Head coach Matt Leach has announced the addition of four more student-athletes to the 2017-18 roster.
“As we solidify our second recruiting class in school history we are following the same compass that we used to establish this program last year which has been and will always be family first, academics second and athletics third. This class solidifies our family first atmosphere and culture. These young ladies will help establish not only depth that is needed in a second year program, but determination in the classroom, weight room and pool. These incoming student-athletes are great people, enjoy learning and will be fierce teammates to help in our pursuit of climbing the Missouri Valley Conference standings,” said Leach.
Below are the biographies for the four additions.
Joelle Borchers- Atlanta, Ga.
University of North Dakota
Joelle Borchers joins the Sycamore family coming from the University of North Dakota. While at UND Borchers competed in middle distance events such as the freestyle, backstroke, and IM. In 2016-17 Joelle set four of her top times at the Minnesota Challenge meet. Borchers is originally a product of Woodward Academy high school where she was a state champion in the 200 and 400 freestyle relay. Borchers swam club for Dynamo Swim Club out. Joelle is the daughter of Chuck and Oni Borchers and has one sibling, Tejan. She is currently majoring in nursing.
Madison Brand- Pendleton, Ind.
Pendleton Swim Club
Madison Brand comes to Indiana State from Pendleton, Ind. where she attended Pendleton Heights High School. Brand is a school record holder in the 200 freestyle, 500 freestyle, 100 backstroke, and 200 IM. She was also a four time team Co-MVP and Co-Captain for one season. Madison swam club for Pendleton Swim Club under direction of head coach, Mindy Hertzler. During her time with Pendleton she was a state qualifier in multiple events as well as a record holder in many others during her club career . Madison is the daughter of James and Lori Brand and has one sibling, Tyler. She plans to major in elementary education.
Jordan Gramlich- Jefferson City, Mo.
Columbia Swim Club
Jordan Gramlich joins the Sycamore family coming from Jefferson City, Mo. where she graduated from Helias High School. Gramlich was a member of SADD, Young Republicans, and was a student ambassador during her time at Helias. Jordan swam club for Columbia Swim Club out of Columbia, Mo. During her time with Columbia she posted her fastest times in the 100 and 200 breastroke and the 100 and 200 butterfly. Jordan is the daughter of David and Julie Gramlich and has one sibling, Maddie. She is planning to major in psychology.
Martina Marks – Yehud-Monoson, Israel
San Diego State University
Martina Marks joins the Sycamore family transferring from San Diego State where she competed for two seasons. While at SDSU Marks competed in middle to long distance events earning all-Mountain West honors as a member of SDSU’s 800 freestyle relay team at the conference championship meet in 2016. During her sophomore campaign Marks most notably placed first in the 500 and 1000 freestyle against Oregon State on Nov. 4 and placed first in the 500 free and second in the 200 fly plus first in the 200 free relay vs. Pepperdine on Dec. 2. Marks earned Mountain West All-Academic Team honors as well. Prior to attending SDSU Marks placed 12th in the 200 freestyle at the 2014 Junior European Championships and participated in the 2013 World University Games in Kazan, Russia. Martina is the daughter of Piotr and Iwona Marks and has one sibling, Kacper. She is currently majoring in business administration and management.
For more information on this year’s class and the coaching staff’s thoughts on each swimmer, visit the 2017 additions link above.
Press Release courtesy of Indiana State Athletics.