FAIRFAX, Va. – Head coach Peter Ward and the George Mason swimming & diving team welcome 12 new faces to the program for the 2015-16 season. The class is composed of eight men and four women.
“We are very excited to announce this year’s incoming class,” said coach Ward and his staff. “This group will make an immediate impact in both our program and the Atlantic 10 Conference. They include Junior National qualifiers, Scholastic All-Americans, and even former NAIA Championship finalists. This is a very deep class and they will provide excellent support to our upperclassmen in taking another step up in the Atlantic 10 conference.”
Hannah Denison
Home School/John Tyler Community College
50 FR: 24.46 100 FR: 52.27 100 FL: 56.79
Athletic Awards/Honors: Most Outstanding Award (2013), Competitive Spirit Award (2013), Breakout Swimmer of the Year (2014), Virginia Swimming All-State (2015), Virginia Swimming Senior Championships finalist (2014, 2015), NCSA junior national qualifier (2014, 2015)
Why Mason? “The coaching staff is so supportive, and the team was very friendly on my recruiting trip.”
Christina McLemore
Grassfield High School
100 FL: 57.37 200 FL: 2:05.85 400 IM: 4:34.81
Athletic Awards/Honors: Grizzly Award, Bill Peak Memorial Scholarship, Regional and District Champion
Why Mason? “I chose Mason for the location in D.C., the push for the students to get involved in internships, and the amazing athletic facilities. All these components will allow myself to become a better athlete and student.”
Marla Albanese
Eden Prairie High School
50 FR: 24.05 100 FR: 53.05 200 FR: 1:56.14 100 FL: 57.88
Athletic Awards/Honors: All-State, Honorable Mention All-Conference, All-American, State Champion, School Record Holder, 2014 MVP, High Point 2013-2014, Coaches Award 2014-2015
Academic Awards/Honors: Outstanding GPA, AP Scholar with Honors
Why Mason? “As soon as I came to the campus, I feel in love with the school. The great coaching staff and close team was just what I was looking for. I feel Mason will provide me with the perfect balance between academics and athletics. I can’t wait to be a Patriot this fall!”
Melanie Howard-Hutton
West Springfield High School
Position: Diving
Why Mason? “Mason has a good nursing program, a beautiful large campus, and I know the area well as it is 20 minutes (the way I drive) from my home.”
Ryan John Frayne
SHAPE American HS, Belgium/ FW Cox HS, Virginia Beach/ St. Andrews University, NC
100 BR: 57.05 200 BR: 2:03.92 200 IM: 1:55.25 400 IM: 4:05.42
Athletic Awards/Honors: U16 Welsh Summer Nationals 200M LC Breaststroke Meet Record Holder, 2012 VA State Champions Swimming – FW Cox HS, 2013 Captain FW Cox HS Swimming, 2013 and 2014 Scholastic All-American, 2012/2013/2014 US Junior Nationals Qualifier, 2014 NAIA Champion of Character, 2015 St Andrews University Knight Award, 2014 NAIA National Championships Finalist 200 and 400IM, 200Breast, 2015 NAIA National Championships Finalist 100 and 200Breast, 2015 NAIA All-American
Why Mason? “Fantastic facilities, great vibe, well respected coaching.”
Niles Biolley
El Camino/Ventura High
100 BK: 50.32 200 BK: 1:50.47 200 IM: 1:51.78 400 IM: 4:03.72 200 FR: 1:40.99
Why Mason? “The team instantly made me feel like part of their family. I have something to offer and I have room to grow.”
Leo Rivoal
Lycee Francais de New York
100 BK: 52.58 200 BK: 1:52.49 100 FL: 53.11
Why Mason? “I chose Mason simply because it was perfect for me. From the moment I stepped on campus I felt nothing but generosity from the staff and athletes. The campus and pool were both beautiful, and I’ve heard nothing but praise for the classes I was interested in. After coming home I know that Mason was the school for me.”
Hagen Wolfe Dietrich
The Bolles School
50 FR: 21.94 100 FR: 45.84 200 FR: 1:41.18
Why Mason? “I chose Mason because of how the whole team is bonded as one family. Everyone gets along as one and my decision could not have been any easier.”
Leonis John Lau
The Bolles School
500 FR: 4:39.76 1650: 16:11.08 100 BR: 57.96 200 BR: 2:05.14 200 IM: 1:55.47
Why Mason? “Up and coming academic program, great swim team, enjoyed the hospitality when I visited, want to help Mason to be conference champs”
John N Warker, III
Wilson High School
Position: Diving
Why Mason? “George Mason was my number one choice to pursue my major in Tourism and Event Management. The combination of the school and area were key in my decision.”
Jordan Ware Witherow
Lee-Davis High School
500 FR: 4:40.39 1650 FR: 16:05.46 200 FL: 1:56.37
Why Mason? “Great atmosphere and awesome people.”
Steven Kimani Maina
The Bolles School
100 BK: 52.21 200 BK: 1:55.07 100 FR: 48.12 200 FR: 1:43.61 200 IM: 1:56.28
Why Mason? “I chose Mason because when I started looking at the school my friends had told me good things about Mason, and after a lot of research into the school I wanted to be a part of a college with a long standing tradition of excellence and diverse community.”
Swimming news courtesy of George Mason Swimming & Diving.
