Swim and dive sign six for the 2022 season

CEDAR FALLS - The University of Northern Iowa Swim and Dive team announced the addition of six signees this week. So far, the recruiting class includes five swimmers and one diver, all from either Iowa or Wisconsin.

"We are super excited for this group of newcomers to join our family," Head Coach Nick Lakin said. "Overall, the class is very balanced and will have an immediate impact when they step on campus."

Sydney Aird - Green Bay, WI

Sydney Aird swims at Bay Port High School with Coach Meghan Wood and with the Howard Suamico Storm Breakers for Coach Connor Huff. She is a four-time WIAA State qualifier in the 100 Breaststroke, highlighted by winning the 100 Breaststroke at the 2021 Alternate Season Championships in April. This summer, Aird swam under the Junior National Championships qualifying time in the long course 100 Breaststroke with a 1:12.71.

"Sydney is a huge addition for our breaststroke group with having Junior National cuts already when we signed her," Lakin said. "Connor has done great work with her and we can't wait to have her on campus."

Morgan Meyer - Manitowoc, WI

Morgan Meyer swims for Manitowoc Lincoln High School for Coach Aaron Stachovak and with the Schroeder YMCA under Coach Dave Anderson. She is a WIAA state qualifier in the 100 Freestyle and 200 Freestyle. Morgan has recorded personal best times throughout the last twelve months, including a 23.86 in the 50 Freestyle, 51.72 in the 100 Freestyle, and 1:52.46 in the 200 Freestyle.

"Morgan came highly recommended and we have thoroughly enjoyed her and her family through the recruiting process," Lakin said. "She will be an instant contributor in our sprint and middle distance free groups."

Abby Lear - Muscatine, IA

Abby Lear swims for Muscatine High School under Coach Judd Anderson and with the Davenport Metro Swim Team for Coach Ramsey Vens. She is the tenth ranked recruit in Iowa, according to College Swimming. Lear is a four-time high school state qualifier in the 50 Freestyle and 100 Freestyle, finishing fourth in both races in 2020. Her personal best of 23.77 in the 50 Freestyle came at the 2021 Speedo Sectionals in Des Moines. In the 100 Freestyle, Lear recorded a personal best at the IGHSAU Regionals last week with a 52.30.

"Abby is a really explosive sprinter that just keeps getting better," Lakin said. "We are excited to see her growth over the next couple years."

Maddie Carleton - Ankeny, IA

Maddie Carleton swims for Ankeny High School under Coach Michelle Stout, while attending Ankeny Centennial High School. She also swims for Central Iowa Aquatics for Coach Andy Pym. She is the seventh ranked recruit in Iowa, according to College Swimming. She is a four-time state qualifier in both the 200 Freestyle and 500 Freestyle, and swam in the championship final in both races this season. Her personal best times are 4:59.21 in the 500 Freestyle, 17:07.11 in the 1650 Freestyle, and 4:34.82 in the 400 I.M.

"Maddie brings a ton of versatility and will contribute in a ton of events both in dual and championship meet formats," Lakin said. "Her work ethic and attitude will continue to push our distance group forward."

Erica Peters - Ankeny, IA

Erica Peters is the lone diver in the class. She dives for Ankeny High School with Coach Mandy Parton, while attending Ankeny Centennial High School. On the club side, she dives with the Midwest Diving Academy. She is a four-time state qualifier in diving, finishing sixth in 2020 and 2021. Peters is also a three-time state qualifier in the 100 Breaststroke. Her top scores of 503.80 for 11-dives and 302.55 for 6-dives come from this high school season.

"I am thrilled to welcome Erica to the Panther family," Diving Coach Bethany Hovland said. "Her commitment to year-round training has led to tremendous progress, making her one of the top divers in Iowa. I am confident that she will make a positive and profound impact on our team."

Rachel Lenz - Greenfield WI

Rachel Lenz swims for Whitnall High School for Coach George Guddie and with the Schroeder YMCA under Coach Chandler Lewis. She is the 18th ranked recruit in Wisconsin. Lenz is a four-time WIAA state qualifier, swimming the 100 Backstroke all four years and finishing third in 2020. She swam each the 200 I.M. and 100 Butterfly twice. Her personal best of 56.12 in the 100 Backstroke comes from the YMCA Swimming Festival in April.

"Rachel is a really strong and versatile swimmer and we are thrilled to have her joining us," Lakin said. "She will bring great energy and attitude to our daily process and will contribute a ton in the back and fly events right away."

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Swim and dive sign six for the 2022 season

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Swim and dive sign six for the 2022 season

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