There must be something in the water in Tucson. The Arizona Wildcats have been just about the most popular destination for transfers since Eric Hansen took over as the head coach in 2011, and they picked up their latest this Memorial Day when Lauren Neidigh verbally committed to transfer after two years at the University of Florida.
“What stuck out to me the most while visiting Arizona was the understood sense of pride in putting the team first. I believe that I will improve because the coaches are not only brilliant at what they do but they also make me feel like I will be genuinely happy to come to practice everyday,” Neidigh said of her decision. “I have learned that for me to be able to swim at my best, it is important to enjoy each day at practice no matter how hard and understand its purpose.
“One of the most important factors in my decision was that the coaches are invested in improving every member of the team and I know what I have to offer as a person will be valuable to them. I’m happy to be a Wildcat and ready to help Arizona compete for a championship.”
Neidigh did make improvements at Florida; in the 500 free she went from a 4:51 to a 4:48 in two years. In the 400 IM, she dropped from a 4:22 to a 4:16.
The 200 fly, which coming out of high school was expected to be where she did her biggest damage, stalled somewhat. She dropped right around a second over two seasons, with the best time coming in a dual meet in 2013. Her best 200 free was in high school in a 1:51.1, and she’s also gone 2:01 in the 200 yard IM.
The former Bolles High School star says that her plan for this summer is likely to focus on the U.S. Open at the end of summer and do a short rest, but to mostly focus on getting back in shape for the college season. She’s currently training with Sergio Lopez’s group back at Bolles.
Neidigh joins an incoming recruiting class that includes Florida State transfer Elizabeth Pepper, who has a very similar event specialty. The two will be in the training group under whoever Arizona hires to fill out their staff this off-season, and both will have two years of eligibility left.
Hansen’s men’s team also picked up a big transfer in the form of Michigan’s Reid Elliott.
Best of luck Lauren! Go ahead and do you and what will make you happy. Gives me a reason to go out and visit the Wild West lol. And to people commenting; what’s wrong with originally liking a program, then after being in it realize (for whatever personal reason) it’s not right for you? Same thing happens with students and switching majors. Or adults switching careers. Switches happen. Best of luck to you Lauren and Go Wildcats!
From all these years of friendship I can’t be more confident to say that Lauren always knows what’s best for her. She is the most hardworking athlete that I’ve ever known and she gives it all to swimming. I believe she has every right to make her swimming experience better, and it totally makes sense that she transfers to a school where she feels more comfortable. Lauren must’ve made her decision carefully, weighing all the pros and cons. I think it’s stupid that some people are trying to attack on her decision which is personal and not subject to controversy.
Best of Luck to Lauren. All college swimmers are tough and work hard to achieve certain goals. The coaching staff at Florida does a nice job but seems to be missing something because it appears female swimmers transfer or quit swimming entirely. Recently’ other than a few talented foreign swimmers most girls commit to other programs. Other than Olympic Medalist Elizabeth Beisel UF hasnt landed anyone in Gainesville from the US that has any significant swimming achievements. Texas AM, CAL, USC, Tennessee and Georgia seem to recruit well and have been consistently developing national caliber swimmers versus Florida where young kids leave the sport of swimming entirely.
Braden, Garrett, or somebody from SWIMSWAM–is there any respectful commentary on history of the Gators post Troy since bringing them up is like bringing up OJ Simpson, Rick Curl, or Jodi Arias. I’ve never seen so much dogmatic vitriol directed at one coach in my life. Does these opinions actually fit what actually happens at Florida. Bobo Gigi is right–mentioning Florida (perhaps with the exception of Lochte) turns into Gregg Troy is a . . . . show and the worst coach in history on Swim Swam and I just wish we had so more science on it besides the superficial takes we have now (maybe I’m expecting too much) FREBEE out
Naysayers should think twice about insulting the serious decision that my cousin made. Having known this individual for all of her life, I think I can attest that she is one of the most thoughtful and hard working people I know, in or out of a pool. Those who attempt to detract from her diligence and success by bringing up a previously written article present an argument with no merit. Someone who has the ability to find positives in everyone, be a team player, and still know what’s best for themselves should be commended, not reprimanded.
Oh no!!!! Another debate about Gregg Troy and the Gators!
I think you have misread. There’s no need for debate here. There’s nothing in this article mentioned about Gregg Troy.
I think you have misread. I don’t talk about the article and good luck to Miss Neidigh. I talk about all the recurrent debates, comments and reactions about Gregg Troy every time there’s something about a Gator swimmer. It looks like there’s much passion surrounding this program.
Lauren I can’t wait for you to head to this side of the country! Hope to see you swim at a few meets and PAC-12s next year! Go Bolles! #BEARDOWN
I am so proud of you Lauren! I think that Arizona is going to be a wonderful change for you and I know you will experience incredible growth as both a person and a swimmer. You have the ability to accomplish great things and I think a program like Arizona’s will accentuate your value to this (and any!) team. Good luck!!
Where’s the article about Abby Duncan transferring from Auburn that was alluded to in a small blurb at the bottom of another article?