OUTLOOK AND PROFILES 17
2004-2005 New Mexico Wommen s Swimming and Diving OUTLOOK Shortly before the start of the 2004-05 season, UNM head coach Bill Spahn announced this season would be his last. Spahn has said he would like his final season to be about having fun and being the best team they can be. We have a great group of women who are working hard, have good team spirit and chemistry, Spahn said. We have great leadership so we have the potential to be the best team we have been in a long time and have fun doing it. In order to be the best team they can be, there are a few goals that coach Spahn would like to see them achieve. He would like them to finish in the top four of the Mountain West Conference. He wants to see everyone that participates in the championships score at least one point and have their best times. We ve been coming in fifth place the last couple of years and we ve gotten better but we still haven t been able to get up into that top four, Spahn said. We have a good competitive conference and we have to do a great job to get in the upper half. If we can be in the upper half, then we can challenge anyone in our conference. The top four teams are really just fighting it out for first place. Coach Spahn would also like for the women to have a good dual meet record. Last year the Lobos were 0-5 in the conference and 1-8 overall after swimming a tough schedule that gave them only two home meets in the fall and none in the spring semester. I would like for us to be competitive in all of our dual meets and know that we have a chance to win most of these meets, Spahn said. If we know that we have a chance, we will be able to win a lot of meets. SENIORS The Lobos will be led by three very talented seniors in diver Becca Barras and swimmers Nicole Overeem and Aimee Dunavant. We have a small but very good class of seniors, Spahn said. All three have scored well in our conference and this is the first time in a long time that we have had all our seniors having placed in the championships finals. 18 Barras, the 2002 Mountain West Conference Diver of the Year, is coming off a stellar junior season. She qualified for the NCAA Diving Zones for the third time in her career and placed sixth on the one-meter board and fifth on the three-meter board which earned her a berth to the NCAA Championships for the first time in her career. Overeem, a school record holder in the 1,000-yard and 1,650-yard freestyle, placed in three events, 1,650-yard free (12th), 500-yard free (16th) and 200-yard free (26th) at last year s MWC Championships. Dunavant, a second team all-conference honoree last year, returns as the team s top butterflyer. Dunavant is coming extremely close to breaking school records. She placed fifth in the 100yard fly and eighth in the 200-yard fly. JUNIORS Five swimmers and one diver make up the strong junior class. Robyn Miller, who coach Spahn describes as probably our best all-around swimmer, is a school record holder in the 400-yard IM, 200-yard fly and has come very close to the 500-yard free. She can swim multiple events which is very valuable to us in dual meets, Spahn said. She is probably the best swimmer ever in the women s program while I have been here. Whitney Thomson, Kelsey Leckovic, Megan Verbrugge and Heather Morsilli are also valuable assets to the Lobos. Thomson has been very close to breaking UNM s 200-yard backstroke record and is also seen time at the 200- and 400-yard IMs. Leckovic has also been chasing the school s 100-yard free record and is expected to challenge it again this year. Verbrugge, a distance freestyler and 400-yard IMer, is expected to break into the top-eight at the conference championships and score some points. Morsilli, who had a very successful freshman campaign, swam in only 10 meets last season but coach Spahn fully expects her to be someone the team can count on to do well in all of its meets this year. Kaley Knafelc is the lone junior diver. Knafelc improved immensely from her freshman year, placing 10th on the
one-meter board and 15th on the three-meter board and platform at the conference championships. Coach Spahn said, she is battling injury problems but if she can overcome them, we fully expect her to have another great season. SOPHOMORES The Lobos second largest class is the sophomores. Stephanie Amalfitano and Jenna Syverson both had good freshman seasons but were hampered by injuries. Jen Hale, Katy Vandam and Kelly Soldow are all strong swimmers who have returned and are ready to swim. Coach Spahn says that they all have the potential to be some of UNM s top swimmers in their respective events as long as they work hard, continue to improve and stay healthy. Also joining the team this year is transfer Brittany Trybus. Trybus helped Florida International to a fourth place finish at the Sun Belt Conference Championships in its first year as a Division I women s swim team. She placed 10th in the 1,650-yard free and 15th in the 200-yard free. Brittany has a real chance to help us, Spahn said. We look forward to having her on the team. Joanna Garcia is the sole sophomore diver. Diving in the shadows of Barras, Knafelc and Tracey Berghian last year, she placed 19th on the onemeter and three-meter boards at the conference championships. breaststroker, could really help fill a void that existed in that event last year. Coach Spahn says Jacobson, Zarins and LaBree are versatile and motivated and if they continue to improve, will not only break into the top-16 but be someone the Lobos can count on to score. The Adnans, Schmaltz a n d Morehouse are all hard workers with great attitudes according to Spahn. He says he will have to wait to see what they can do but thinks they have the potential to really help the team. Rounding out the freshman class is diver Carrie Quinn. Quinn was a member of the Lobos last year, but in the form of a redshirt after an injury that ended her season. Carrie has come back in great shape, Spahn said. She is one of the top platform divers around and could really fill a void left by Tracey Berghian. SCHEDULE We have a much better schedule than we did last year, Spahn said. We were traveling all the time last year. This year it is a really good schedule in that we basically have meets every other weekend during the first semester and a couple of them are at home. Coach Spahn brought in one of the largest and most talented freshman classes this year. Leading the way is Tori Clarridge, a freestyler and backstroker who competed for Canada at the Olympic Trials in July 2004. The Lobos open the season Oct. 21, at Wyoming followed by an invitational at Colorado State. The women then host BYU, Northern Arizona and San Diego State on Nov. 4, in preparation for the annual Lobo Invitational. The Lobos wrap up the fall semester before Thanksgiving with a meet at UNLV and the Speedo Cup Invitational in Los Angeles, Calif. The divers will also compete at the Texas Invitational. I think Tori can have an immediate impact on our team and has the potential to be a big scorer in our conference and help all of the relays, Spahn said. On paper, she is probably one of the top sprinters we have ever recruited to UNM. The women resume competition in the spring semester on Jan. 15 when they host Utah. Following Utah, the Lobos travel to Air Force and host New Mexico State. Then its off to Oklahoma City, Okla. for the Mountain West Conference Championships, Feb. 23-26. Also joining the team are twins Amina and Nadia Adnan, Rachel Evans, Sarah Jacobson, Ashley LaBree, Andrea Zarins, Kodi Schmaltz and Misty Morehouse. Evans, a I really like our schedule this year, Spahn said. I like who we are swimming and the order that we are swimming in. I think it will make for much better performances. FRESHMEN OUTLOOK 19
2004-2005 New Mexico Wommen s Swimming and Diving ROSTER 2004-05 New Mexico Swimming and Diving Roster Name Event Yr/Exp Hometown (Last School) Amina Adnan Middle Distance/ Distance Free Fr/HS Albuquerque, N.M. (Eldorado HS) Nadia Adnan Free Fr/HS Albuquerque, N.M. (Eldorado HS) Stephanie Amalfitano Fly/IM So/1L Plano, Texas (Plano West Senior HS) Becca Barras Diving Sr/3L Kitchener, Ontario (Forest Heights HS) Tori Clarridge Sprint Free/Back Fr/HS Georgetown, Ontario (Bear Creek S.S.) Aimee Dunavant Fly/Free Sr/3L El Paso, Texas (Coronado HS) Rachel Evans Breast/IM/Free Fr/HS Bakersfield, Calif. (East Bakersfield HS) Joanna Garcia Diving So/1L Albuquerque, N.M. (Sandia HS) Jennifer Hale Free/Back So/1L Tacoma, Wash. (Lakes HS) Sarah Jacobson IM/Back/Breast/Fly Fr/HS Round Rock, Texas (Round Rock HS) Kaley Knafelc Diving Jr/2L Colorado Springs, Colo. (Cheyenne Mtn. HS) Ashley LaBree Back/IM Fr/HS Henderson, Nev. (Coronado HS) Kelsey Leckovic Free Jr/2L Burnaby, British Columbia (University Hill HS) Robyn Miller Free/IM Sr/3L Yountville, Calif. (Napa HS) Misty Morehouse Free/Fly Fr/HS Carlsbad, N.M. (Carlsbad HS) Heather Morsilli Back/Free/IM Jr/2L San Ramon, Calif. (California HS) Nicole Overeem Distance Free Sr/3L Hutchinson, Kan. (Hutchinson HS) Carrie Quinn Diving So/HS Mission Viejo, Calif. (Laguna Hills HS) Kodi Schmaltz Free/Breast/IM Fr/HS Albuquerque, N.M. (Rio Rancho HS) Kelly Soldow Free So/1L Santa Fe, N.M. (Santa Fe HS) Jenna Syverson Free So/1L Soldotna, Alaska (Soldotna HS) Jr/2L Allen, Texas (Allen HS) Whitney Thomson Back/IM 20 Albuquerque, N.M. (Florida International University) Brittany Trybus Distance Free So/1L/TR Katy Vandam Free/Fly/Back So/1L Minneapolis, Minn. (South HS) Megan Verbrugge Distance Free/Fly/IM Jr/2L Sioux Falls, S.D. (Lincoln HS) Andrea Zarins Breast/IM/Free Fr/HS Toronto, Ontario (St. Peter Catholic HS)
Becca Barras Senior 3L Kitchener, Ontario (Forest Heights HS) 1-meter/3-meter/Platform NEW MEXICO: Exceptional diver who returns as the lone senior on the boards undoubtedly the top diver for UNM and in the Mountain West Conference three-time all-conference performer in all three diving events MWC champion in the 1-meter and platform...first diver for UNM to qualify for the NCAA Championships since 1982... looks to gain a second bid to the NCAA Championships for the 2004-05 season. 2003-04: Outstanding diver in the MWC during her junior season won the MWC 1-meter and platform diving title named first-team all-conference for all three diving events garnered Diver of the Week two times during the season qualified for the NCAA Diving Zones for the third time in her career and placed sixth on the 1-meter and fifth on the 3-meter received a bid to the NCAA Championships for the first time in her career at UNM and placed 21st on the 1-meter and 18th on the 3-meter held Lobo top scores in the 1-meter, 3-meter and platform events... earned firstteam all-mwc team honors. 2002-03: Built upon impressive UNM career with a landmark sophomore season... won the MWC 1-meter diving title... named MWC Co-Diver of the Year with teammate Tracey Berghian... named first-team all-conference... garnered Diver of the Week three times during the season... dove on a badly sprained ankle at the 2003 Diving Zones, but still placed ninth on the 3-meter and 21st on the 1-meter... academic all-conference honors. 2001-02: Placed second at MWC championships in the 1-meter, 3-meter and platform named Conference Diver of the Week five times voted team MVP placed in the top-20 in every event at Zones on Dean s List spring semester. HIGH SCHOOL: All-around athlete, playing both volleyball and basketball in high school... did not dive in high school in Canada, but dove in her age group and took third at Canadian Provincials in 2000... Was MVP of volleyball and basketball teams and was named Athlete of the Year... named to Honor Roll. PERSONAL: Born on February 21, 1982, in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada... daughter of Brian Barras and Violet Shadd... has three siblings: Ami, Tyler and Adam... favorite food is watermelon... major is Nursing. Most memorable moment: Had to be at the 2002 MWC Championships. Winning the Co-Diver of the Year Award with my teammate, who is also one of my best friends, Tracey Berghian. That whole season we had been neck and neck, taking one and two at all the competitions. Then at the conference championships, we took first and second on all three events and won co-divers of the year; which was definitely the icing on the cake! What will you miss the most: Definitely the people. Most of the people at UNM are so friendly and helpful, they made me feel welcomed from the jump. I ll miss my wild teammates who made me look forward to going to practice that much more because of all the fun times we had. I m also going to miss all the coaches and trainers that gave me that extra push through the rough spots and helped me to excel to my greatest potential. Quote from coach Spahn on Barras: It s safe to say that Becca is probably the greatest diver in the history of UNM swimming and diving. 21
2004-2005 New Mexico Wommen s Swimming and Diving Aimee Dunavant Senior 3L El Paso, Texas (Coronado HS) Fly/IM NEW MEXICO: Top returnee in the butterfly events has tremendous potential to break the school records in both fly events three-time all-mwc honoree for her strong finishes at previous MWC Championships strong, experienced swimmer who will be called upon to lead the Lobos this season... will act as team captain with Nicole Overeem. 2003-04: Placed fifth in the 100 fly at the MWC Championships also placed eighth in the 200 fly and 31st in the 200 IM at the MWC Championships earned second-team all-mwc honors for her performances in the 100 and 200 fly came close for the second straight year to breaking Amanda Carson s 100 fly time of 56.58 had UNM s best times in the 100 and 200 fly. Everything I was able to experience and how I was able to grow as a person and an athlete during my freshman year of college. What will you miss the most: 2002-03: Had the best UNM times in the 100 and 200 fly and 200 IM... was within two-tenths of a second from breaking Carson s 2002 MWC Championship 100 fly time of 56.58... held the sixth best time in the MWC in the 100 fly during the season... proved her top-10 fly status by placing sixth in the 100 fly at the MWC Championships... also placed eighth in the 200 fly and 23rd in the 200 IM at the MWC Championships... earned second-team all-mwc honors. 2001-02: Named second team All-MWC in 200 butterfly... was MWC finalist in 100/200 butterfly... received MWC all-academic honors... was voted Most Improved Swimmer by UNM team. HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year letterwinner for coach Mark Levitt at Coronado HS... named to the all-city swim team twice... was two-year winner of Leo Cancellare Memorial Award of Excellence... 100 butterfly record holder at CHS... finished fifth at Texas state championships in 100 butterfly her senior year... finished 15th as a junior. PERSONAL: Born Dec. 21, 1982 in Houston, Texas... daughter of Pete and Terry Dunavant...has a brother, Thomas... favorite food is steak and baked potatoes... major is Physical Education. 22 Most memorable moment: When the whole team comes together to achieve a common goal and we work as ONE. Quote from coach Spahn on Dunavant: Amy has been a huge success for us in the fly events. She has the third fastest time ever for UNM in the 200 fly. Entering her senior year, we think she is going to have a great season for us.
Nicole Overeem Senior 3L Hutchinson, Kan. (Hutchinson HS) Distance Free NEW MEXICO: Two-event standout who is a tremendous talent in the 1000 free and 1650 free school recordholder in both events has great potential to score high in other events for UNM... will lead the Lobos as team captain with Aimee Dunavant. Most exciting moment: 2003-04: Continued to hold school records in the 1000 and 1650 free held ninth place in the MWC swimming ranks for the 1650 free during the regular season had Lobos top time in the 500 free placed 12th in the 1650 free, 16th in the 500 free and 26th in the 200 free at the MWC Championships. All the experiences I gained during my freshman year. 2002-03: Set school records in the 1000 and 1650 free... had a Lobo top time in the 500 free... held eighth place in the MWC swimming ranks for the 1650 free during the regular season... placed 13th in the 1650 free and 23rd in the 200 free at the MWC Championships. All the great experiences with coach. 2001-02: Placed third in the 1650 free at the MWC Championships finished in the top-16 in the 500 free set the school record in the 1000 and 1650 freestyle events and 800 free relay awarded first team All-MWC voted Freshman of the Year. HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year letterwinner at Hutchinson HS... was an Ark Valley League Champion... received 2000 Kansas State Swimmer of the Year honors... named MVP at Hutchinson HS... was state champion in the 200 and 500 freestyle two consecutive years... finished sixth in the 200 free as a sophomore... finished sixth in the 200 and 500 freestyle as a freshman... four-time honor roll member... was on Sunflower Girl State Senate... won the Violet Scholarship for Women. What will you miss the most: Quote from coach Spahn on Overeem: Nicole has been one of our truly fine swimmers here at UNM for the past four years. She s a great team leader and a great swimmer. PERSONAL: Born March 6, 1983, in Kingman, Kan... daughter of Ron and Laura Overeem...father ran track and cross country at the University of Colorado... mother coached her high school swim team... major is Earth and Planetary Sciences. 23
2004-2005 New Mexico Wommen s Swimming and Diving Kaley Knafelc Junior 2L Colorado Springs, Colo. (Cheyenne Mtn. HS) 1-meter/3-meter/Platform NEW MEXICO: Talented, experienced diver who could establish herself as one of the top divers for UNM with continued improvement this season brings dedication and tireless work ethic to the squad. 2003-04: Competed as the No. 3 diver for UNM (behind Becca Barras and senior Tracey Berghian) placed 10th on the 1-meter, 15th on the 3-meter and 15th on the platform at the MWC Championships. 2002-03: Competed well in first year of collegiate diving... placed 24th on the 1-meter, 21st on the 3-meter and 22nd on the platform at the MWC Championships... named to the academic all-conference team. HIGH SCHOOL: 4A state champion as a senior was two-time league champion named to the principal s honor roll six consecutive semesters received the Amigo Academic Scholarship to attend UNM. PERSONAL: Born April 19, 1984, in Colorado Springs, Colo daughter of Valerie and John Jay Knafelc has two siblings, Nicole and Tyler hobbies include skiing, field hockey and hiking favorite food is hot tamales favorite athlete is Patrick Roy major is International Business. Kelsey Leckovic Junior 2L Burnaby, British Columbia (University Hill HS) Free NEW MEXICO: Up-and-coming third-year freestyler who looks promising to score big in her events has maintained UNM top times in the 50 free, 100 free and 200 free throughout her two years as a Lobo a tremendous help in the relay events. 2003-04: School record holder in the 400 and 800 free relay held Lobo top times in the 50 free, 100 free and 200 free placed 6th in the 100 free, 17th in the 50 free and 17th in the 200 free at the MWC Championships earned all-mwc second team honors for her finish in the 100 free. 2002-03: Had three Lobo top times in sprint free events: 50 free, 100 free and 200 free... placed 14th in the 100 free and 200 free and 15th in the 50 free at the MWC Championships. HIGH SCHOOL: Competed for Canada in the Commonwealth Games lettered in swimming and soccer at University Hill HS. PERSONAL: Born June 12, 1984, in Grand Forks, B.C daughter of Melanie and Ranko Leckovic has a brother Boris and a sister Katrina, who was on the UNM golf team from 2001-04 favorite food is cabbage rolls major is Journalism and Mass Communication. 24
Robyn Miller Junior 2L Yountville, Calif. (Napa HS) Free/IM NEW MEXICO: UNM s outstanding top all-around swimmer holds school records in four events four-time all-mwc honoree who should return to be one of the conference elite for the 2004-05 season. 2003-04: Remained the No. 1 swimmer for UNM during her sophomore campaign held New Mexico top times in the 200 free, 500 free, 100 breast, 200 fly and 400 IM broke her own school record in the 400 IM with a time of 4:25.42 broke Alissa Johnson s 1999 school record in the 200 fly with a time of 2:04.59 school record holder in the 400 and 800 free relay placed second in the 200 fly, third in the 400 IM and seventh in the 500 free at the MWC Championships held four regular season times that ranked among the top-10 best in the MWC (200 free, 500 free, 200 fly, 400 IM) earned first and second team all-mwc honors for her finishes in the 400 IM, 200 fly and 500 free. 2002-03: Had undoubtedly the best freshman debut for a Lobo swimmer... had UNM top times in the 200 free, 500 free, 200 back, 200 breast, 200 fly and 400 IM... broke the school record in the 400 IM with a time of 4:28.04... proceeded to break her own school record 400 IM time at the MWC Championships (4:27.06)... earned Swimmer of the Week honors once... had four regular season times that ranked among the top-10 best in the MWC (200 free, 500 free, 200 back and 400 IM)... placed third in the 400 IM, seventh in the 500 free and 14th in the 200 back at the MWC Championships... earned first and second team all-mwc honors for her finishes in the 400 IM and 500 free, respectively. HIGH SCHOOL: Was first in the 100 butterfly and 200 free at MELs placed seventh in 100 fly and 200 IM at sectionals as a senior named Napa High School Athlete of the Year in 2002 was school recordholder in 50, 100, 200 and 500 free, 100 backstroke and 100 breaststroke voted MVP sophomore and senior years. PERSONAL: Born November 13, 1983 in Sacramento, Calif daughter of Paula and Hank Miller has two sisters: Susan and Jill nickname is Bobbin... favorite hobbies are having fun, talking and eating... favorite athlete is Ian Crocker favorite food is cookies major is Elementary Education. 25
2004-2005 New Mexico Wommen s Swimming and Diving Heather Morsilli Junior 2L San Ramon, Calif. (California HS) Free/IM NEW MEXICO: Third-year swimmer who has steadily improved since arriving at UNM has great potential to score in the conference this season an all-conference second team honoree. 2003-04: Competed in all 10 regular season meets with the Lobos... primarily swam in the free, IM, back and breast events... named to the MWC all-academic team. 2002-03: Made a mark on the UNM top times list in the 1650 free, 100 breast, 200 breast, 100 fly, 200 IM and 400 IM... placed 5th in the 400 IM, 11th in the 1650 free and 15th in the 200 IM at the MWC Championships... earned all-conference second team honors for her finish in the 400 IM at the conference championships... named to the academic all-conference team. HIGH SCHOOL: Was third in 500 freestyle, fourth in 200 IM in East Bay Athletic League sixth in the 200 IM, eighth in the 500 freestyle at North Coast Sectionals named Scholastic All-American. PERSONAL: Born April 17, 1984 in Hayward, Calif daughter of Julie and Steve Morsilli siblings are Jennifer, Jessica and Nickolas nickname is Hez enjoys cooking and reading major is Sociology. Whitney Thomson Junior 2L Allen, Texas (Allen HS) Back/Fly/IM NEW MEXICO: One of UNM s top backstrokers... versatile competitor for UNM who will be a tremendous attribute to the medley relay teams. 2003-04: Held a regular season top-mwc time in the 400 IM (eighth)... school recordholder in the 200 medley relay... placed seventh in the 400 medley relay, seventh in the 200 medley relay, ninth in the 200 back, 13th in the 400 IM and 16th in the 100 back at the MWC Championships... set UNM top times in the 200 back, 100 fly, 200 IM and 400 IM... earned second consecutive MWC all-academic honor. 2002-03: Set UNM top times in the 100 back, 200 back, 100 fly, 200 fly and the 200 and 400 IMs... held two regular season top-mwc times in the 100 free (10th) and 100 back (fifth)... placed fifth in the 100 back, 13th in the 200 back and 21st in the 200 IM at the MWC Championships... fifth-place 100 back finish earned her all-mwc second team accolades... named to the MWC all-academic team. HIGH SCHOOL: Voted MVP for swimming as junior and senior... named to National Honor Society graduated in top 15% with honors received Excellence in Photography Award. PERSONAL: Born January 20, 1984, in Bryan,Texas daughter of Sande and Kevin Thomson has one brother Elijah nickname is Whit hobbies include rock climbing and photography... favorite athlete is Lance Armstrong major is Biology. 26
Megan Verbrugge Junior 2L Sioux Falls, S.D. (Lincoln HS) Distance Free/IM NEW MEXICO: Emerging force in the distance free and IM events who has great potential to make tremendous strides in the upcoming season. 2003-04: Set a UNM top time during the regular season in the 1000 free... placed 20th in the 1650 free, 24th in the 400 IM and 25th in the 200 fly at the MWC Championships... named to the MWC all-academic team. 2002-03: Set a UNM top time in the 1000 free... placed 17th in the 400 IM, 19th in the 1650 free and 21st in the 200 fly at the MWC Championships... awarded MWC all-academic honors. HIGH SCHOOL: Swam for a club team rather than for her high school named Greater Dakota Scholar Athlete lettered in cross country all four years received Regents Scholar Award recognized for President s Education Outstanding Academic Excellence received Patriot Pride Award. PERSONAL: Born August 31, 1983, in Sioux Falls, S.D daughter of Sharon and Percy Verbrugge has one sister, Sarah, who swims for the University of Northern Michigan nickname is V hobbies include running, horseback riding and church youth group favorite food is steak and pasta favorite athlete is Jenny Thompson major is Athletic Training. 27
2004-2005 New Mexico Wommen s Swimming and Diving 28 Stephanie Amalfitano Sophomore 1L Plano, Texas (Plano West SeniorHS) Fly/IM NEW MEXICO: Young swimmer who will look to make an impact in 2005 with a full year of collegiate training under her belt. 2003-04: Held a Lobo top time during the regular season in the 200 fly... competed in all 10 regular season meets... placed 25th in the 100 fly and 27th in the 200 fly at the MWC Championships... named to the MWC all-academic team. HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered three years in swimming at Plano West Senior High School... member of high school team that was regional champions in 2001 and district champions in 2002... team captain in 20022003... district and regional swimming qualifier three straight years... member of City of Plano Swimmers club team... 2001 TAGS champion in 200 fly for club team... Academic All-American and honor roll member. PERSONAL: Born September 15, 1984, in Bridgeport, Conn.... daughter of Michael and Andrea Amalfitano... has one brother, Michael and two sisters, Jennifer and Jessica... enjoys listening to music, playing guitar and writing... major is undecided. Joanna Garcia Sophomore 1L Albuquerque, N.M. (Sandia HS) 1-meter/3-meter/Platform NEW MEXICO: Solid diver who returns to the squad after a full year of collegiate competition... will be looked to step up and score high on the boards for UNM. 2003-04: Placed 19th in the 1-meter and 3-meter at the MWC Championships. HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered three years in diving at Sandia High School... was a part of high school team that won the state championships in 2001 and 2002... was a member of the Lobo Diving Club under former UNM diving coach Jeff DiNicola... named to the honor roll at Sandia HS. PERSONAL: Born January 11, 1984, in Albuquerque, N.M.... daughter of Joe and Jodi Garcia... has two brothers, Andrew and Eric, and a sister, Jessica... enjoys playing the guitar, listening to music and mountain biking... plans to major in Nursing.
Jennifer Hale Sophomore 1L Tacoma, Wash. (Lakes HS) Free/Back NEW MEXICO: Promising young swimmer who will be called upon to score for UNM in the free and back events during the regular season and at the MWC Championships... great attribute to the relay teams. 2003-04: Held Lobo top times in the 100 free and 500 free... school record-holder in the 400 free relay and 800 free relay... placed 20th in the 500 free and 25th in the 100 free at the MWC Championships... earned MWC all-academic honors. HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered four years in swimming and two years in track and field at Lakes High School... led high school team to second place overall finish at the state championships in 1999 and 2000... was fourth individually in the 200 free and sixth in the 100 free at the state finals in 2002 and 2003... earned first-team all league honors 1999-2003... was Swimmer of the Year in 2001... received Coach s Award in 1999 and 2000... named Academic Athlete of the Year in 2002-03... received the Washington State Honors Award and Washington State Scholastic Achievement Award. PERSONAL: Born November 10, 1984, in Tacoma, Wash.... daughter of Tom and Pam Hale... has one sister, Meghan... enjoys shopping, spending time with family and friends and going to the movies... favorite athletes are Ian Thorpe and Andy Roddick... major is undecided. Carrie Quinn Sophomore HS San Clemente, Calif. (Laguna Hills HS) 1-meter/3-meter/ Platform NEW MEXICO: Young diver who returns to UNM after not competing her first year to gain experience at a collegiate level. 2003-04: Did not dive HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered all four years in diving at Laguna Hills High School... was a 2003 All-American in diving... dove for the Mission Viejo Nadadores during the club season... was a five-year participant in the Junior Olympic West Nationals and was twice a competitor in the Summer Junior Olympic Nationals... best results were fifth place in the 3-meter in 1999 and her 2001 seventh place in the 1-meter in 2001... graduated from Laguna Hills with a 3.9 G.P.A. PERSONAL: Born August 29, 1985, in Laguna Hills, Calif.... daughter of Thomas and Janis Quinn... has one brother, Robert... enjoys shopping, hanging out with friends and watching movies... favorite athletes are David Beckham and Andy Roddick... undecided on a major. 29
2004-2005 New Mexico Wommen s Swimming and Diving Kelly Soldow Sophomore 1L Santa Fe, N.M. (Santa Fe HS) Sprint Free NEW MEXICO: Powerful sprint freestyler who will be called upon to score points in the conference meets. 2003-04: Held a Lobo top time in the 50 free... placed seventh in the 200 free relay, 22nd in the 50 free, 26th in the 100 free and 28th in the 200 free at the MWC Championships. HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in swimming since the eighth grade plus four years at Santa Fe HS... her high school team held records in the 50 and 100 free and relay events in 2001-02...Soldow was the state champion in the 50 and 100 free her junior year... was third in the 50 and 100 free at the 2002-03 state championships...was captain of the team as a senior... was a member of the National Honor Society all four years at Santa Fe HS...graduated with a 3.6 GPA...swam with the City of Santa Fe Seals Swim Club...helped the club team hold records in the 50, 100 and 200 free as well as records in relay events. PERSONAL: Born January 14, 1985... daughter of Patricia and Charley Brewer... has one sister, Caroline (21) and one brother, Patrick (16)...favorite hobbies are hanging out with friends, eating, sleeping and listening to music... favorite athletes are Lance Armstrong and David Beckham...career plans are to go into veterinary medicine...major is in Biology. Jenna Syverson Sophomore 1L Soldotna, Alaska (Soldotna HS) Free NEW MEXICO: Promising prospect who will be counted on to score points in her main events... excellent relay competitor. 2003-04: Held Lobo top times in the 50 and 100 free... school record-holder in the 400 free relay and 200 medley relay... placed fifth in the 400 free relay, seventh in the 200 free relay and 200 medley relay, 18th in the 50 free and 20th in the 100 free at the MWC Championships. HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered all four years in swimming and three years in basketball at Soldotna High School... set five high school records in the 50 free, 100 free, 200 and 400 free relays and 200 medley relay... named 2002 MVP of the region... 2002 state champion in the individual 50 free... member of high school team that won regional championship from 1999-2002... named swim team MVP in 1999, 2000 and 2002... swam for the Soldotna Silver Salmon club team... was a member of the National Honor Society. PERSONAL: Born July 8, 1985, in Dickenson, N.D.... daughter of Lana and Todd Syverson... has two brothers, Chet and Tate... enjoys playing basketball... favorite athlete is Allen Iverson... plans to pursue a career in medicine. Katy Vandam Sophomore 1L Minneapolis, Minn. (South HS) Free/Fly/Back NEW MEXICO: Second year three-event specalist who will look to drop her times this season after putting in a full year of collegiate training. 2003-04: Competed in seven of 10 regular season events. HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered all four years in swimming at South High School... set a team record in the 200 free in 2001... holds pool records in 200 free relay, 200 medley relay and 400 free relay... named all-conference from 1998-2002 and all-city from 1998-2002... state qualifier since eighth grade... was sixth in the 200 free in 2002... swam for the Dolphin Aquatics club team. PERSONAL: Born January 27, 1985, in Oak Harbor, Wash.... daughter of Gerry and Liz Vandam... has two brothers, Patrick and Nicholas... enjoys photography... father was a member of the Lobo men s swim team... major is undecided. 30
Amina Adnan Freshman HS Albuquerque, N.M. (Eldorado HS) Middle Distance/Distance Free HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in swimming at Eldorado HS... top 16 in the 200 free and 500 free her freshman year and top eight in the 200 free her junior year... listed as Who Who among American high school students... was a member of the National Honors Society while at Eldorado... three-year DECA letterman... was a national DECA qualifier. PERSONAL: Born November 5, 1985, in Saudi Arabia... daughter of Michelle and Nagib Adnan... identical twin sister (Nadia) is also on the UNM swim team... has older brother, Kareem who swims for UC Irvine... favorite athlete is Lance Armstrong... favorite hobbie is playing tennis... major is business. Nadia Adnan Freshman HS Albuquerque, N.M. ( Eldorado HS) Free HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in swimming at Eldorado HS... was in the top 12 in all her events for three years at Eldorado... was eighth in the 500 free her junior year... was a member of the Duke City Aquatics Club under Tim Wilde... was a member of the National Honors Society. PERSONAL: Born November 5, 1985 in Saudi Arabia... daughter of Michelle and Nagib Adnan... has identical twin sister, Amina, and older brother Kareem (22)... favorite hobbie is drawing... favorite athlete is Lance Armstrong... major is business. Tori Clarridge Freshman HS Barrie, Ontario (Bear S.S. HS) Sprint Free/Back HIGH SCHOOL: Has been swimming competitively for seven years... was a Canadian Senior National Qualifier... attended the Olympic trials for swimming in July 2004 for Canada... qualified for the Ontario Winter Games as the youngest swimmer at the age of 13... was a provincial level two gymnast for three years before she went into swimming... was on the Honor Roll every year in high school... won Most likely female to go to the Olympics while at Bear S.S. HS. PERSONAL: Born November 8, 1986... daughter of Chris and MaryJane Clarridge... has a younger brother, Jeffrey (15)... favorite hobbies are golfing, snowboarding and being outdoors... reason she chose UNM: liked the coaches, the facilities, the location and the swimmers... major is nursing. 31
2004-2005 New Mexico Wommen s Swimming and Diving 32 Rachel Evans Freshman HS Bakersfield, Calif. (East Bakersfield HS) Breast/IM/Free HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered all four years in swimming at East Bakersfield HS... while in high school she held the school record in the 500 free, 100 breast, 200 IM, 100 back, 200 free and was included in three relay records... swam for the Bakersfield Swim Club... held club records in the 100 breast, 200 breast, 100 back, 200 back, 200 IM, 400 IM, 50 free, 100 free, 200 free, 500 free, 100 fly and 200 fly... received Honor Roll all four years at East Bakersfield... earned Principal s General Merit Award. PERSONAL: Born August 22,1986, in Radford, Virginia... daughter of Gary and Shelley Evans... has two younger sisters, Leah (13) and Angelica (12)... favorite hobbies are photography, piano, designing and decorating, shopping and eating... would like to major in Psychology. Sarah Jacobson Freshman HS Round Rock, Texas (Round Rock HS) IM/Breast/Back/Fly HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in swimming for three years at Round Rock HS... was all-state in the 200 IM, 200 medley relay and 400 free realy while at Round Rock HS... was the 100 free district champion in 2001... awarded Most Valuable Swimmer in 2001... was a member of the Longhorn Aquatics Club... was selected for the Southern Zone team in 2003... was a member of the National Honor Society... received the Academic Achievement Award all four years of high school... was a Scholastic All-American in 2003 and 2004. PERSONAL: Born February 20, 1986... daughter fo Margot and Dene Jacobson... has a younger brother, Christopher Jacobson (15)... favorite hobbie is horseback riding... favorite athlete is Josh Davis... reason she chose UNM: liked the swim program... major is Psychology. Ashley LaBree Freshman HS Henderson, Nev. (Coronado HS) Back/IM HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered all four years in swimming at Coronado HS... her high school team was the 2004 Sunrise Regional record holders in the 200 medley relay... LaBree made regionals and state all four years at Coronado... held records in the breast, back and IM events... was named MVP all four years and was a scholar athlete... was on the honor roll and graduated with a 4.1 GPA... was a member of the Boulder City Henderson Aquatics Club... club team was state champions from 1999-2002. PERSONAL: Born November 18, 1985... daughter of Mark and Terri LaBree... has younger sister, Alena LaBree (4)... favorite sports memory was qualifying for Junior Nationals in the 200 m back and going to Orlando, Fla., and being chosen for the Western Zone team... favorite athletes are Natalie Coughlin, Erik Vendt and Andy Roddick... major is undecided.
Misty Morehouse Freshman HS Carlsbad, N.M. (Carlsbad HS) Free/Breast/IM HIGH SCHOOL: Was a five-year varsity letterman in swimming at Carlsbad HS... placed 8th and 16th at state in the 50 and 100 free in 2002... was honorable mention in 2003... five-year state swimmer... three-year personal qualifier... made second team all-district in 2004 for volleyball... was a member of the Honor Society... was part of the all-academic team for volleyball in 2001-2004. PERSONAL: Born December 12, 1985... daughter of Dan and Linda Morehouse... has older brother and sister, Andy Morehouse (23) and Gina Burnell (25)... favorite hobbies are sleeping, eating and hanging out with friends... favorite athlete is Lance Armstrong... major is Chemistry. Kodi Schmaltz Freshman HS Albuquerque, N.M. (Rio Rancho HS) Free/Breast/IM HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in swimming all four years at Rio Rancho HS... was the swim captain for her high school in 2004... competed in 200 medley relay, 200 free relay and the 400 free relay... swam for the Rio Rancho Desert Sharks club... named MVP in the 2004 while with the Desert Sharks and was also honored with the High Point Award in 2003... in high school she was a member of the National Honor Society, was on the Honor Roll and was an officer on the speech and debate team. PERSONAL: Born August 30, 1986, in Scottsburg, Nebraska... daughter of Don and Jewel Schmaltz... favorite hobbies are reading, swimming and drawing... favorite athlete is Mike Phelps... major is undecided. Brittany Trybus Sophomore TR Albuquerque, N.M. (Highland HS) Distance Free FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL: Lettered in swimming for one year... helped the team place fourth at the SunBelt Conference Championships in its first year as a Division I women s swim team... placed 15th in the 200 free and 10th in the 1650 free at the conference championships. HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in swimming all four years at Highland... was a high school state finalist in the 500 free, 200 free, 100 fly and 200 IM... swam for the Duke City Aquatics Club... was a state of New Mexico swimming finalist for long and short course (500 free, 400 free, 1000 free, 500 free, 1500 free and 1650 free) and was part of the sectional team... was Who s Who among High School Athletes and academics while at Highland... was member of the National Honor Society... was on the Honor Roll... named Rookie of the Year as a freshman at Highland... earned the Spirit Award her junior and senior years. PERSONAL: Born January 11, 1985... daughter of Andrea and Paul Trybus... has older sister, Elaissa, (24) who swam for UNM from 1998-2002... favorite hobbies are shopping and snowboarding... favorite athlete is Michael Phelps... major is Human Resources. Andrea Zarins Freshman HS Orleans, Ontario (St. Peter Catholic HS) IM/Breast HIGH SCHOOL: Was a member of the Nepean Kanata Barracudas Swim Club... was a five-time regional High Point Winner... received the Group Leadership Award in 1999... was in the top eight at the junior nationals... placed first at the Junior Provincials in 2004... while a member of the Barracudas Swim Club (stats): 200 breast SCM- 2:39.6, 400 IM SCM- 5:03.0 LCM- 5:14.1, 200 IM SCM- 2:33.7, 400 free SCM- 4:29.5 LCM- 4:34.1... named to the Honor Roll every year at St. Peter Catholic... French Immersion and Math Award junior year. PERSONAL: Born November 28, 1986... daughter of Karen Zarins... has older sister, Stephanie, (24)... sister was a swimmer at Ball State University... favorite hobbies are traveling, sports, sleeping and listening to music... favorite athlete is Joanne Malar... major is pre-med/exercise Science. 33
2004-2005 New Mexico Wommen s Swimming and Diving HEAD COACH Bill Spahn Head Coach 24th Year Texas Tech, 64 Coaching pool-side has become a way of life for the UNM swimming and diving team's biggest fish. A fixture in the local and regional swimming community, head coach Bill Spahn is entering his 37th year of coaching, and his 24th and final season as the mentor of the New Mexico swim program. Spahn graduated from Texas Tech in 1964 where he earned his undergraduate degree in physical education and served as captain of the swim team. He started his coaching career at the Albuquerque Heights YMCA and eventually left Albuquerque to coach the Wichita Swim Club in Kansas. Spahn entered the college ranks in 1977 when he was named head swim coach at the University of Kansas. He proceeded to lead the men s team to two Big Eight Championships in four years. Spahn eventually decided to leave Kansas in1981 and accept the position of head coach at the University of New Mexico. Coach Spahn has distinguished himself as one of the nation s top swimming coaches since taking over the UNM program. One of his biggest accomplishments was coaching the Lobo men to a Western Athletic Conference championship in 1986, making the University of New Mexico one of only four teams in the WAC to win a championship in the last 14 years. Spahn also led the Lobos to runner-up status in 1990 and 1993. His ability to consistently produce teams that were able to compete for a championship resulted in four WAC Coach-of-the-Year honors for Spahn. THE SPAHN FILE During Spahn s tenure, including his stint as men s coach, a Lobo swimmer was crowned WAC champion 54 times. This total does not include the women s titles in the High Country Athletic Conference, UNM s conference affiliation before the WAC started women s swimming. Lobo swimmers have earned All-America status under Spahn s guidance 12 Birthplace: Austin, Minn. Alma Mater: Texas Tech 1964 Coaching Highlights: Albuquerque Heights YMCA Wichita Swim Club times. Last season, four Lobo swimmers and two divers were named to all-mwc teams for their efforts at the conference championships in Oklahoma City, Okla. A trademark of Lobo swimming under Coach Spahn is his team s competitiveness in the classroom as well as in the pool. In 2003-04, six swimmers and divers were named to the all-mwc academic team. 34 Head Coach, University of Kansas 1977-1981 Led teams to two Big Eight Championships Head Coach, University of New Mexico 1982-present 1986-WAC Champions, 1990, 1993 runner-up Four Coach of the Year honors Coached 12 All-American swimmers
Tracy Ljone Assistant Coach First Year University of South Carolina, 97 Tracy Ljone begins her first season as an assistant coach at the University of New Mexico. Ljone was previously the head swim coach at Georgia Southern University from 1999-2002 before joining the New Mexico staff. Ljone compiled an overall record of 13-10 while coaching at GSU. In Ljone s three years, GSU swimmers recorded 96 percent of the top individual times in program history. In 2000, she led Georgia Southern to a second place finish in the Southern Conference. Before taking the head coaching role, Ljone worked as an assistant strength and conditioning coach at Georgia Southern. She also served as a strength and conditioning coach at Arizona State University and the University of South Carolina. Ljone was a four-year letterwinner on the swim team at the University of South Carolina from 1993-97. During her collegiate swimming career, Ljone garnered several accolades. She was recognized on the Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll from 1994-97 and was a three-time NCAA All-Academic Team selection. Ljone earned her B.S. in Exercise Science from South Carolina in 1997 and received her master s in Sports Management from Georgia Southern in 1999. Ljone is currently completing her Ph.D. in Sports Administration at UNM. Abel Sanchez Head Diving Coach First Year University of Michigan, 95 Sanchez joins the Lobos for his first season after coaching the Mission Viejo Nadadores Diving Team. He also was recently given the honor of being the meet director for the 2004 Speedo Cup National Diving Championships. A standout diver at Michigan, Abel Sanchez was a three-time All-American and an Academic All-American. He placed in the top-10 at the NCAA Championships twice, placing as high as fourth. Sanchez was also a three-time All-Big Ten Conference honoree. He won two silver medals at the conference championships in his career. He helped Michigan to four consecutive Big 10 titles and a national championship. After his collegiate career ended, Sanchez continued to dive, training with Olympic coach Kenny Anderson, Jay Lerew and Olympian and world champion Janet Ely-Lagourgue. Sanchez went on to represent Peru, his father's home country, on the 3-meter board and platform in Sydney, Australia, in the 2000 Olympics. Sanchez qualified for the Olympics after claiming silver medals on the 1- and 3-meter boards and platform at the South American Championships. Sanchez was a four-time member of the Orland Diving National Team, L'Equipe National Diving team and Woodlands Diving National team. He was a two-time finalist at the U.S. Diving Nationals. ASSISTANT COACHES Sanchez, a Holland, Mich., native, is married to Leanne Sanchez and they are expecting their first child in December. 35