Courtesy: Kean Athletics
Kean University head coach Chris Swenson has announced the nine newcomers who will be joining the Cougar women’s swim & dive team in 2022-23.
“I am thrilled to announce the next class that will be joining Kean Swimming for the Fall of 2022,” said Swenson.
“This is the largest and fastest recruiting class we’ve ever had and these young women are going to make an immediate impact both at the conference and national level!”
Abby Burns – Souderton, PA (Souderton HS/Souderton Area Community Aquatic Club)
Top Times: 100 fly – 58.84, 50 fly – 25.65 (relay), 200 IM – 2:13.64, 100 free – 55.05 (53.93 relay), 200 free – 1:58.06, 100 breast – 1:10.67, 200 breast – 2:32.09
Why Kean: “I chose to attend Kean because it felt like the best fit for me as a student and an athlete. Coach Swenson’s enthusiasm and determination to make the program and me better was a selling point for my decision. I look forward to participating on a team that feels like a family and hope to contribute to my fullest potential.”
Swenson on Burns: “Abby is going to come in and make an immediate impact on our program at the conference and national levels. She currently has times under school records in multiple events and will be a major contributor to this team’s success over the next 4 years.”
Taylor Jacobson – Evergreen, CO (Evergreen HS/Jeffco Hurricanes)
Top Times: 50 free – 25.41, 100 free – 54.04, 200 free – 1:56.37, 500 free – 5:15.93, 1000 free – 10:41.56, 1650 free – 18:25.40, 200 IM – 2:15.73, 400 IM – 4:40.08, 50 fly – 26.44(r), 100 fly – 59.38, 200 fly – 2:11.84
Why Kean: “I chose Kean because of the great academic programs and family atmosphere I felt when visiting the team. Not only that, but Coach Swenson’s positive and encouraging attitude towards swimming made me excited for what Kean will bring for me in my future.”
Swenson on Jacobson: “Taylor’s versatility is going to benefit our team in a variety of ways. Her top times would have made “A” finals at this year’s conference meet and she is currently under school records in multiple events. We have no doubt she will be a major factor in our quest to win a conference championship.”
Emma Bellars – Longwood, FL (Lake Mary HS/LML Aquatics)
Top Times: 50 free – 24.98 (24.21 relay), 100 free – 54.76, 200 free – 1:59.51, 500 free – 5:18.76, 200 IM – 2:12.37, 400 IM – 4:40.67, 100 fly – 1:00.99, 100 back – 1:03.08, 200 back – 2:15.85
Why Kean: “I chose Kean because it offers the perfect combination to take both my academic and athletic pursuits to the next level. The sense of community is unmatched and everyone pushes each other to be their best. The team, coach, and staff were all so welcoming and I can’t wait to get to work this fall!”
Swenson on Bellars: “Emma Bellars is a complete swimmer that makes our team better the second she steps foot on campus. We are excited for her speed and versatility, and the overall impact she will have on our program for the next 4 years!”
Ashley Konz – Baldwinsville, NY (Charles W Baker HS/Liverpool Jets Swim Club)
Top Times: 100 back – 1:00.29, 200 back – 2:14.17, 50 back – 28.22, 50 free – 25.69, 100 free – 56.75, 200 free – 2:03.74
Why Kean: “I chose Kean University for the great location and many academic and athletic opportunities available to me. I look forward to growing my talents both in and out of the pool for the next four years at Kean!”
Swenson on Konz: “Ashley is going to provide a lot of speed at the front end of our medley relays and will be coming in under school records in multiple backstroke events. The energy and passion she has for swimming will be infectious to her teammates!”
Kylie Tininenko – Billings, MT (Billings Senior HS/Billings Aquatic Club)
Top Times: 50 free – 25.84, 100 free – 56.83, 200 free – 2:03.12, 500 free – 5:34.09, 1000 free – 11:30.74, 1650 free – 18:52.72, 50 fly – 27.91, 100 fly – 1:01.37, 200 fly – 2:14.37
Why Kean: “I chose Kean because of head coach Chris Swenson. He was an immense part in my decision to me the best team possible as well as making sure the swimmers/students are enjoying their college life. He just wants the best for us and that makes me believe in myself.”
Swenson on Tininenko: “Kylie has the unique ability to swim sprint and distance, while also excelling at the 100 and 200 fly. We are lucky to have her versatility in the lineup and expect big things from her throughout the next 4 years!”
Julia Berkenbosch – Clifton, NJ (Passaic County Technical Institute/Clifton Seahawks)
Top Times: 100 breast – 1:11.05, 200 breast – 2:35.80, 200 IM – 2:17.35, 50 free – 26.52
Why Kean: “When I first met the team, I instantly fell in love with the atmosphere they surrounded me with. Being on a team where everyone is as committed and passionate as I am is very important to me. I believe Coach Swenson will be a coach that will push me to my full potential. I can’t wait to see what I can achieve individually, and more importantly us as a team!”
Swenson on Berkenbosch: “We are looking forward to have Julia on campus in the fall. She is going to add incredible depth and versatility to the lineup with her ability to compete in a wide range of events.”
Emma Lindecke – Delanson, NY (Duanesburg HS/Duanesburg Electric Eels)
Top Times: 200 IM – 2:14.43, 100 breast – 1:11.59, 200 breast – 2:35.38, 50 free – 26.40, 100 free – 58.68, 100 back – 1:02.96, 200 back – 2:19.00
Why Kean: “I chose Kean because of the combined opportunities in both academics and athletics. I felt that Kean is a place where I can excel in both. I also felt an instant connection with both Coach Swenson and the team.”
Swenson on Lindecke: “We are very excited to welcome Emma to campus this fall. She is a very well rounded swimmer and makes this team better with her ability to race multiple events. We can’t wait to see what she does here at Kean!”
Vivian Ravines – Raritan, NJ (Bridgewater-Raritan HS/Streamline Aquatic Club)
Top Times: 50 free – 26.78, 100 free – 56.32, 200 free – 2:04.07, 100 breast – 1:12.06, 200 IM – 2:25.36
Why Kean: “What made me decide to attend Kean was Coach Swenson. Being the first person in my family to attend college, I wanted to find a school where I would be close to home but also be able to do the things I love. When I first met Coach Swenson, he was so inviting to my family and me. Having met him for only a few hours, he saw my potential and I could see his desire to build his team stronger. It was something I wanted to be a part of. He never pressured me into a decision and made me feel as if I was already part of his team. At that moment, I knew Kean was the right place for me.”
Swenson on Ravines: “I have known Vivian’s club and high school coaches for a long time and they have nothing but great things to say about her as both a person and an athlete. We think she is going to be a major part of this team’s success for the next four years here at Kean!”
Grace Geyer – Longmont, CO (Longmont HS/Longmont Swim Club)
Top Times: 200 free – 2:03.39, 500 free – 5:23.80, 200 IM – 2:16.97
Why Kean: “Kean feels like a place where I am able to be surrounded by people and resources that can help me become a better person.”
Swenson on Geyer: “Grace is going to add a great deal of versatility and value to our program in the mid distance free and IM groups. We are excited to have her join our program!”
Great Job Chris, fantastic class!
Fantastic!