2009-10 Seton Hall Women's Swimming and Diving Preview
10/16/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Swimming and Diving
In his ninth season as head coach, Ron Farina witnessed 87% of his roster record BIG EAST qualifying times, saw the men's teams finish their third straight 8-2 campaign, and traveled with eight members of the men's team to Atlanta to compete in the USA Swimming Short Course Nationals where they shattered six school records, a conference record, and place eighth overall ahead of Big 10 power-house Indiana.
Coming off a satisfying season, the 10th-year coach knows there is still work to be done.
"Even though the men's team finished with an 8-2 record, we are hoping to win some BIG EAST titles and individual titles, and continue to move up in the rankings," said Farina. "For both teams, it comes down to consistency in practice and training."
Coaches
In addition to Farina, returning will be his top assistant Kevin Mullaney as well as volunteer assistant Peter Economou, and diving coach Mike Almasri.
Economou and Almasri begin their fourth seasons at the coaching ranks following stellar careers under Farina at the Hall, while Mullaney enters his second season after coaching one season at The College of Holy Cross proceeding his four-year career at the Massachusetts school.
"Having at least two assistants with the program for two or three years has really solidified the staff," mentioned Farina. "Together, we are beginning to gel and be on the same page as our athletes, which will make the team a better group."
Joining Farina and his assistants for her first season will be McKenzie Kruk.
"McKenzie will be a nice addition to our staff," said Farina. "She swam at the Division I level at Loyola-Marymount and will give a fresh perspective to the team.
Swimming
Captains Natalie Toczylowski and Kaitlyn Hafner will lead the women's team this season, a position Farina feels they are comfortable in handling.
"Natalie and Kaitlyn have been the most consistent swimmers over the last three years. They led by example and are really looked upon by the girls for leadership."
Toczylowski will lead the way as she enters her fourth season in the freestyle races. The Massachusetts native finished last season with seven first place finishes while qualifying for her third conference tournament in as many years. Sophomore Megan Rathbun will begin her second year in the freestyle events following a successful freshman campaign. The Long Valley native punched her ticket to the BIG EAST Conference and looks to carry that experience into the new season.
The Pirates will also provide leadership in the sprint freestyle events as three-time BIG EAST qualifier Hannah Meyer returns for her final year after sitting out last season as a medical red-shirt. Rose Virgilio enters her sophomore season following a BIG EAST qualifying freshman campaign that featured eight first place finishes. Alie Zelenky will begin her first year competing in the sprint freestyle and breaststroke events.
Kara Walbaum will be looked upon to lead a young backstroke group, as the two-time BIG EAST qualifier is entering her third campaign. She will be joined by fellow conference qualifier and sophomore Marilyn Purvis, and freshmen Marielle O'Connor, Andrea Shuba, and Carly Winton.
Two-time BIG EAST qualifier Brittany Henning will enter her third year in the breaststroke events. Following a sophomore season where she set a school record in the 200-yard breaststroke, the Illinois native will be looked up to lead the way for sophomore Kaley Swider and Zelenky. In her freshman year, Swider finished with three first place times qualifying for the conference championships.
Hafner, and two-time BIG EAST qualifier, will lead the butterfly and individual medley events as she comes off her best season as a Pirate. Second year swimmer Amy Bonistalli joins Hafner in the butterfly events while freshmen Brenna O'Keefe, and Shuba will be looked upon to provide depth.
"Even though they're young, Andrea Shuba and Brenna O'Keefe have the ability to step up and be a force in the dual meets and conference level," noted Farina. "We are really looking forward to watch them develop into top swimmers."
In addition to Hafner, Purvis, O'Keefe, and Shuba will compete in the individual medley events.
"The women's team is primed to have one of their best seasons," mentioned Farina. 'We have a great mix of upperclassmen and freshmen who have been focused on high expectations. Their training and practicing has shown that they are ready to be competitive in the BIG EAST and move up in the standings."
Diving
Seniors Ashley Williams and Kim Alonso return for their final campaign with the Pirates. Williams, a two-time BIG EAST Champion qualifier, has set personal records in each of the past two seasons while recording eight first place finishes during that time. Alonso has improved each season setting personal best to her scores as well and will look to continue the trend in 2010.
Returning from injury this year will be red-shirt sophomore Brittany Hervey. Competing in only one meet last season, Hervey returns healthy and is prepared to return to where she left off two years ago when she earned 11 top three finishes en route to being a BIG EAST and NCAA Zones qualifier.
Also returning for her second season is Kaitlyn Karl. The sophomore recorded six top three finishes and a BIG EAST qualifying score as she became a great compliment to Williams.
"The return of Brittany really gives us a nice one-two-three punch on the boards and helps our team build on one of our strongest events," noted Farina.
"This year, as in years past, we are looking for a total team effort," said Farina. "We are confident that each swimmer and diver will play their part in the team's success."
