“This was a very strong fall signing period for us,” said Christensen. “Our coaching staff and team put in a great deal of work to make this happen and our team culture attracted some excellent student-athletes. We’ll be adding more student-athletes throughout the year, but we couldn’t be more pleased with this start.”
Laura Fornshell – Alameda, Calif. (Alameda HS / Alameda Island Aquatics)
Freestyle: (24.4/51.7), IM (2:07/4:34)
Coach Christensen says: “Laura is a big signing for us. She’s going to add immediate firepower to the freestyle events and relays. She has great range and versatility, which makes her a big piece of our future moving forward. When she came on her visit, she immediately connected with our team and we’re excited to have her join us.”
Mireya Ortega – Merced, Calif. (Merced HS / Merced Skimmers)
Breaststroke: (1:05.3)
Coach Christensen says: “Cookie is a very talented breaststroker, who has the potential to contribute in other events. It’s important for us to attract the top talent from Central California and Cookie is just that. She’s a great fit in our team culture and I’m excited to work with her and help her carry on our program’s strong tradition in the breaststroke events.”
Merced Sun-Star Story on Ortega
Seth Nabors – Clovis, Calif. (Clovis, HS / Clovis Swim Club)
Freestyle: (21.37/46.6)
Coach Christensen says: “Seth is one of the best sprinters in the Valley. He has great size and strength and we’re looking forward to continuing to help him get the most out of that. On top of the tangibles, he also has experiencing winning and being on winning teams. He was part of the Clovis High team that won the Valley Championship, as well as a State Championship winning 200 free relay. He’s a big-time relay guy, which is just what we need.”
Jack Burgleigh – Ventura, Calif. (El Camino HS / Buenaventura Swim Club)
Sprinter: (21.8/47.0)
Coach Christensen says: “Jack’s a great fit here at FPU. He really connected with the team and coaching staff on his visit. Like Seth Nabors, he’s got a lot of size and now we’re going to help him get the most out of it. I expect him to have a great senior year and develop into one of our go-to sprinters in the future.”
Nathan Bruner – San Antonio, Tex. (Bryan P. Steele II HS / Alamo Area Aquatics Association)
IM, Breaststroke and Freestyle
Coach Christensen says: “Nathan has so much potential. He has a great club background and a desire to work hard. He’s fairly versatile and has a big frame to fill out, so I’m excited to see what he’s capable of during his senior year and into his time here at FPU. He has ties to the Valley, having lived in the area when he was younger, so we’re happy he’s chosen to come back to the Valley and FPU for college.”
Alex Shibata – Roseville, Calif. (Sierra College / Wolverine Aquatics)
Breaststroke: (57/2:03), IM: (1:54/4:03)
Coach Christensen says: “Alex is the final piece of what is turning into one of the best male breaststroke groups in D2. I know he was attracted to the fact that he’s going to have some high level training partners that will challenge him to be his best. He has great versatility and will make an immediate impact in the IM events.”
Stay on fpuathletics.com and follow @fpuswimcoach on Twitter as the Sunbirds continue to fill out next seasons recruiting class.
Swimming news courtesy of Fresno Pacific Swimming & Diving.
