Dec. 18, 2008

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Maryland swimming and diving head coach Sean Schimmel is pleased to announce his first signing class at the helm of the program. The class consists of six student-athletes that will begin swimming for the Terps in the fall of 2009.

Schimmel has added one newcomer on the men's side with Nick Evans (freestyle), while inking five women including Megan Lafferty (freestyle/butterfly), Kim Larson (freestyle), Addison Koelle (butterfly/backstroke), Sophie Allen (freestyle/back), and Katie Hughes (backstroke).

Below is a rundown of this year's class:

Nick Evans (Rochester Hills, Michigan/Rochester Hills High School)
Evans swims for coach Katie Sullivan as a member of the North Oakland Waves Swim Club. He was a Short Course National Qualifier and placed fifth and eighth in the 500 and 1000 freestyle, respectively, at the YMCA Nationals.
Evans Top Times:(Y)
200 freestyle - 1:41.31
500 freestyle - 4:31.78
1000 freestyle - 9:28.13
Evans on Maryland: "I chose Maryland for the great location and friendly team." Schimmel on Evans: "I am thrilled to have Nick become a Terp. Nick is not only going to strengthen our middle distance freestyle events, but with his character, I am looking for Nick to be a strong leader outside of the pool as well."

Megan Lafferty (Willow Grove, Pa./Upper Dublin High School)
Lafferty swims for coach Stu Kukla and the Central Buck Swim Team and was a Short Course National Qualifier.
Lafferty's Top Times:(LCM)
50 freestyle - 27.11
100 freestyle - 58.81
100 fly - 1:03.97
Lafferty on Maryland: "I chose Maryland for several reasons. I love the girls on the swim team and how well the team interacts. Maryland also has a very strong, supportive coaching staff that I know will continue my development as a swimmer. I like everything about the campus and I know I am going to get a great education in my four years here."

Sophie Allen (Boulder, Co./Boulder High School)
Allen swims for coach Grant Holicky and the Rally Sport Aquatic Club and was a Short Course National Qualifier in addition to being a Summer Junior National Qualifer.
Allen's Top Times:(LCM)
50 freestyle - 26.98
100 freestyle - 58.50
100 backstroke - 1:05.48
Allen on Maryland: "Upon visiting Maryland, I fell in love with the beauty of the school and its pleasant differences from my hometown. However, my decision was made due to the welcoming and family-feel of the team and coaches. I felt right at home and could see myself no where else."

Kim Larson (Bayport, N.Y./Blue Point High School)
Larson swims for coach Ed Kropp and the Islip Aquatic Club and was a Short Course National Qualifier.
Larson's Top Times:(Y)
50 freestyle - 24.05
100 freestyle - 51.57
200 freestyle - 1:50.73
500 freestyle - 4:57.65
Larson on Maryland: "I chose Maryland because it had everything I was looking for in a college. Maryland has so much to offer; excellent academics and athletics, a great coaching staff and gorgeous campus. I felt completely comfortable with the team and knew that was where I wanted to be for the next four years."

Addison Koelle (Groton, Ct./Finch High School)
Koelle swims for coach Tim Quill and the SONOCO Swim Club. She was a Short Course National Qualifier and Summer Junior National Qualifier.
Koelle's Top Times:
100 fly - 1:03.55 (LCM)
200 fly - 2:17.89 (LCM)
100 back - 57.78 (Y)
Koelle on Maryland: Maryland was by far the best choice for me academically and athletically. I will be challenged both in the classroom and in the pool. I can't wait to where being a Terp takes me."

Katie Hughes (Rye, N.C./Rye High School)
Hughes swims for coach John Collins and the Badger Swim Club. She was a Short Course National Qualifier and Summer Junior National Qualifier.
Hughes' Top Times (LCM)
100 back - 1:04.90
200 back - 2:18.08
Hughes on Maryland: Maryland has everything I was looking for in a college; great academics, coaches, team and facilities. I feel it will be the best place for me to succeed academically and athletically. I'm so excited to be a Terrapin!"

Schimmel on the women's signing class: "I am really excited about these five women representing the University of Maryland over the next four years. Having such a young team already, these girls will help our depth. These student-athletes have all performed at a high level which will help the Terps achieve our goals. With Megan and Sophie being very good sprinters already, I will look to have them immediately impact the team individually and on relays. Kim will help fill our much needed role in the 500 freestyle as well as being a part of our already strong 200 freestyle contingency. With Addison and Katie's skills in the fly and back, their leadership in those events will allow us to make some changes in our lineups to maximize our ability to score."