Perhaps it was the excitement around the water carnival. Perhaps the Michigan women are feeling some residual benefit from the men’s NCAA Championship last year.
Whatever it is, Michigan women’s recruiting is suddenly on fire.
A second major recruit has announced her commitment to Mike Bottom’s program, with the latest being Hannah Moore from the Triangle Aquatic Club Titans in Cary, North Carolina. She joins Clara Smiddy from Florida, who also announced her commitment to the Wolverines this week.
“I love Mike’s (Bottom) philosophy about building leaders for life both in and out of the pool,” Moore told us of her decision via email. “What he’s done with the men is incredible and I hope to be a part of what he can do with the women as well. Plus, the education at Michigan is unparalleled. Go Blue!”
Moore comes in with lifetime bests in yards, both done at the 2012 Winter Junior Nationals, of 53.91 and 1:54.46 in the 100 and 200 yard backstrokes, respectively.
She’s also a very good IM’er (2:01.30/4:15.50 in yards) and distance freestyler (4:47.66 in the 500 free).
Her true value, though, like Smiddy, is seen when looking at Moore’s long course times. She goes 1:03.25/2:13.02 in the 100 and 200 meter backstrokes, both at the Olympic Trials, plus 2:18.22 and 4:49.63 in the 400 IM’s.
Moore won North Carolina 4A State Championships in the spring of 2013 in both the 100 back (her 54.37 was a new State Record) and the 500 free (4:47.6).
The Wolverines now have three public verbal commitments, all of whom are ranked in collegeswiming.com’s top-25 in the country (including Moore at #19).
Moore and Smiddy join a deep Wolverine backstroke group, that now is probably their best stroke discipline beginning with the 2014-2015 season. Expect them to start looking for some sprint freestylers next.
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Congratulations to Hannah Moore for selecting a great program and a great school. Tip of the hat to Kit Raulerson, whose program at RSA fostered the development of the speed, endurance, proficiency and versatility shown by Ms. Moore and others.
agree….kudos to Hannah and to Kit for her development.
Michigan is putting a GREAT class together. I’m impressed. Nice job Mike Bottom. Michigan is moving up.
Michigan is on fire!!!!! Watch out