Shelly Drozda, a senior at Mountain Range High School in Westminster, Colorado, has verbally committed to swim for Indiana University, for the 2015-2016 season. “So excited to announce that I’ve decided to verbally commit to Indiana University for the next 4 years! I can’t wait to be a Hoosier,” she tweeted.
Drozda is an All-American in the 100 Back, 200 I.M., and 200 Free.
Drozda swims for the Front Range Barracudas and is versatile, being able to compete well in nearly every event. However, her mid-distance freestyle, I.M., and backstroke times stand out among the rest of her events, as she is an All-American in those disciplines. She is close to qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Trials in the 200 and 400 I.M., as well as the 100 and 200 Back. Her junior season has been nothing short of successful. At the 2013 Winter Junior Nationals, she placed 23rd in the 400 I.M. and 85th in the 200 I.M.. She performed well this summer at the Mt. Hood Speedo Champions Series, placing 16th in the 50 Free, 3rd in the 200 I.M., 17th in the 400 Free, 7th in the 400 I.M., and 12th in the 100 Back.
Drozda’s Best Times
(SCY/LCM)
200 Free: 1:50.44/2:05.42
500 Free: 4:53.49/4:26.64
200 I.M.: 2:03.67/2:19.60
400 I.M.: 4:21.12/4:57.05
100 Back: 55.83/1:04.78
200 Back: 1:59.83/2:17.99
She Just Had Her Best Season Yet
Most of Drozda’s best times are from her junior season, which indicates that she is progressing towards having another year of improvement. She is coming off of a solid summer campaign that should see her in top form for her senior season. The Hoosiers will have their hands on a versatile swimmer they can plan to develop for four years.
Drozda may be able to score at the Big Ten Championships in her first year as a Hoosier. She is close to the C Final in the 200 I.M., would currently score in the Consolation Final of the 400 I.M., and is close to the C Final in the 100 and 200 Back. Her 500 and 1650 Free have potential to be developed into scoring events as well. She will most likely not contribute to any relays her freshman year, with where her times are at right now, but she could arrive at Indiana with faster times next fall. Drozda has another year to gain experience at big meets, which will help her prepare for her collegiate debut.