NEW HAVEN, Conn.–The Yale women’s swimming and diving team will welcome seven swimmers and one diver in the incoming Class of 2020. The eight incoming Bulldogs will join the team under the coaching leadership of Robert J.H. Kiphuth Head Coach of Women’s Swimming and Diving, Jim Henry, Assistant Coach Kerry Smith and Head Diving Coach Chris Bergere. Rising senior Michelle Chintanaphol will be the team’s captain for the 2016-2017 season.
As the team seeks continued success within the Ivy League and at the NCAA National Championships, the eight new members will help to offset the loss of nine graduating seniors in the Class of 2016.
“All of us at Yale Swimming & Diving are extremely excited about the Class of 2020. They bring a combination of academic success, athletic potential and great character to our team,” said Henry. “The energy and passion they have for Yale will only add to the momentum of the program. I am confident that this group will make an instant impact on our classroom, Ivy and NCAA team goals.”
Below are listed each of the incoming Bulldogs, with their best swimming times or diving performances and the reason that they chose Yale.
Kendall Brent
Fort Myers, Fla.
500-yard freestyle: 4:46.99
1000-yard freestyle: 9:46.05
1650-yard freestyle: 16:18.52
“I chose Yale because of the amazing balance between academics and athletics. I knew instantly that Yale would be the place that I would achieve my goals in both.”
Sophie Fontaine
Haddonfield, N.J.
100-yard backstroke: 54.61
200-yard backstroke: 1:59.01
200-yard freestyle: 1:48.68
“As soon as I stepped foot on campus, I knew Yale was the place for me. It was where I felt I would be most supported as a student, athlete, and person. The team is a perfect match; I feel so welcomed by the girls and I have complete confidence that Coach Henry and Coach Smith will help me reach my goals both in and out of the water. Boola Boola!”
Heidi Katter
Palo Alto, Calif.
100-yard butterfly: 53.60
100-yard breaststroke: 1:02.13
200-yard individual medley: 2:02.51
“Yale’s combination of tradition, campus life, architecture, academics, and athletics greatly influenced my decision. After visiting with the team, I am honored to swim in a program that is simultaneously invested in the Ivy League spirit while also striving to make an impact at the national level. Boola Boola!”
Lili Margitai
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
100-meter freestyle: 56.93 (LC)
200-meter freestyle: 2:02.36 (LC)
100-meter butterfly: 1:00.85 (LC)
200-meter individual medley: 2:17.76 (LC)
“The moment I stepped onto the Yale campus and met Coach Jim Henry and Coach Kerry Smith, I knew I was in a place like no other. The combination of academics, athletics, and the incredible people at Yale made it clear to me that Yale is where I want to spend the next four years of my life.”
Charlotte O’Leary
Montclair, N.J.
100-yard breaststroke: 1:02.01
200-yard breaststroke: 2:14.81
“Yale offers the perfect combination of challenging academics and athletics and a fun and exciting atmosphere. I can’t wait for the next four years on this close-knit and talented team!!”
Ashley Pales
Lincoln, Neb.
100-yard breaststroke: 1:02.65
200-yard breaststroke: 2:15.12
“Yale appealed to me because it was the best place for me to pursue my academic and athletic goals to the fullest without having to compromise in either area. I immediately connected with the team and the coaches and I fell in love with the campus. I can’t wait to be involved in such a remarkable environment!”
Beatrix Thompson
Scarsdale, N.Y.
200-yard backstroke: 1:59.43
100-yard butterfly: 54.73
400-yard individual medley: 4:17.99
“I love Yale because it fosters happiness and excellence at the highest level of athletics and academics. Jim Henry and Kerry Smith’s passion and expertise solidified my decision to be a part of this extraordinary team and school. Boola boola!!!”
Samantha Traina
Valencia, Calif.
1-meter diving: 12th place at Junior National Championships (2015), 17th place at Senior National Championships (2015)
3-meter diving: 23rd place at Junior National Championships (2015)
Swimming news courtesy of Yale Swimming & Diving.