Lincoln, Neb. – Nebraska swimming and diving coach Pablo Morales recently announced the signing of recruits Victoria Beeler, Shea Bougie, Carla Gonzalez-Garcia, Abigail Greeneway, Samantha Hedrick, Abigail Knapton, Savannah Savitt, Gwendolyn Worlton and Allie Worrall for the 2016-17 season.
Nebraska’s 2016-17 class features a large group of women that exemplify success both in and out of the water. Morales talked about their high level of achievement and their passion for the sport.
“We are very excited about our recent class of signees. As a whole, this class represents both a high level of academic and athletic achievement and true passion for their sport. On their visits, it felt as if they were already a part of the team. Each one verbally committed well in advance of the early signing period, which is unprecedented for our program, and shows already a passion and excitement for Nebraska, which we love.”
Two-time state champion, Victoria Beeler comes to Nebraska from Parkville, Mo. Beeler competed for the Lawrence Aquahawks and Park Hill South High School. Beeler was a 2015 Missouri state champion in the 200-yard individual medley and the 100-yard backstroke.
Lakeville, Minn., native Shea Bougie joins Nebraska after competing for the Riptide Swim Team and Lakeville South high school. Bougie was a 2015 Minnesota AA state finalist in the 200-yard individual medley and 100-yard backstroke.
Hailing from Arlington, Texas, Carla Gonzalez-Garcia joins Nebraska after competing for the Fort Worth Area Swim team and Martin high school. Gonzalez-Garcia is the Venezuela Junior National Record holder in the 100-yard backstroke. At the 2014 Pan-American Olympic Festival, Gonzalez-Garcia earned a silver medal in the 100-yard backstroke and a bronze medal in the 200-yard backstroke. At the 2015 Pan American Games she finished 13th in the 100-yard backstroke.
Abigail Greeneway joins Nebraska after competing for the Fox Valley Wave Swim team and Appleton North High School. The Appleton, Wis., freestyle specialist notched top-16 finishes at the 2014 Wisconsin State Championships in the 50- and 100-yard freestyles.
Samantha Hedrick comes to Nebraska from Pella, Iowa. Hedrick competed for Pella Swim Club and Newton High School. The freestyle and butterfly specialist captured runner up at the 2015 Iowa state championships in the 200-yard freestyle and was crowned champion in the 100-yard butterfly.
Nebraska’s lone diver in the class, Abigail Knapton, comes to Nebraska from Omaha after competing for Omaha Marian High School and the Nebraska Diving Team. Knapton earned a first place finish in the three-meter dive and a fourth place finish in the one-meter dive at the 2015 USA Diving Junior Region 7 Championships.
Savannah Savitt comes to Nebraska from Tampa, Fla., after competing for Tampa Bay Community Aquatics and Tampa Preparatory School. Savitt was a finalist at the 2015 1A Florida State Championships in both the 200-yard freestyle and 100-yard breaststroke.
Hailing from Fox Point, Wis., Gwendolyn Worlton competed for the Schroeder YMCA Swim Team. Worlton will add immediate depth in Nebraska’s breaststroke events. In 2014, Worlton was a 2014 Wisconsin state champion in the 100-yard breaststroke while swimming at Nicolet High School.
Phoenix, Ariz., native Allie Worrall joins the Huskers after competing for the Phoenix Swim Club and Xavier College Prep High School. Worrall was a 2015 Arizona state champion in the 100-yard freestyle and also secured a runner up finish in the 50-yard freestyle.
Swimming news courtesy of Nebraska Swimming & Diving.