Courtesy: Montevallo Athletics
MONTEVALLO, Ala. – University of Montevallo Head Men’s and Women’s Swimming Coach Aaron Mahaney has announced the signing of 34 athletes as part of the inaugural class for the 2019 season, beginning in October.
Hanna Johnson, a native of Seminole, Florida is the first ever signee for the women’s swim team in the history of the program while Kyle Smithers, a native of Jacksonville Beach, Florida is the first ever signee for the men’s swim team, and is also the first signee in the history of either program at Montevallo.
“These two got the ball rolling for us and we now have a team of 34,” said Mahaney.
Mahaney has signed 17 women and 17 men to the inaugural teams. The inaugural class is made up of 32 freshman and two junior college transfers. The women’s team features athletes from Louisiana (1), Florida (2), Texas (1), Utah (1), Alabama (2), California (3), Georgia (3), Tennessee (2), and Kansas (1). The men’s team features athletes from Georgia (4), Texas (4), Louisiana (2), California (2), Tennessee (1), Alabama (1), and Florida (3).
“Couldn’t have asked for a better group of student-athletes to help build our new Falcon Swim Family,” said Mahaney. “We are very excited for what the future holds and are all eager to represent Montevallo starting this fall.”
WOMEN’S TEAM
HANNA JOHNSON • FR • 5-4 • Free • Seminole, Fla. (Seminole High School)
HIGH SCHOOL: Johnson will graduate from Seminole high school in May of 2019. Johnson also competed for the St. Pete Aquatics Club and Beardmoor Aquatic Team
PERSONAL: Johnson plans to major in Criminology at Montevallo. She is the daughter of Mike and Annie Johnson and has one brother, Michael and one sister, Miranda.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Chick Fil A
FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM: Tampa Bay Lighting
MOLLY HANSEN • FR • 5-9 • Breaststroke / IM • Thibodaux, La. (Niceville High School)
HIGH SCHOOL: Hansen will graduate from Niceville high school in May of 2019. Hansen was named 2018 Bayou Region Swimmer, 2015-2017 all-district, 2016-2017 all-state and was the 2017-18 team high school team captain. Hansen also competed for Coast Aquatics.
PERSONAL: Hansen plans to major in Accounting at Montevallo. She is the daughter of Craig and Michelle Hansen and has one brother, Reid and one sister, Sarah.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Rotolos
FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM: LSU Football
AMANDA FARMER • FR • 5-6 • Breaststroke/Distance • Tullahoma, Tenn. (Homelife Academy)
HIGH SCHOOL: Farmer will graduate from Homelife Academy in May of 2019. Farmer was a four-time state qualifier in high school while also competing for the Tullahoma Swim Club.
PERSONAL: Farmer plans to major in Biology at Montevallo. She is the daughter of Steve and Susan Farmer and has two brothers, Jonathan and David, one sister, Sara. Amanda’s sister Sara is a junior swimmer at Milligan College.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Chipotle
FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM: Auburn
AMANDA WARE • FR • 5-3 • Breaststroke/IM • Powder Springs, Ga. (Kennesaw Mountain High School)
HIGH SCHOOL: Ware will graduate from Kennesaw Mountain high school in May of 2019. Ware was a named to the Honorable Hall of Fame as a three-time varsity letter winner in high school. Ware also competed for the ACE Aquatic Club, where she was named team captain.
PERSONAL: Ware plans to major in Business Management at Montevallo. She is the daughter of Paul and Mary Evelyn Ware and has three brothers, Sean Adam and David, one sister, Jessica. Amanda’s sister, Jessica, is a sophomore swimmer at Georgia Southern University.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Twisted Kitchen
FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM: Atlanta Braves
ANISA NELSON • FR • 5-3 • Distance • Montgomery, Tex. (Montgomery High School)
HIGH SCHOOL: Nelson will graduate from Montgomery high school in May of 2019. Nelson was named All-District in the 200-meter free, 500-meter free, and the 100-meter backstroke, in high school. Nelson also competed for the Montgomery Aquatic Race Club, where she received the most dedicated award, and the leadership award.
PERSONAL: Nelson is undecided on her major at Montevallo. She is the daughter of Frank and Karen Nelson and has two brothers, Saimasina and Siaki.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Chuy’s Tex-Mex.
FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM: Houston Rockets
ASHLEIGH KETCH • FR • 5-10 • IM/Back • Acworth, Ga. (Harrison High School)
HIGH SCHOOL: Ketch will graduate from Harrison high school in May of 2019. Ketch also competed for Tidal Wave Swimming.
PERSONAL: Ketch plans to major in Marketing at Montevallo. She is the daughter of John and Kristie Ketch and has one sister, Kaitlyn. Ashleigh’s mother, Kristie, played basketball for Kutztown University from 1991-1992.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Ippolito’s Italian Restaurant
FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM: Auburn Football
KHALIYAH BERRY • FR • 5-3 • Sprint • Mobile, Ala. (Theodore High School)
HIGH SCHOOL: Berry will graduate from Theodore high school in May of 2019. Berry also competed for Oakwood Swim and Raquet Club.
PERSONAL: Berry plans to major in Computer Informatics at Montevallo. She is the daughter of Don and Shaunta Berry and has one sister, Khole. Khaliyah’s father, Don, played basketball for Bishop State and Southern Tech from 1989-1991.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Olive Garden
FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM: Auburn Tigers
GEMMA KNAUF • FR • 5-3 • Fly/Distance • Marietta, Ga. (Hillgrove High School)
HIGH SCHOOL: Knauf will graduate from Hillgrove high school in May of 2019. Knauf was named the team captain for her high school swim team, while also competing for ACE Aquatics.
PERSONAL: Knauf plans to major in Special Education at Montevallo. She is the daughter of Ken and Tracie Knauf.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Tin Lizzies
FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM: UGA Football
GRACE STURGILL • FR • Free/Fly/Back • Lehi, Utah (Lehi High School)
HIGH SCHOOL: Sturgill will graduate from Lehi high school in May of 2019. Sturgill competed for Lehi Aquatics, where was team captain and set the school record in the 50-meter free.
PERSONAL: Sturgill plans to major in Marketing at Montevallo. She is the daughter of David and Katie Sturgill and has one brother, Max and one sister, Tess.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Pacos Tacos
FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM: N/A
HAILEY VANCE • JR • 5-4 • Backstroke/Freestyle • Ukiah, Calif. (Santa Rosa Junior College)
PREVIOUS SCHOOL: Vance comes to Montevallo from Santa Rosa Junior college in Santa Rosa, California. Vance graduated from Redwood Academy of Ukiah High school and competed for the Ukiah Dolphins swim club. At Santa Rosa, Vance was an All-American in both 2017 and 2018 and was the 2017 Big 8 Champion in the 100-meter backstroke.
PERSONAL: Vance plans to major in Dietetics at Montevallo. She is the daughter of Harry and Julie Vance and has two sisters, Madison and Isabella.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Thai Food
FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM: N/A
KATIE MAILCOAT • FR • 5-2 • Breaststroke • Wichita, Kan. (Wichita High School East)
HIGHSCHOOL: Mailcoat will graduate from Wichita High School East in May of 2019. Mailcoat was a four-year varsity letter winner in high school and was named second team All-City in 2018. Mailcoat also competed for the Wichita Aqua Shocks club team.
PERSONAL: Mailcoat plans to major in Biology at Montevallo. She is the daughter of John and Stacy Mailcoat and has two sisters, Juliana and Olivia.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Olive Garden
FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM: Wichita State Basketball
MARY LANE • JR • 5-6 •Fly/IM• Menlo Park, Calif. (Santa Rosa Junior College)
PREVIOUS SCHOOL: Lane comes to Montevallo from Santa Rosa Junior college in Santa Rosa, California. Lane graduated from Menlo Park High School and competed for Solo Aquatics swim club. At Santa Rosa, Lane was an All-American and holds the school records in the 400-meter IM and the 200-meter Butterfly.
PERSONAL: Lane plans to major in Business Management at Montevallo. She is the daughter of Randall and Marian Lane and has two sisters, Tracy and Elias.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Jackson’s Bar and Grill.
SHAYLA WHALEY • FR • 5-6 • Sprint • Saint Cloud, Fla. (Harmony High School)
HIGH SCHOOL: Whaley will graduate from Harmony high school in May of 2019. Whaley was a four-year varsity letter winner in high school while also competing for SCAT where she qualified for the State Games of America.
PERSONAL: Whaley plans to major in Accounting at Montevallo. She is the daughter of Kip and Anissa Whaley and has one brother, Weston, and two sisters Kelsey and Alexandria Whaley.
FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM: Alabama
PARKER BRANDT • FR • 5-10 •Butterfly/Backstroke/
HIGH SCHOOL: Brandt will graduate from Escambia Virtual Academy in May of 2019. Brandt was a three-time high school state qualifier for Pensacola High School while also winning the 3A Florida High School District Championship in the 100-meter backstroke. Brandt also competed for TNT swim club and was a 10-time Southeastern Qualifier.
PERSONAL: Brandt plans to major in Exercise Science at Montevallo. She is the daughter of Sheila and Gus Brandt.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Chipotle
FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM: Alabama Football
MEN’S TEAM
ANDREW BRYANT • FR • 5-7 • Sprint • Barnesville, Ga. (Lamar County High School)
HIGH SCHOOL: Bryant will graduate from Lamar County High School in May of 2019. Bryant also competed for the Seawolves club swim team.
PERSONAL: Bryant plans to major in Accounting at Montevallo. He is the son of Gerri Oliver.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Red Lobster
FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM: Carolina Panthers
ANTHONY CAREY • FR • 5-9 •Fly/Back • San Antonio, Tex.
HIGH SCHOOL: Carey competed for Alamo Area Aquatics Association.
PERSONAL: Carey plans to major in Environmental Studies at Montevallo. He is the son of Tim and Ana Carey and has one brother, Justin and one sister, Claudia. Anthony’s brother Justin is a junior on the Oklahoma Christian University swim team.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Whataburger
FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM: Oklahoma Sooners
CONNOR DAIGLE • FR • 6-0 •Breast/IM • New Orleans, La. (Jesuit High School New Orleans)
HIGH SCHOOL: Daigle will graduate from Jesuit High School in May of 2019. Daigle was a three-year varsity letter winner in high school and was part of two team State Championships as a junior and senior. Daigle also competed for Crew Swimming.
PERSONAL: Daigle plans to major in Business at Montevallo. He is the son of Patrick and Wendy Daigle and has one sister, Sarah. Connor’s father, Patrick Daigle was a four-year member of the University of New Orleans Swim Team.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Buffalo Wild Wings
FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM: New Orleans Saints
GABE MOON-PUENTE • FR • 6-0 •Free/Fly/Back • Cypress, Tex. (Cypress Spring High School)
HIGH SCHOOL: Moon-Puente will graduate from Cypress Spring High School in May of 2019. Moon-Puente competed for Cypress Spring High School and Team Yes Aquatics of Houston.
PERSONAL: Moon-Puente plans to major in Exercise Science at Montevallo. He is the son of Milo Moon and Gregg Puente and has one brother, Eathon Moon-Puente
FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Romero’s Los Brazos
JERED POLAND • FR • 5-11 •Breast/IM • Walker, La. (Walker High School)
HIGH SCHOOL: Poland will graduate from Walker High School in May of 2019. Poland holds the Walker High School individual record in the 100-yard breast stroke, 100-yard butterfly, 200-yard individual medley, and the 100-yard freestyle. In 2018, Poland won first place at the City Championships in the 100-yard breaststroke. Poland also competed for Crawfish Aquatics.
PERSONAL: Poland plans to major in Biology at Montevallo. He is the son of Melanie and Daryl Poland and has one brother, Destin Herbert.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Any restaurant with Sushi
FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM: Crawfish Aquatics
JOSHUA SAUER • FR • 6-2 •Distance • Pearland, Texas (Logos Preparatory Academy)
HIGH SCHOOL: Sauer will graduate from Logos Preparatory Academy in May of 2019. Sauer placed first in the 100-meter butterfly in TAPPS 3A Division 3 and was named First Team All-State holds the Walker High School individual record in the 100-yard breast stroke, 100-yard butterfly, 200-yard individual medley, and the 100-yard freestyle. Sauer also competed for First Colony Swim Team.
PERSONAL: Sauer plans to major in Biology at Montevallo. He is the son of Steven and Rachel Sauer and has one sister, Emily Sauer.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Samurai
FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM: Houston Rockets
PARKER BELL • FR • 6-0 •Freestyle/IM • Fresno, Calif. (Clovis North High School)
HIGH SCHOOL: Bell will graduate from Clovis North High School in May of 2019. Bell was a four-year varsity letter winner and named an All-American in the 400-meter freestyle relay while competing for Clovis North High School.
PERSONAL: Bell plans to major in Business at Montevallo. He is the son of Jason and Kim Bell and has two sisters, Taylor and Payton.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Wassabi on Fire
FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM: Dallas Cowboys
SPENCER HOYT • FR • 5-6 •Breast/IM • Waycross, Ga. (Ware County High School)
HIGH SCHOOL: Hoyt will graduate from Ware County High School in May of 2019. Hoyt was named the Team Captain for the Ware County High School swim team. Hoyt also competed for Okefenokee Aquatic Club.
PERSONAL: Hoyt plans to major in Accounting at Montevallo. He is the son of Deana and Bob Hoyt and has one brother, Thomas.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Longhorn Steakhouse
FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM: Auburn Football
THOM NACCARATO • FR • 6-2 •Backstroke/Fly • Wimberley, Texas (Wimberley High School)
HIGH SCHOOL: Naccarato will graduate from Wimberley High School in May of 2019. Naccarato competed for Wimberley High school and was a State Qualifier during his junior season. Naccarato also competed for Hays Swim Club.
PERSONAL: Naccarato plans to major in Business Management at Montevallo. He is the son of Steven and Suzanne Naccarato and has two brothers, Mike and Sam.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Gills Broiler
FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM: Texas Rangers
WILL MAHONE • FR • 6-4 •Backstroke, Freestyle, Butterfly • Lilburn, Ga. (Parkview High School)
HIGH SCHOOL: Mahone will graduate from Parkview High school in May of 2019. Mahone was named the MVP of his swim team, twice, while competing at Parkview High School. Mahone also competed for Spartan Aquatic Club.
PERSONAL: Mahone is undecided on what his major will be at Montevallo. He is the son of Don and Missey Mahone and has one sister, Tori.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Firehouse Subs
FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM: Alabama Football
BRANDON BELL • FR • 5-10 •Breast/Free • Loganville, Ga. (Loganville High School)
HIGH SCHOOL: Bell will graduate from Loganville High school in May 2019. Bell was named a two time Team Captain for the Loganville High School swim team. Bell also competed for Summit Swimming.
PERSONAL: Bell will major in Marketing at Montevallo. He is the son of Graham and Cheryl Bell and has one sister, Grace Bell.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Iron Age
FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM: Georgia Bulldogs and Los Angeles Rams
COLBY BROWN • FR • 6-0 • Mid Free • Jacksboro, Tenn. (Campbell County High School)
HIGH SCHOOL: Brown will graduate from Campbell County High School in May of 2019. Brown was a four-year varsity letter winner for the Campbell County High School swim team. He also competed for Atomic City Aquatic Club.
PERSONAL: Brown will major in Business at Montevallo. He is the son of Jerry and Nicole Brown and has two brothers, Logan and Ethan.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Le Tub
FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM: Tennessee Volunteers
SAMUEL TAYLOR • FR • 5-9 •IM/Mid Free/Breast • Fresno, Calif. (Clovis North High School)
HIGH SCHOOL: Taylor will graduate from Clovis North High School in May 2019. Taylor also competed for the Fresno Dolphins.
PERSONAL: Taylor plans to major in Business at Montevallo. He is the son of Michael Taylor and Melissa Camardella and has four brothers, John, Ben, Nathaniel, and Asher, and three sisters Emily, Casey and Tuesday.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Ark
FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM: Washington Capitals
TYLER BAILEY • FR • 5-10 • Sprint • Daphne, Ala. (Daphne High School)
HIGH SCHOOL: Bailey will graduate from Daphne High School in May 2019. Bailey was part of the current 200-meter medley relay state record holder while competing for Daphne High school. Bailey also competed for CMSA.
PERSONAL: Bailey plans to major in Marketing at Montevallo. He is the son of Christine and Mitch Bailey and has two sisters.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Baumhowers
FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM: Cleveland Indians
SAMUEL RIX • FR • 6-2 • Sprint • Lynn Haven, Fla. (North Bay Haven Charter Academy)
HIGH SCHOOL: Rix will graduate from North Bay Haven Charter Academy in May 2019. Rix was named the Team Captain for the North Bay Haven Charter Academy Swim team. Rix also competed for Panama City Swim Team.
PERSONAL: Rix plans to major in Communications at Montevallo. He is the son of Mark and Melissa Rix and has one brother, Kyle Rix.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Waffle House
FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM: Atlanta Falcons
Carlee Muncher of Jasper, Alabama, Lexie Cardwell of Brentwood, Tennessee, and Paige Kent have also signed to swim for the Montevallo women’s swimming team.
Kyle Smithers of Jacksonville Beach, Florida and Trent Mobley of MacClenny, Florida have also signed for the Montevallo men’s swimming team.