By Mitch Blankespoor
Coming off of a third place finish in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) a season ago, the Kalamazoo College women's swimming and diving team hopes to swim for a conference title in the 2013-14 season.
"We have finished third in nine of my ten years at Kalamazoo," Head Coach Kathy Milliken said. "We are aiming for a top-2 finish this year."
The senior class, three in number, will lead the Hornets charge for a top –2 finish. Alex Stephens, a former All-MIAA sleceltion and Kalamazoo record holder, finished third in the 200-yard freestyle at the MIAA Championships as a junior. Haley Pritkin and Sarah Sullivan round out the class and will provide depth in the fly and freestyle.
"We have three very distinct personalities in the senior class," Milliken said. "I expect all of them to contribute in different ways and at different points in the season."
Hannah Olsen and Jessica Varana represent the junior class. According to Milliken, both ended last season on high notes.
"Both Hannah [Olsen] and Jessica [Varana] swam well at the MIAA Championships last year," Milliken said. "They are both extremely motivated and have the potential to help our relays with titles this season."
Lauren Seroka and Miranda Doepker highlight the sophomore class of seven. Doepker finished second in the 100 and 200-yard butterfly at the MIAA Championships last season. Seroka was named the MIAA Swimmer of the Week in the third week of last season. She won the 500 and 1650-yard freestyle races at the MIAA Championships held at Jension High School.
"Lauren [Seroka] and Miranda [Doepker] were our two All-MIAA selections last year," Milliken said. "I expect continued improvement as they both have the potential to qualify for the national meet."
The Hornets welcome eight freshmen to the program. According to Milliken, it is one of her best classes in her 10 years at K.
"Many of our first years achieved times in high school that would have placed them in the top heat at the MIAA Championships last year," said Milliken. "Along with the speed, we bring in depth. We expect great things from our freshmen."
Joining first-year swimmers and divers is first-year Assistant Coach Paul Hughes. A native of Tacoma, Wash., Hughes graduated from the University of Puget Sound in 2009 and swam all four years for the Loggers, earning All-American honors.
The schedule for the Hornets begins with a dual meet at Olivet Oct. 26. Kalamazoo then hosts Albion Nov. 2 and Hope Nov. 9 before swimming at the Calvin Invitational in early December.
Beginning the New Year, K travels to Wheaton, Ill. for a quad Jan. 11 followed by conference dual meets at Calvin Jan. 18 and home against Alma Jan. 25.
This year's MIAA Championships will be held at Calvin's Venema Aquatic Center from Feb. 12-15.
"There is a lot of talent coming into the MIAA this season," Milliken said. "I expect some freshmen to challenge for titles at the conference meet. Racing against MIAA competition prepares us well for nationals."
The NCAA III Swimming and Diving Championships Milliken speaks of take place at IUPUI (Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis) from Mar. 19-22.
While reaching the NCAA III Championships is a goal to strive for, according to Kathy Milliken, success is much more than just making the national meet.
"Success for us involves maintaining a strong grade-point average, striving for Academic All-American recognition as a team, being highly involved in community service, and improving in the pool on a daily basis. Kalamazoo College students impress me every day with their passion for all that they do."