the SPARTAN WOMEN meet the spartans

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1 the SPARTAN WOMEN meet the spartans W O M E N S S W I M M I N G A N D D I V I N G 9

2 meet the spartans PREVIEW: Experienced group will lead Spartans. The Michigan State women s swimming and diving team compiled a 4-5 record last season, improving on its 1-8 mark from the previous year. The Spartans look to continue making strides in the season, with 18 letterwinners returning from last year s squad. A group of nine seniors will lead the Michigan State women: divers Katie Edwards, Allison Sayers and Amy Schmidt, along with swimmers Lindsay Bocksteigal, Eve Brusie, Dani Sawyer, Amber Schroeder, Megan Reponen, and Carly Zenk. The divers could be Michigan State s strength, with the same roster of six women as last season, and 2006 Big Ten Diving Coach of the Year Eric Best once again at the helm. Five Spartan divers qualified for the 2006 NCAA Regional Meet, with Edwards and sophomore Danielle Williams finishing the season in the top 18 on the one-and three-meter boards at the diving zones. Williams, who was honored as the MSU 2006 Women s Diver of the Year, led the Spartans at the Big Ten Championship meet with two Top-10 finishes, including sixth on the one-meter board and ninth on the three-meter board. Alycia Mokedanz, the MSU 2006 Freshman of the Year, also cracked the Top-10 in onemeter competition with an eighth-place finish. The diving team had one-twothree sweeps in both the one-meter and three-meter competitions against four opponents in the regular season. Several Michigan State swimmers who earned points at the 2006 Big Ten Championship meet will return this season, looking to improve on last season s team finish of 11th. The veterans will join together with talented newcomers to improve their standings against a field of tough conference opponents. Sophomore Julianne Kahn was a part of the 400 free relay that placed 11th with a time of 3: Kahn also teamed up with senior Eve Brusie and then-seniors Rachael Hagerman and Katrina Kniff for a 10th-place finish as members of the 200 free relay. Brusie and classmate Carly Zenk were members of the 400-meter relay team that finished 10th with a time of 3: Zenk also took 16th in the 100 backstroke. Senior Lindsay Bocksteigal and sophomore Heather Kiluk were each on the 800 free relay that finished 11th. Individually, Kiluk placed 12th in the 400 IM with a time of 4:22.55, setting a school record for Michigan State, and earning the 2006 Women s John Narcy Most Improved award. We have a strong returning group on the women s team, experiencewise, head coach Matt Gianiodis said. In terms of incoming swimmers, that class will be highlighted by Sasha Lewerenz and Jenny Korn at this point, but it s a big class and there are some people who could really help us out. The season begins in East Lansing with four meets in nine days. The Spartans will face Akron in their home opener on Oct. 20, followed by Il W O M E N S S W I M M I N G A N D D I V I N G

3 linois on Oct. 21. The Spartans will continue action with a mid-week matchup against the Michigan Wolverines on Oct. 25. Iowa will round out the homestand on Oct. 28. Michigan State will have its first road contest Nov. 10 in South Bend, Ind., against Notre Dame, before returning home the following day to face Ohio State. MSU will face Ball State on Dec. 9, before a month-long break in competition. The Spartans will continue the season on Jan. 13 against the Purdue Boilermakers in East Lansing. The final meet of the season will be against Oakland on Jan. 19. MSU is scheduled to swim six dual meets against schools that scored at the 2006 NCAA Championships. In addition, the Spartans will face nine schools at the Big Ten Championships that competed in the 2006 NCAA meet. Michigan State will begin the post season at the Big Ten Championship in Minneapolis, Minn., from Feb The NCAA Diving Zones will be held March 2-4; the location is yet to be determined. The 2006 NCCA Women s Championship will be March 8-10 in Minneapolis, Minn. meet the spartans We have a big team, so we need to figure out who is going to be on our travel squad, Gianiodis said. With four meets in the span of one week, we ll see who is tough enough to travel. The Spartans will travel to the Northwestern Invitational Nov , and some members of the team will then head to the U.S. Open on Nov. 30-Dec W O M E N S S W I M M I N G A N D D I V I N G 11

4 meet the spartans lindsay BOCKSTIEGAL Senior Swimmer Cincinnati, Ohio/Madeira Junior: A member of the 200 free relay that finished third (1:45.52) against Oakland Also took third in the 200 free (1:56.58) against Oakland Placed first in heat of the 100 free against Oakland. Sophomore: Set a career-best time in the 50 free against Michigan, with a time of Freshman: Set career-best times in 100 free (52.76) and 200 free (1:54.48) at the Big Ten Championships... Placed sixth in the 200 free (1:57.77) against Ball State. Prep: District champion in Also placed third in state in the 100 free... Placed fourth in the state in the 200 free... Co-captain in her senior year... Four-year varsity letterwinner... Swam for the Cincinnati Marlins. Personal: Born May 27, Daughter of Mike and Linda Bockstiegel... A mechanical engineering major. Getting to know Bockstiegal: Favorite place on campus: Spartan Stadium on football Saturdays. Best advice ever received: Never have regrets. Dream job: Forensic scientist. Favorite food: Filet mignon and twice baked potatoes. eve BRUSIE Senior Swimmer Grand Haven, Mich./Grand Haven Junior: Member of the 200 free relay that took third (1:35.03) at the Ohio State Invitational Finished third (24.52), behind teammates Rachael Hagerman and Katrina Kniff, in the 50 free against Oakland. Sophomore: Won the 50 free against Ball State (24.21)... Took second in the 50 free, behind teammate Rachael Hagerman, in the 50 free at the Miami Invitational (24.33)... Finished third against Kentucky in the 50 free (24.19)... Member of the 200 free relay team that finished ninth at the Big Ten Championships (1:32.85)...Set a career best in the 200 free at the Big Ten Championships in the 200 free (1:59.90). Freshman: MSU Swimming and Diving Freshman of the Year... Member of school-record 200 free, 400 free and 200 medley relay teams... Placed 11th in the 50 free (23.34) at the Big Ten Championships... Finished seventh in the 50 free (23.75) at the Auburn Invitational... Swam to multiple firstplace finishes in the 50 free... Honorable mention CSCAA Academic All-American. Prep: Four-time all-state and All-America honoree... Placed second in state senior year, third junior year and fourth freshman year in 50 free... Team captain senior year... Four-year varsity letterwinner... Three-time varsity letterwinner in water polo... Academic All-American... Graduated in top 10 percent of class, earning the Distinguished Academic Leader Award. Personal: Born July 18, Daughter of Robert Brusie and Maureen Eberly... A human biology/physiology major. Getting to know Brusie: Favorite place on campus: Baker Woodlot. I can t live without: Chocolate chip cookie dough. Dream job: Candy taste tester. Biggest influence: In swimming, Abby Johnson; in life, my mother. katie EDWARDS Senior Diver Livonia, Mich./Livonia Stevenenson Junior: Placed 11th on the one-meter board and 13th on the three meter at the NCAA Regional Diving Zones Academic All-America and Academic All-Big Ten selection On the three meter took second against UM (297.30), Ball State (264.45), and Notre Dame (301.88), also finished third (256.13) vs. Oakland On the one-meter board, took second (261.37) to teammate Amy Schmidt at the Ball State meet, placed first (288.07) against Oakland, captured first (317.17) against Notre Dame. Sophomore: Finished first in the one-meter event at Oakland, tallying a Took second in the three-meter competition against Ball State with a score of , qualifying for the NCAA Regionals... Earned 12th-place finishes at the Georgia Invitational in both the one-meter (205.05) and three-meter competitions (354.10). Freshman: Finished 20th in the three-meter at the Big Ten Championships (385.80)...Took first-place honors in the one-meter at Purdue (269.43)... Placed fifth in the one-meter at the Indiana Invitational... Earned a sweep in the one-meter (258.23) and three-meter (268.65) at Iowa... Qualified for NCAA Zone C Diving Championships. Prep: Earned All-America honors in her senior year... Three-time state qualifier, earning all-state honors twice... Three-time first-team all-league honoree... Swim team captain... Four-time varsity letterwinner... All-league in gymnastics her junior season...gymnastics regional beam champion... Also lettered in track and field... Diver with Legacy Diving Club... Michigan state meet champion on three-meter... Placed fourth in regionals in threemeter competition, qualifying for diving zones in July, National Honor Society member. Personal: Born Aug. 2, Daughter of Timothy and Ellen Edwards... An advertising major. Getting to know Edwards: Dream job: Creative director at an advertising agency. If I could go back in time who would you like to meet? Gilda Radner. Favorite food: Turkey sandwiches W O M E N S S W I M M I N G A N D D I V I N G

5 megan REPONEN Senior Swimmer Maitland, Fla./Winter Park Junior: Captured first place in the 100 butterfly against St. Bonaventure with a time of Grabbed third in the 200 butterfly vs. Oakland... A member of the 400-medley relay C team which placed 14th at the Ohio State Invitational. Sophomore: Set a career high in the 200 fly (2:11.83) against Oakland, finishing fourth... Set a personal top time in the 200 free (1:59.70) vs. Michigan. Freshman: Set career-best times in the 50 free (23.97) and 100 fly (57.82) at the Big Ten Championships... Placed second in 100 free against Oakland (52.91) and Ball State (54.13)... Finished second in the 200 free (1:55.12) and fourth in the 100 fly (58.00) against Notre Dame and Ohio State... Spartan of the Year award recipient. dani SAWYER Senior Swimmer Chelsea, Mich./Chelsea Junior: Member of the 200-free relay that placed third against Oakland, with a time of 1: Sophomore: Set a career best at the Big Ten Championships in the 200 back, with a time of 2: Set a personal best in the 50 back (30.56) in the meet with Notre Dame/Pittsburgh. Freshman: Competed in the 50 free (25.46), 100 back (1:01.79) and 200 back (2:15.34) at the Big Ten Championships... Placed fifth against Rutgers and Miami in the 100 back (1:02.92). Prep: Was a member of Chelsea all-state and All- America relay teams in Named team captain in her senior year... Earned four varsity letters... Club team experience includes Aqua Jets, Royal Brussels Poseidon, SHAPE Seals and Chelsea Bulldogs... President of National Honor Society. Personal: Born May 20, Daughter of Mark and Robbin Sawyer... A pre-vet major. allison SAYERS Senior Diving Chelsea, Mich./Chelsea Junior: Qualified for the NCAA Regional Diving Zones Placed second (260.32) on the three-meter board vs. Oakland. Sophomore: Set a career best in the one-meter competition (238.95) against Oakland, finishing fourth... Set a season best in the three-meter competition against Ball State, with a score of ). Freshman: Competed in the one-meter (174.40) and three-meter (184.35) at the Big Ten Championships... Finished seventh in the one-meter (199.65) and three-meter (217.73) against Oakland... 16th in the three-meter at the Indiana Invitational... Took sixth in the three-meter against Purdue (196.20). Prep: Earned all-league and all-district honors in diving... Led team to ninth-place state finish and league championship her senior year... Two-time letterwinner in swimming and track and field... Swam for Chelsea Aquatic club team. meet the spartans Prep: Earned All-America honors in both the 50 and 100 free as a freshman... Swam to All-American consideration in 2001, 02 and Selected Most Valuable Swimmer at Winter Park High School in 2001 and Led team to first-place ranking in freshman and sophomore years, secondplace ranking junior year and third-place her senior season... Team captain in Club team Central Florida Aquatics. Personal: Born Feb. 5, Daughter of Dan and Beverly Reponen... Member of the MSU Campus Crusade, Wesley Foundation and concert orchestra... An animal science/pre-vet major. Getting to know Sawyer: Hidden talent: I speak French/Belgian. Four adjectives to describe me: Caring, dedicated, energetic, hard working. Something I m not good at is: Skiing. If I could go back in time I would like to meet: Pocahontas. Career ambition: Veterinary neurosurgeon. Personal: Born July 5, Daughter of Edward and Debra Sayers... A no-preference major Getting to know Sayers: Best swimming memory at MSU: Winning my first event in a dual meet against Notre Dame. Hidden talent: Break dancing. Biggest pet peeve: Being late. Best advice ever received: Stop carrying what everyone else thinks and find out what you think. I chose MSU because: I have never wanted to go anywhere else. I didn t even apply anywhere but MSU. Getting to know Reponen: Favorite place on campus: Baker Woodlot. Best place you ve ever been: Ireland. Hidden talent: I enjoy windsurfing and wakeboarding when I m at home. Favorite food: Chicken pot pie. Favorite book: Waking the Dead by John Eldredge W O M E N S S W I M M I N G A N D D I V I N G 13

6 meet the spartans amy SCHMIDT Senior Diving Grand Ledge, Mich./Grand Ledge Junior: Qualified for the NCAA Regional Diving Zones Placed 15th on the one-meter board at the Big Ten Championships Earned Academic All-America Honorable Mention and Academic All-Big Ten honors On the one meter took second (259.35) against Purdue and Northwestern, claimed first with a score of against Ball State, placed third (266.85) vs. Oakland, earned second (299.32) against Notre Dame On the three-meter board, took third (259.27) against Ball State. Sophomore: Named Spartan Diver of the Year... Took first place against Ball State in the one-meter event, setting a career best with a score of Earned a second-place finish vs. Michigan in the three-meter competition (268.30)... Earned an eighth-place finish in the one-meter (243.55) and an 11th-place finish in the three-meter (378.30) at the Georgia Invitational, setting a personal best... Dove to a 16th-place finish at the Big Ten Championships in the one-meter (246.15)... Finished 18th in the one-meter board at the NCAA Diving Zone `C Meet. Freshman: Named MSU Women s Diver of the Year... 17th in the one-meter (223.05) at the Big Ten Championships... Finished second in the onemeter against Iowa (256.58) and the three-meter against Ball State (241.95)... Took first-place honors in the one-meter (252.15) and three-meter (272.70) against Oakland... 24th in the one-meter at the NCAA Zone C Diving Championships. Prep: Named Grand Ledge Female Athlete of the Year (2003)... Selected to the diving All-Area Dream Team in 2001 and 2002, earning all-state honors in Finished seventh in the state in Team captain in Three-year letterwinner at Grand Ledge... Member of Mid- Michigan Diving Club... Four-year letterwinner in gymnastics... Won individual Division 2 state championship on bars and all-around competition in Led gymnastics team to state runner-up finish in her senior year. Personal: Born March 15, Daughter of Bill and Molly Schmidt... A dietetics major. Getting to know Schmidt: Favorite food: Chicken. Career Ambition: Work as a sports team dietitian. Biggest influence: Kendra Speilberg. amber SCHROEDER Senior Swimmer Rockford, Ill./Guilford Junior: Set a career-best time for the 200 fly (2:07.99) Finished in second place in the 100 fly (59.49) against St. Bonaventure Competed in the Big Ten Championships. Sophomore: Earned season-best second-place finishes in the 200 fly against Kentucky (2:12.28) and Purdue (2:10.87)... Took third in the 200 fly against Oakland (2:11.11)... Set a career best in the 400 IM at Ball State, touching at 4: Freshman: Set career-best times in the 100 fly (57.02), 200 fly (2:08.81) and 200 IM (2:16.06) at the Big Ten Championships... Finished second in the 100 fly against Purdue (59.09) and Iowa (58.89)... Placed sixth in the 200 fly against Notre Dame and Ohio State (2:10.39)... Took third place against Northwestern in the 100 fly (59.55). Prep: Two-time All-American, earning honor as a freshman on the 400 free relay team and earning individual All-America status as a senior in the 100 fly... Earned all-state honors from Four-year sectional and conference champion in 100 fly... Member of conference champion 400 free relay team... Northern Illinois Conference MVP in NIC four-time all-conference in 100 fly... Swam for club teams Freeport Aquatic and Rockford Marlins... Also lettered in track... National Honor Society president. Personal: Born Feb. 19, Daughter of Larry and Marilyn Schroeder... A human biology major. Getting to know Schroeder: Favorite place on campus: On the banks of the Red Cedar in the spring with a good book or during winter with a Starbucks. Nickname: Schradie. If I could play a sport besides swimming or diving it would be: Soccer. Team goal: Finish strong at Big Tens and help create a cohesive group. Pre-meet superstitions: Eating Eggo waffles and not wearing nail polish. Favorite food: Japanese or desserts. carly ZENK Senior Swimmer Southgate, Mich./Southgate Anderson Junior: Competed in the Big Ten Championships Named to the Academic All-Big Ten team Set career bests for the 100 back (57.25) and the 200 back (2.08). Sophomore: Presented the team s John Narcy Most Improved award... Captured several first-place finishes on the 200 medley relay team... Set career bests in the 100 free (53.31) and the 100 back (58.46) at the Georgia Invitational. Freshman: Set career-best times in the 50 free (25.22), 100 back (58.76) and 200 back (2:10.69) at the Big Ten Championships... Placed second in the 200 back against Oakland (2:11.71)... Took third in the 100 back against Notre Dame and Ohio State (59.18). Prep: Earned all-conference honors every year... served as team captain in Placed sixth in state in 2002 in 100 back, earning all-state honors... also lettered in softball... Swam for club team Southgate Gators... Member of National Honor Society... Graduated fifth in her class. Personal: Born Oct. 27, Daughter of Lawrence and Liesa Zenk... An education major. Getting to know Zenk: Best place you ve ever been: Cozumel and Grand Cayman Islands, where the water is clear blue. Hidden talent: I can sing kind of. Nickname: Boomer; given to me by my dad thanks. Favorite line from a movie: I caught you a delicious bass. Napoleon Dynamite. If you could travel anywhere, where would it be: A tour of Europe W O M E N S S W I M M I N G A N D D I V I N G

7 danielle WILLIAMS Junior Diving Dorchester, Ont./Clark Read Secondary Sophomore: Named MSU Diver of the Year Qualified for the NCAA Regional Diving Zones Placed sixth on the one meter and ninth on the three-meter board at the Big Ten Championship Placed 10th at the 2006 Canadian Nationals On the three-meter, took first (313.85) against UM, first (264.97) against Ball State, topped the competition with a score of vs. Notre Dame On the one-meter board, took third (275.55) against UM, placed third (259.65) behind teammates Amy Schmidt and Katie Edwards against Ball State, placed second (270.07) against Oakland, earned third (289.27) against Notre Dame. Freshman: Earned team s Freshman of the Year Award... Swept the diving competition at Michigan, taking the one meter with a score of , setting a career best, and tallying in the three meter... Won the three meter against Ball State (306.30)... Took first in the three meter against Purdue (282.22) and Oakland (285.30)... Finished second in both the one meter (249.90) and three meter (275.25) in meet with Notre Dame/Pittsburgh... Took eighth in the three meter (429.80) and 10th in the one meter (243.25) at the Georgia Invitational... Finished 17th in the Big Ten Championships in the three meter (435.80), setting a career best... Placed 14th in the one-meter board at the NCAA Diving Zone C Qualifying Meet with a mark of Finished seventh on three meter and ninth on one meter at the 2005 Canada Games... Placed 10th on the three-meter board at Senior Nationals. kendall BARRY Sophomore Swimmer Portage, Mich./Portage Freshman: Took fifth (10:51.21) in the 1000 free against Oakland Finished second in the 1000 free (10:55.05), behind teammate Tesla Hughes, in the meet against St. Bonaventure Prep: Four-year letterwinner... Three-time all-state nominee... Played water polo as well... Competed on Great Lakes Aquatics club team. Personal: Born March 31, Daughter of Dan and Barb Barry... Psychology major. Getting to know Barry: Favorite place on campus: Children s Garden. Best swimming memory at MSU: Bahamas. If I could play a sport besides swimming or diving it would be: Tennis. Career ambition: Clinical psychologist or nurse. Favorite book: The Kite Runner. betsy DEJONGE Sophomore Swimmer Zeeland, Mich./Zeeland : Redshirted Prep: Holds high school 50 free record... Four-year letterwinner... All-state and All-America selection... Zone 5 Michigan Swimmer of the Year junior and senior years... Qualified for the U.S. Open. Personal: Born July 18, Daughter of Bruce and Christine DeJonge... Sister Jenna is a swimmer at Oakland University... An interior design major. Getting to know DeJonge: I can t live without: Country music and my gold cowboy boots. If I could go back in time I would like to meet: My parents when they were my age. Favorite food: Crab legs. I chose MSU because: The Big Ten atmosphere and the pretty campus Favorite movie: Mean Girls. meet the spartans Prep: Competed for the Forest City Diving Club... Won the Ontario provincial championship in the summer of Qualified for Canadian Junior Nationals in 2003 and Qualified for the Canadian Senior Nationals in Personal: Born Sept. 16, Daughter of Steven and Jody Williams... A no-preference major. Getting to know Williams: Best place you ve ever been: Victoria, British Columbia. I can t live without: Family and friends. Nickname: Canada. Best advice ever received: 110% effort, that s all you can ask for! W O M E N S S W I M M I N G A N D D I V I N G 15

8 meet the spartans marlys FUQUA Sophomore Swimmer Fairport, N.Y./Fairport Freshman: Finished 12th in the 200 back (2:09.24) at the Ohio State Invite Took second place in the 1000 free (10:38.77) and third place in the 500 free (5:15.88) against Ball State Finished third in the 200 free (1:58.04) against St. Bonaventure. Prep: Named team MVP in Earned All- America honors in Was an Academic All- American in Personal: Born Aug. 30, Daughter of Michael and Sandra Fuqua... Sister Lauren is a diver at Nazareth College... A general business administration/pre-law major. Getting to know Fuqua: Favorite place on campus: The Pool and Spartan Stadium. Hidden talent: I play a mean French horn. Favorite TV show: Everybody Loves Raymond. Four adjectives to describe me: Driven, focused, studious, friendly. Best advice ever received: My parents instilled in me that if you believe in anything, believe in hard work. Favorite book: Of Mice and Men. allison HARING Sophomore Diving Grand Ledge, Mich./Grand Ledge Freshman: In platform competition, placed 20th at the Big Ten Championship Earned Academic All-Big Ten honors. Prep: Four-year letterwinner... All-Conference diver in 2003 and Was also a four-year letterwinner in gymnastics and on the equestrian team. Personal: Born Sept. 4, Daughter of Duane and Laurie Haring... A dietetics major. Getting to know Haring: Best swimming memory at MSU: Hawaii. I can t live without: My stuffed pig Wilber, gummy bears, sweat pants. Nickname: Aleighpal. Something I m not good at is: Math. Dream job: Country singer or zoologist. alison JOHNSON Sophomore Swimmer Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester Adams Freshman: Took third against Ball State in the 200 fly Recorded a third-place finish in the 400 IM against Oakland Finished second in the 200 IM against St. Bonaventure, with a time of 2: Prep: Earned all-state and All-American honors in Member of Oakland Live Y ers club team... Was also an Academic All-American in Personal: Born May 12, Daughter of Phil and Barb Johnson... Advertising major. Getting to know Johnson: Best place you ve ever been: St. Martin, USVI. Four adjectives to describe me: Friendly, outgoing, funny, nice. Best advice ever received: Never give up. If you could travel anywhere, where would it be: Australia or Italy. Biggest influence: My parents W O M E N S S W I M M I N G A N D D I V I N G

9 julie KAHN Sophomore Swimmer Saline, Mich./Saline Freshman: Member of the 400 free relay that took 11th at the Big Ten Championship Placed first against St. Bonaventure in both the 100 free and the 400- meter relay Finished third in the 200-free relay at the Ohio State Invitational. Prep: Earned all-district and all-state selections in Also earned Academic All-America honors in Member of the Ann Arbor Swim Club, Plymouth Y National Team, and Michigan Zone club team... Four-year letterwinner. Personal: Born Sept. 24, Daughter of William and Sandra Kahn... Father played lacrosse in college... A psychology major. Getting to know Kahn: Favorite place on campus: North campus and Grand River. Best place you ve ever been: Australia; The Gold Coast and Cairns. If you could travel anywhere, where would it be: Europe. Favorite movies: She s the Man, Just Friends, Wedding Crashers. Favorite food: Steak and ice cream. heather KILUK Sophomore Swimmer Libertyville, Ill./Libertyville Freshman: Finished in 12th place in the 400 IM (4:24.04) at the Big Ten Championships Took first place in the 400 IM (4:29.38) and in the 200 backstroke (2:08.51) against Oakland Finished 11th in the 200 IM (2:08.64) at the Ohio State Invitational... Given the women s John Narcy Most Improved Award. Prep: Four-year letterwinner... All-state selection all four years... Earned sll-sectional and all-state honors in Member of the CATS Aquatic club team. Personal: Born Feb. 2, Daughter of Robert Edwards and Joni Kiluk... A social work and psychology major. Getting to know Kiluk: Biggest pet peeve: People whistling to a song that I m trying to listen to. If I could go back in time I would like to meet: George Harrison and John Lennon. If you could travel anywhere, where would it be: England. Favorite movie: Say Anything. alycia MOKEDANZ Sophomore Diving Pickering, Ont./Northview Heights S.S. Freshman: Named MSU Freshman of the Year A finalist at the NCAA Regional Diving Zones Placed eighth on the one-meter board at the Big Ten Championships Academic All-American On the three meter, placed first (288.53) against Oakland, third (297.61) against Notre Dame. Prep: Earned an 11th place in the one-meter competition in the Canadian Jr. Nationals Member of the Etobicoke diving club. Personal: Born Sept. 12, Daughter of Roy and Elizabeth Mokedanz... A kinesiology major. meet the spartans W O M E N S S W I M M I N G A N D D I V I N G 17

10 meet the spartans sarah BIASELLO Austin, Texas/Westwood Prep: Two-time letterwinner in swimming at Westwood High School Earned all-state and All-America honors Competed for the Capital of Texas Aquatics club team. Personal: Born April 20, 1988 Daughter of Michael and Catherine Biasello No-preference major. laura DEFORD Bay City, Mich./John Glenn Prep: Four-year letterwinner in swimming Earned all-state and Independent Swim Conference Swimmer of the Meet honors twice Participated in the YMCA Nationals for two years Named team captain and MVP her senior year Swam for the Flint Falcons club team for two years. nicole GOLEN Alpharetta, Ga./Chattahoochee Prep: Two-time swim team captain and Cougar Award winner Earned All- America honors Led team to state championship Swam for the Swim Atlanta club team. Personal: Born Feb. 28, 1988 Daughter of Larry and Chris Golen Special education major. Getting to know Biasello: Favorite place on campus: The library. Best place you ve ever been: South Carolina. If I could go back in time I would like to meet: John F. Kennedy. Favorite book: Confessions of an Heiress by Paris Hilton Favorite movie: The Godfather. Personal: Born April 13, 1988 Daughter of Michael and Rose Ann Deford Zoology major. Getting to know Derod: Best swimming memory at MSU: My first race as a Spartan. I can t live without: My cell phone. Hidden talent: I can touch my tongue to my nose. Nickname: Deeds, Defords. Getting to know Golen: Favorite place on campus: Noodles & Co. Nickname: Nic-Nac. Best advice ever received: Never give up. Dream job: Own my own business. Team goal: Do better at Big Tens. Favorite movie: Boondock Saints. marisa cassie kaylah GORDON HAMILTON KALMBACH Livonia, Mich./Livonia Stevenson Prep: Earned four varsity letters in swimming at Livonia Stevenson High School Four-time all-conference and all-area honoree and three-time all-state honoree Named team MVP her junior year and team captain her senior year... Competed for the Livonia Community Swim Club team. Personal: Born Sept. 14, 1988 Daughter of Joe and Ana Gordon Supply chain management/ business major. Getting to know Gordon: Best swimming memory at MSU: Swimming outside in the snow because it was so crazy you couldn t be mad. If I could go back in time I would like to meet: Walt Disney. Career ambition: To be successful and love what I do. Kennewick, Wash./Southridge Prep: Earned four varsity letters in swimming at Southridge High School Three-time All-American Named Big 9 Swimmer of the Year twice Won the district championship all four years and the state championship her senior year Named team captain her senior year Swam for the Tri-City Channel Cats USS team for nine years Also earned varsity letters in basketball and tennis. Personal: Born Feb. 5, 1988 Daughter of Bob and Kellie Hamilton Kinesiology major. Getting to know Hamilton: I can t live without: My camera. Dream job: Ice cream taste tester. If you could travel anywhere, where would it be: Fiji. Freshman Diver Grand Rapids, Mich./East Grand Rapids Prep: Earned four varsity letters in diving under former MSU diving graduate assistant Anne Williamson at East Grand Rapids High School... Academic All-American also earned MHSAA Scholar-Athlete Honors... Also a four-year letterwinner in track... Owns the East Grand Rapids record for long jump... Received all-conference award... Captain of the track team as a junior and senior... A member of the National Honor Society. Personal: Born June 10, Daughter of Kevin and Deb Kalmbach... Majoring in chemical engineering. Getting to know Kalmbach: Nickname: Kaylala. Something I m not good at is: Basketball. Favorite book: Pride and Predjudice W O M E N S S W I M M I N G A N D D I V I N G

11 jennifer KORN Grand Rapids, Mich./East Grand Rapids Prep: Earned letters all four years in swimming and water polo at East Grand Rapids High School Earned all-conference, all-state and All-America honors all four years in swimming Swam for the East Grand Rapids Waves club team Earned all-conference honors all four years, allstate honors three years, and All-America honors her senior year in water polo. Personal: Born Feb. 6, 1988 Daughter of Dennis and Janet Korn Uncles Peter and Bob Lundquist swam for MSU Accounting major. Getting to know Korn: Best place you ve ever been: Spain. Biggest pet peeve: People chewing loudly. Favorite food: Candy. sasha LEWERENZ Rochester Hills, Mich./Adams Prep: Lettered in swimming all four years at Rochester Adams High School Earned All-America honors her freshman, junior and senior years Swam for the Oakland Live Y ers club team. Personal: Born Dec. 1, 1988 Daughter of Fred and Kris Lewerenz Pre-med major. Getting to know Lewerenz: Best place you ve ever been: Playa del Carmen, Mexico. If I could go back in time I would like to meet: Elvis Presley. Favorite food: Peanut Butter. Individual swimming goals: Place in the top three at Big Tens and make NCAA cuts. kelsey LINCOLN Canton, Mich./Salem Prep: Four-year letterwinner at Salem High School in swimming and diving Three-time Observerland first-team honoree Named high school Female Athlete of the Year. Personal: Born Aug. 9, 1988 Daughter of Chris and Pamela Lincoln Fisheries and wildlife major. Getting to know Lincoln: Nickname: Links. If I could go back in time I would like to meet: Abe Lincoln. If you could travel anywhere, where would it be: Ireland. Career ambition: Become a marine biologist and live near the ocean. Biggest influence: My mom. meet the spartans mara andrea LONIEWSKI MASON emma SCHAEFER Farmington, Mich./Mercy Prep: Four-year letterwinner in swimming at Mercy High School Won the state championship in the 200 freestyle Earned all-state and all-area honors Named team captain twice Swam for the Ann Arbor Swim Club team. Personal: Born June 29, 1988 Daughter of Joseph and Kelly Loniewski Aunt Cathy swam for Albion Kinesiology major. Getting to know Loniewski: Nickname: Lonie. If I could play a sport besides swimming or diving it would be: Soccer. Favorite book: An Unquiet Mind. Biggest influence: My mom and dad. Dundee, Mich./Dundee Prep: Four-year letterwinner in swimming at Dundee High School Holds high school records for 100 breast and 50 free Finished 10th at the state meet her junior year in 100 breast Also lettered three years in softball, and two years in volleyball Elected team captain for swimming and volleyball her senior year Swam for the South Michigan Aquatic Club for eight years. Personal: Born Oct. 26, 1988 Daughter of Don and Edna Mason Kinesiology major. Getting to know Mason: I can t live without: Chocolate. Favorite TV show: Grey s Anatomy. Nickname: Mase, Pocahontas. Bloomfield Hills, Mich./Lahser Prep: Four-year letterwinner in swimming at Lahser High School Earned All-America honors in 2002 An allstate selection all four years and named an Academic All-American her senior year Swam for the Oakland Live Y ers club team. Personal: Born July 9, 1988 Daughter of Kevin and Anne Schaefer Father Kevin played football for Albion Kinesiology major. Getting to know Schaefer: I can t live without: My ipod. Favorite TV show: Friends. If you could travel anywhere, where would it be: The Galapagos Islands. Best one liner: There are three kinds of people: those who can count and those who can t W O M E N S S W I M M I N G A N D D I V I N G 19

12 meet the spartans kara erinn WACKERLE WERTZ Auburn, Mich./Western Prep: Four-time letterwinner in swimming at Western High School Earned first-team All-Valley and Valley MVP honors Named team MVP and team captain her senior year Holds the Western High School records in the 100 free, 200 medley relay, and the 400 free relay Swam for the Midland Barracudas club team. Personal: Born June 17, 1988 Daughter of Kenn and Kathy Wackerle Pre-med major. Getting to know Wackerle: Favorite place on campus: Along the banks of the Red Cedar. Best one liner: What time is it when you need to see the dentist? Tooth-hurty! Favorite movie: Tommy Boy. Rockford, Mich./Rockford Prep: Four-time letterwinner in swimming and water polo at Rockford High School Earned all-conference and all-state honors all four years Named team captain twice Swam for the Rockford Riptide club team Earned all-regional (2004, 05, 06), all-district (2004, 05, 06), all-conference (2006), all-state (2005, 06), and All-America (2006) honors in water polo Named water polo team captain twice. Personal: Born Nov. 4, 1987 Daughter of Jim and Diane Wertz Father Jim played baseball at Grand Valley State... Mother Diane swam at Central Michigan Brother Andrew plays baseball at Morehead State A no-preference major. Getting to know Wertz: Nickname: Wertzy. Pre-meet superstitions: Eat mac and cheese. Favorite book: My Sister s Keeper W O M E N S S W I M M I N G A N D D I V I N G