Freshman Cassie Misiewicz currently competes for Oakland University, a swim and dive team in their second year as members of the Horizon League. Pete Hovland is the head coach at Oakland University, assisted by Shawn Kornoelje, Katie Sullivan, Andre Latour, Blaine Dolcetti, and Larry Albright (Diving). Oakland Swimming and Diving is known for their long history of success in the pool, starting in the Division II days. In Division II, Oakland won 20 National Championships between the Men and Women’s teams. After Oakland moved up to Division I, the teams continued their winning tradition, being undefeated at the conference championships 16 years in a row. Oakland University athletes are also known as the Golden Grizzlies. (Oakland University Golden Grizzlies Athletics, 2015)
Background
Cassie was born to parents Jim and Jilanne Misiewicz in 1996. She started swimming at 7 years old, influenced by her mom. Her mom, Jilanne, was a successful college swimmer, and encouraged Cassie to try out the sport. She also has two younger siblings, Sadie and Camden.
High School
Cassie attended Holland High School, and swam for Don and Dan Kimble all four years. Cassie found success in the pool individually and through her team. While Cassie was competing, Holland High School won the MHSAA Division II State Meet three consecutive years. Individually, Cassie earned a State Champion title two years in a row at the MHSAA Division II State Meet in the 500-yard freestyle.
College
2014-2015: Cassie’s freshman year has been marked by many team and individual accomplishments. Her most memorable moment was when the 400-yard freestyle relay team out-touched rival University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee by .05 seconds, which Cassie was a part of. At the same meet, Oakland University won out over the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee by 16 points.
Cassie is currently majoring in Health Sciences in the School of Health Sciences. She is coached by Shawn Kornoelje in the Distance Group.
