BURNSVILLE, MINN. – The University of Sioux Falls Swimming team was picked to finish 4th in this year's NSIC Women's Swimming and Diving Preseason Coaches' Poll. Valerie Childs was selected USF's Swimmer to watch going into the season.
Augustana University earned the top spot in the in the NSIC Swimming & Diving Preseason Coaches' Poll. The defending NSIC Champions amassed 61 points and six first place votes to finish five points ahead of Minnesota State, which had 56 points and two first place votes. St. Cloud State (47), Sioux Falls (42) and Northern State (35) round out the top five. Concordia-St. Paul was sixth with 24 points and the final first place vote. Augustana's Bryn Greenwaldt was named the NSIC Preseason Swimmer of the Year while St. Cloud State's Kailey Fossell earned NSIC Preseason Diver of the Year honors.
Valerie Childs was named the USF Preseason Swimmer to Watch after a very strong season last year. She placed 4th at the NSIC Conference Championships in the 200 Y Free with a time of 1:53.09. She also had personal bests in the 500 Y Free (5:13.02) and the 100 Y Free (56.54) at the Augustana Invitational last season. Head Coach Chris Hamstra said this about Valerie, "We are very excited that Val decided to return for a 5th year. She is a team leader and captain. Val broke through last year recorded her first ever NCAA B Standard. She comes back hungry and ready to get to work. We expect another great season in and out of the pool from Val." Coach Chris also had this to say about his team overall, "We are very excited about this season for USF swimming. With a great mix of returners, veteran leadership and a large incoming class of new swimmers we believe this team has the potential to be extremely special in the pool and classroom.
USF Swimming gets their season started Thursday September 28. They will take part in a Tri Meet with Augustana and St. Cloud State University. The meet will take place at the Midco Aquatic Center in Sioux Falls, SD.
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