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Rhianna Nicole Acosta of San Antonio, Texas has signed with Youngstown State University. Acosta swims for her high school, Earl Warren High School in San Antonio, as well as the club Alamo Area Aquatic Association. “I fell in love with swimming at age nine and soon after started to dream of swimming for a college team. All my coaches have been great but I believe that chasing the desire to swim for head coach Derek Howorth on the highest level team led me straight to my dream. Fighting through two a day practices with many great teammates I was able to make Coach Howorth’s team. I hope that every swimmer that wants to swim at the next level gets the same opportunity that I have been blessed with.”
Acosta is a versatile swimmer who excels in back, fly, and IM. Her best SCY times include:
- 400 IM – 4:40.31
- 200 IM – 2:13.98
- 200 back – 2:09.54
- 100 back – 1:01.77
- 200 fly – 2:14.43
- 100 fly – 1:01.12
Acosta would have helped the Penguins at 2015 Horizon League Championships, as both her 400 IM and 200 back would have scored in the 2-final format. Acosta told SwimSwam:
“I have to admit that the entire recruiting process was exciting. All the college coaches I spoke to were great, but Youngstown State University is the right fit for me. I believe Coach Anderson will help me reach my full potential as a collegiate swimmer. Coach Smith and Coach Gavolas were also great to meet and talk to on my visit.
“The swim team was so nice to me and made me feel welcome. I can hardly wait to hang out with them again at Suzie’s! Academically I felt like the athletic academic counselor Marty Hayden cared about the success of the athletes. I know help will always be close by. And to professor of Exercise Science, Dr. Frank Basso, ‘dance on!’
“I would like to thank all the friends I have made, every swimmer I have ever met, all the parents that have cheered at a meet, and all the coaches that have yelled at practice for being part of my story so far.
“And…
“Go Penguins!!!”
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I am so proud of you Rhianna my prayers and thought are with you also my love goes with you always, .