman class, but also with their rising sophomore, junior, and senior teammates.” Hunt continued. “This entire class’ success will ultimately be measured down the line, but their addition undoubtedly brings talent, aptitude in the classroom and pool, and a passion for their sport. The future appears very bright.”
Accolades: 2010 Collier County Athletic Conference Champion in the 200 Freestyle Relay; Naples High School Captain and MVP; Florida High School Athletic Association State Qualifier in 50, 100 Freestyle, and 200, 400 Freestyle Relays; School Record Holder; Naples Daily News All-Conference Team Selection; National Honor Society; Spanish Honor Society; Marshall University Society of Yeager Scholars.
“Katie comes to us from a versatile athletic background, and is keenly aware of her own potential. She is a phenomenal student, and had her pick of any school in the country; fortunately, we will watch her develop her many passions, including speed in the water, here at Marshall.”
Accolades: Albemarle High school Record Holder, Team Captain, and Most Valuable New Comer; three time State qualifier, and Top 10 finisher at the Virginia High School State Championships in 2011.
“Casey brings with her a strong diving list on both springboards, and has the courage to try new and difficult dives on both boards and platform. Her infectious passion for her sport will add greatly to an already strong group of Thundering Herd Divers.”
Accolades: Manitoba Marlins team captain; Canadian National Age Group Championship Qualifier; Multi-Time, Multi-Event Canadian Provincial Championship finalist in Breaststroke, Individual Medley, and Freestyle; 2011 Provincial Long Course Runner-Up in the 1500 Meter Freestyle; four year High School Honor Roll Member.
“Kacey is a truly dedicated student athlete and teammate, is clear about the goals she aims to achieve, and takes the time to understand what is necessary to accomplish them. Her recent successes are very impressive, yet her potential and powerful imagination will be her greatest assets at Marshall.”
Accolades: Member of three time West Virginia High School State Championship Runner-Up George Washington High School; 2011 All-Conference Team selection; State Championship Qualifier in the 50, and 100 Freestyle; Member of All State, and All County Chorus.
“Rachael is a bright young lady, who understands the meaning of hard work, both in the classroom, and the pool. We are proud to have West Virginia High School Swimming represented on this team, and growing up down the road from Marshall, it was clear that she embraces the Thundering Herd spirit.”