After beating up on in-state foes Florida Gulf Coast and Miami on Saturday, the Florida State women’s program got more great news as they’ve received verbal commitments from three swimmers.
The most exciting of the three is Samantha Pochowski, who is the number-three recruit out of the state of Wisconsin. For starters, she’s another great 200 freestyler (1:48.86) to add to the Seminoles’ already stacked group there that includes freshman Ginny Grams, sophomore Tiffany Oliver, and sophomore Julia Henkel. Look out for this group at the 2014 NCAA Championships, as they could be top-3 contenders in the 800 free relay.
Beyond adding to a strength for the program, Pochowski also fills in a huge need for the Seminoles. She comes in with a best of 1:02.07 in the 100 breaststroke, which would have made her the fastest sprint-breaststroker on the Florida State program last year. Her 2:17.39 in the 200 breaststroke needs some improvement, but based on how good she is in the 100 breast and 200 free, that time too should come around with ease.
Kelsey Buckley, one of the top recruits coming out of the in-state class, will add depth to the Seminoles’ free relays. She has best times of 23.49/50.95/1:50.19 in the three shorter events, and also has some upside as a backstroker. Bianca Spinazzola, the top-ranked recruit out of Rhode Island (which is pretty well the equivalent of saying the best swimmer from the Bluefish Swim Club that boasts Elizabeth Beisel amongst its membership) is more of the same, with 23.5/51.0 in the sprint freestyles and a 55.51 in the 100 back. She also brings some versatility with a 55.5 in the 100 fly. Spinazzola’s skill set also lends towards her being a very good piece of a 200 medley relay
Florida State is really building a solid program the right way, beginning with relays. Look out for the Seminoles in the ACC.
