Houston Swimming and Diving Signs Five for 2014-15 Class

The University of Houston swimming and diving program signed five student-athletes to National Letters of Intent during the fall signing period. Ashley Grijalva, Caitlin Horner, Emma Moore, Victoria Padial and Sharo Rodriguez comprise head swimming coach Rich Murphy’s first signing class.

“I am thrilled with our fall signees” said Rich Murphy. “Starting at UH a few days before classes began, we got a late start on building this fall class and we are excited to have built relationships with five outstanding student-athletes.”

“I thank the women on the team, my assistant coach, Keith Dawley, and our support staff at the University of Houston for the assistance in showing how much we have to offer.  These athletes in the Class of 2018 set us up for team success based on the relay depth and individual scoring they will provide. I am excited to add these student-athletes and for their commitment to being well-rounded with a priority on academics.”

Ashley Grijalva

Gilbert, Ariz. | Gilbert HS | Rio Salado Swim Club

-State champion in 100 breast and finished fifth at state in the 200 IM

–East Valley Tribune Swimmer of the Year

-Qualified for Winter Nationals and Summer Junior Nationals in 200m breast and is her club team’s highest national qualifier

-2013 Winter Nationals Qualifier

“Ashley comes to us from the Tempe Rio Salado program in Tempe, Ariz. and it is a club that has a long, storied tradition and it’s great to have Ashley at the University of Houston. She is an outstanding swimmer who competes best when the lights are the brightest and we are excited for her to realize her potential swimming at UH. Ashley is a determined young lady and she is going to make an immediate impact on relays and in our breaststroke events.  I am thrilled she will be pursuing her education at our university.”

Caitlin Horner

Yorktown, Va. | Grafton HS | South Eastern Virginia Aquatics

-Named Top 5 Air Force Finalist in the Department of Defense-wide 2013 Military Child of the Year competition, sponsored by Operation Homefront

-SEVA Competitive Spirit Award

-Competed at 2013 NCSA Junior Nationals

“Cait is so fun to be around and I really enjoyed getting to know her and her family during the recruiting process,” said Murphy. “Her coaches were very excited to share how much they enjoyed coaching her and it is clear in seeing her swim that she is at the beginning of how much she can achieve in the sport. Cait excels in sprint freestyle and has a lot of versatility in terms of events and training. We are eager to see how well she does as a student-athlete at UH. Cait will make us a more successful team.”

Emma Moore

Richardson, Texas | Richardson, Texas | Metroplex Aquatics

-Named Swimmer of the Meet at district championship after winning the 50 and 100 free

-State Finalist in 50 free

-Ranks in the Top 10 of graduating class of 500+

“Emma is a late bloomer in the world of swimming and we are looking forward to seeing her best swims happen as a member of the Cougar Swimming and Diving family,” said assistant swimming coach Keith Dawley. “Her sprinting ability will strengthen our relays and add depth to a young and talented group of freestylers. The focus and dedication she has shown both in and out of the pool highlight the limitless potential she has to positively impact the UH community,  we couldn’t be happier to be adding her to our team.”

Victoria Padial

Baton Rouge, La. | St. Joseph’s Academy | Crawfish Aquatics

-Helped St. Joseph’s win three straight state titles

-State champion in 100 back and finished third at state in 200 free

“Victoria comes to Houston from Crawfish Aquatics which is an outstanding team in Louisiana,” said Murphy. “Victoria is a backstroke state champion and also competes at a very high level in freestyle events.  We look forward to Victoria pushing us to new levels in the pool, and to her achieving in the classroom. Victoria will be an outstanding addition and I am looking forward to having an opportunity to help her grow her success in the sport; Victoria will be a great fit at UH.”

Sharo Rodriguez

Queretaro, Mexico I Nelson Vargas Aquatic

-Competed at the 2011, 2013 FINA World Junior Championships

“Sharo brings a magnetic personality and a lot of national and international experience to our team. Sharo has competed at the 2011 and 2013 Junior World Championships and we are committed to helping Sharo continue her international success while also having a great educational and intercollegiate team experience.  Sharo provides immediate impact in the butterfly events and her training toughness and enthusiasm for the support are contagious. We are so happy to have Sharo be a student-athlete at UH.”

UP NEXT

Houston returns to the pool Jan. 31-Feb. 1 for a home quad meet against Rice, Tulane and LSU. Saturday’s portion of the meet will double as Senior Day honoring Houston’s five seniors: Colleen Donovan, Lizzie Justice, Laykin Lowry, Krystan Morrell and Heather Winn.

This release was provided to SwimSwam courtesy of the University of Houston swimming and diving.