April Forsthoffer, of McCallie / GPS Aquatics in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is following in her parents’ footsteps with her decision to swim for the Drexel Dragons starting in the 2015-16 season. Both her mother and her father attended Drexel; her mother rowed crew there before it became a varsity sport.
“I chose Drexel mostly because I have a lot of family and friends that live around Drexel. Both my parents grew up near Philly and my dad’s fraternity brothers and their families live within 10 minutes of Drexel. I also really loved the team and the coaches when I visited. I felt like I fit in and could have fun with them. I also really feel like the program is going in an upward direction and I hope I can make a positive addition.”
Forsthoffer was so comfortable during her recruit trip that she fell asleep in the bleachers while sitting with the other recruits during the Saturday morning practice. “I was exhausted from my 4 am flight the day before. But we all laughed it off.”
Swimming for Girls Preparatory School at the 2014 TISCA Tennessee High School Swimming and Diving Championships, Forsthoffer placed sixth in the 200 IM (2:08.42) and fourth in the 100 fly (57.18). She led off GPS’s medley relay (with 27.07) and anchored their state-champion 400 free relay (in 52.02), beating Brentwood High School by 1/100. Forsthoffer’s best times include:
- 100y fly – 57.18
- 200y fly – 2:06.66
- 200y IM – 2:08.09
- 400y IM – 4:37.04
- 100y back – 59.32
- 100m fly – 1:04.77
- 200m fly – 2:22.36
- 200m IM – 2:25.71
- 400m IM – 5:08.85
- 100m back – 1:07.36
Forsthoffer will have an immediate impact on the Dragons’ results: her 100 and 200 fly and 200 and 400 IM times would each make Drexel’s all-time top-five lists.
Congratulations on your awesome achievement! I can only wish the best for you for all that comes in the future! Keep up the good work!