Swimming and Diving Signs Six New Jayhawks For 2010
Nov. 24, 2008
LAWRENCE, Kan. –
Six new student-athletes have signed letters of intent to join the Kansas swimming and diving team it was announced Monday by head coach Clark Campbell. Brooke Brull, Cora Powers, Brittany Rospierski, Alyssa Rudman, Rebecca Swank and Madison Wagner are the first new additions to the 2009-10 KU swimming and diving team.
“Our program is absolutely thrilled with the fall signing class,” said Campbell. “Each student-athlete will make a significant contribution to the team. It is also exciting to add four athletes from Kansas. It speaks volumes for how the sport is improving in our state. Our staff would like to thank all the club and high school coaches for their leadership and direction.”
“Jen Fox, our assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, simply did an amazing job of putting this class together. We lose nine seniors this year, who will be greatly missed, and the countless hours Jen has put into this year’s recruiting effort has really paid off. Not only will this class be successful in collegiate competition, but watch for several Jayhawk student-athletes at the 2012 Olympic Trials and even perhaps in London for the Olympics.”
Brooke Brull – Lake Quivira, Kan.
Brull attends Shawnee Mission Northwest High School and swims for the Kansas City Blazers club team. She is coached by Pete Malone. Brull is being recruited for her abilities in the 50, 100, 200 and 500 freestyle. She is also a Junior National Qualifier.
“Brooke will come in right away and help us in the sprint and middle-distance freestyle events,” said Campbell. “She has developed a great work ethic with the Blazer program and Coach Malone. We see her helping us individually and in the relays.”
Cora Powers – Olathe, Kan.
Powers attends Olathe South High School and swims for the Lawrence Aquahawks club team. She is coached by Mike Soderling and Dave Powers. Powers is being recruited for her abilities in the 100 and 200 breaststroke. She is a Multiple Region 8 finalist.
“Cora has tremendous upside,” said Campbell. “She is one of the most athletic swimmers in the Midwest. We believe she will benefit from our lifting and dry land program and take that athleticism into the pool. Cora will make significant time drops in college.”
Brittany Rospierski – Valley View, Ohio
Rospierski attends The Hawken School and swims for the LESD club team. She is coached by Jerry Holtrey. Rospierski is an all-around swimmer that will focus on the breaststroke and backstroke in addition to the IM. She was an Olympic Trials participant and an Ohio State Champion and record holder in the 100 breaststroke.
“It is always exciting to bring an Olympic Trials qualifier to the program,” said Campbell. “What impressed us most about Brittany is her desire to be the best. Her competitiveness is going to help her compete for Big 12 and NCAA Championships. Brittany can be a player at the 2012 Olympic Trials.”
Alyssa Rudman – Baldwin City, Kan.
Rudman is home-schooled and swims for the Lawrence Aquahawks club team. She is coached by Mike Soderling. Rudman is a club teammate of Cora Powers. Rudman is recruited for her backstroke abilities. She is a National Junior Team Member and a Junior National Qualifier.
“Alyssa is a long time Lawrence Aquahawk athlete,” said Campbell. “We are thrilled she chose to stay close to home. Her experience on the Junior National Team will help her in college. She is such a well rounded individual in and out of the water, and it will be fun watching her reach all her goals.”
Rebecca Swank – Wichita, Kan.
Swank attends Wichita Trinity Academy and swims for the Wichita Swim Club. She is coached by Eric Nelson and Katie Yevak. Swank is being recruited for her abilities in the distance free events. She is a Junior National Qualifier.
“Rebecca is a fierce competitor,” said Campbell. “That is what initially caught our eye. Her strong work ethic and desire to be the best is going to make her a blast to coach and watch flourish in our program. She has very high goals and has the ability to achieve each and every one of them.”
Madison Wagner – Ft. Myers, Fla.
Wagner attends South Fort Myers High School and swims for the Swim Florida club team. She is coached by Mac Kennedy. Wagner is being recruited for her abilities in the sprint free events. Her impressive resume includes being a NISCA High School All-American and a three-year member of National Honor Society.
“Madison is a tremendous athlete,” said Campbell. “Not only does she swim, but also plays varsity basketball. She reminds us former Jayhawk swimmer, Jenny Short. Madison’s athletic ability will translate into success as a sprinter in the Big 12. We see Madison also making an impact at the NCAA Championships.”
Kansas plans on signing several more student-athletes in the spring.
“We hope to add a few more athletes in the spring,” said Campbell. “We are sure there will be a lot of excitement with our fall signees and perhaps that will inspire others to join them at KU. Our future is tremendously bright.”
