Sophomore Steven Neill 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
Steven was born in 1995 to parents Steven and Cheryl Neill. He was nine years old when he began swimming, due to a lack of passion for other sports. Steven didn’t see himself competing on land, so swimming was a natural fit for him.
High School
Steven competed three years at Farmington Hills High School under coach Ross Bandy. He also swam for the Novi Sturgeons, coached by Mark Winter and Bob Jenrow. Steven’s summer club team was coached by Drew Hansz. While competing for his high school, he earned All-State honors as a sophomore by finishing top-8 in the 500-yard freestyle. When he was a Junior and Senior in high school, Steven attended the NCSA Junior National Meet in Orlando, Florida. In 2011 Steven competed in and won the 800-meter freestyle at the Michigan LCM State Championship Meet.
College
2013-2014: As a freshman Golden Grizzly, Steven helped Oakland University to a Horizon League Championship by finishing 9th in the 1650-yard freestyle.
At Oakland University, Steven is majoring in Computer Science. He swims long distance and IM for Shawn Kornoelje in the distance group.
