Anyone who frequents our site knows that I’m a huge fan of the program that Neal Studd is building at Florida Gulf Coast University. The process, that included winning three Conference Championships in the team’s first four years in existence, was accelerated last year when they signed Swede Emma Svensson, who has already separated herself as one of the top sprinters and backstrokers in the country as only a freshman.
The Eagles may have gotten another little shot to the arm with their latest recruit – Sara Hamilton out of Stonehaven, Scotland. She was a 2010 Commonwealth Games participant for her native country, and counts among her best times in long course meters a 26.12 in the 50 free and 56.75 in the 100 (which convert to around a 22.8 and 49.5 in yards).
Her abilities extend a bit further even into the longer 200 and 400 freestyles (especially in short course) as well.
When Hamilton is added to Svensson in the FGCU freestyle relays, they become very strong. If you tack her on to the Florida Gulf Coast medleys (Svensson at backstroke, current junior Danielle Beaubrun, and current junior Shannon Blizzard), and you’re looking at a quartet that will be expected to score significant relay points at NCAA’s.
