Second time is a charm! -- Sophomore Swimmers and Divers

After a successful freshman campaign the sophomore class is back and ready to build on the accomplishments they achieved last season.

Cassie Anderson aka Miss Anderson – Cassie comes to NAU from Portland BORE-agon. She is a diving specialist that made a big “little” splash on the WAC last year. Cassie was one of the non-scorers at the WAC Championships, but her efforts would have pulled in 3 top 16 finishes. Returning for a second season and looking to make a bigger impact, Cassie will dominate the boards every chance she gets.

Chalene Dirks-Ryan aka CD-R – The teams only All-Canadian comes back to NAU with a fire burning inside of her. Placing 6th in the 200 back at last years WAC Championships, Chalene is looking forward to training with our outstanding backstroke group. With the ability to swim mid-distance freestyle as well as backstroke, this young lady is a multiple threat in a plethora of events.

Holly Frost aka Frosty – Frosty comes to Flagstaff from Mercer Island, WA. A diving wiz-kid, Holly, is coming back after two top-9 finishes from last year’s WAC Championships. With an outstanding diving group to train with, Holly will only improve on those two finishes, and possibly push for three top 8’s.

Kristin Jones aka KJ – Alaska born and breed this girl is the personification of the term work horse. Coming into her freshman campaign she had only swum the 1650 (aka the MILE!) a hand full of times. At the WAC Championships KJ pushed for a top 8 finish throughout the race falling just short into 10th at the end. Also, an All-WAC Swimmer in the 500 Free and 400 IM, KJ is coming back and looking to dominate every chance she gets.

Krista Maier aka The Flyin’ Hawaiian – The Flyin’ Hawaiian, Krista sat out most of last year with a couple injuries. Having the summer to heal up and get her groove back, Maier is ready for action this season.

By Dave Rollins, NAU Assistant Coach