SwimMAC Carolina’s Alexandra Martelle has verbally committed to the University of Arizona, she tells us tonight.
“I just committed and can’t wait to be a part of the Wildcat family,” she said of the decision.
SwimMAC has a pair of great breaststrokers coming out in their senior class this year. The better known of the two is the Junior National Teamer Maija Roses, who is yet uncommitted, but Martelle may actually have the bigger immediate impact in NCAA swimming.
That’s because she’s a phenomenal yards swimmer. Where Roses has looked like an Olympic-caliber prospect in long course, Martelle has been getting the job done in short course with yards bests of 1:01.66 and 2:14.05 in the 100 and 200 yard races.
She also has been 2:02.6 and 4:19.6 in the 200 and 400 yard IM’s.
Arizona, both in their men’s and women’s teams, have strong recent traditions of breaststrokers. The current group includes outgoing senior Eve Sarris, two-time Arizona state champ Sara Borendame, and probably the best of the group, NCAA qualifier and sophomore Emma Schoettmer.
So, for relay purposes, Arizona didn’t need a breaststroker immediately, but given that they’re carrying a small roster in the 2013-2014 season, the deeper this class gets, the better, and so far it’s been a good one.
Alexandra will make a great Wildcat, Congrats! No doubt she’s a talent and has had many excellent coaches and will be going to a great group with Eric & co in Tucson.
Congrats to Coach Dave Messenger, formerly of Shelby Aquatic Club (NC).
NC SWIMMING, I can’t believe that you forgot to congratulate Coach Kathi Simson who did the majority of her training while at the sharks, before she made the move to SwimMAC Carolina.
Thank you for adding to the dialog.
Props to Coach Simpson as well.