Kean University Announces Incoming Class for Fall 2021

Courtesy: Kean Athletics

“We are very excited to welcome this next class to Kean University for Fall of 2021. What this class lacks in size it makes up for in talent. These young women are going to help us continue to work towards our goal of winning a championship. They were faced with the unenviable task of navigating the college recruiting process in the middle of a global pandemic and we are thrilled to have them join our program!” – Head Coach Chris Swenson

Teagan Powell – Moorestown, NJ (Moorestown HS)
Top Times: 100 breast – 1:08.70, 200 IM – 2:27.32, 50 breast – 30.71 (r)

Why Kean: “What really stood out to me about Kean was Coach Swenson. I loved his enthusiasm for his team and his belief in me as a swimmer. He is determined to build a strong family and push us to our limits and that’s exactly what I am looking for!”

Swenson on Powell: “Teagan has the potential to be an elite sprint breaststroker at the D3 level and is coming to school under school records in the 50 and 100 breast. We are very excited to see what she can do over the next 4 years!”

Ariel Lisy – North Royalton, OH (Parma HS/SwimStrongville)
Top Times: 50 free – 26.05, 100 free – 54.69, 100 back – 1:00.34, 50 back – 28.81

Why Kean: “I chose to attend Kean because it was the place I felt most at home and where my team could be my second family. Overall, it was the best option for me academically and athletically!”

Swenson on Lisy: “Ariel’s passion for swimming was very apparent early in the recruiting process. She is coming in under school records in multiple events with some serious goals and we’re looking forward to help her reach all of them!”

Krisztina Balogh – Windsor, ON (École secondaire E.J./Windsor Aquatic Club)
Top Times: 200 breast – 2:32.82, 100 breast – 1:12.69, 50 breast – 31.70

Why Kean: “Aside from its beautiful scenery, I chose to attend Kean because of the world-class education and opportunities it provides. More importantly, Coach Swenson’s enthusiasm, passion and dedication towards swimming made me realize that Kean is the place where I hoped to be. I am very excited to contribute to the team and look forward to all of the opportunities and challenges Kean University will offer!”

Swenson on Balogh: “Krisztina is our first ever international recruit and we are so lucky to have her. She comes in just under our school record in the 200 breast and will add depth to the breast and IM groups!”

Natasha Hoffman – State College, PA (Bellefonte Area HS/Nittany Lion Aquatic Club)
Top Times: 50 free – 25.06, 100 free – 55.58, 200 free – 2:05.54, 100 breast – 1:12.34, 200 IM – 2:21.24

Why Kean: “I chose Kean because it felt like the best overall fit for me. It is somewhere I can see myself achieving my goals with both swimming and academics.”

Swenson on Hoffman: “Natasha came to us very late in this recruiting cycle and we are so thankful she did. She will be arriving under our school record in the 50 free and will also add a lot of firepower to our relays!”

Katie Pileggi – Haddonfield, NJ (Haddonfield HS)
Top Times: 50 free – 26.57, 100 free – 1:02.45, 50 back – 30.42, 100 back – 1:06.46, 50 breast – 35.75, 100 breast – 1:20.07

Why Kean: “I chose to swim this year because I want to learn from Coach Swenson and the girls on the team how to become my best while also helping them achieve their best while being part of this awesome program here at Kean.”

Swenson on Pileggi: “Katie is going to be a 5th year senior and is also a standout lacrosse player here at Kean. She swam for one of the top high school programs in the state and after a few years of me asking her to be a 2-sport athlete she took me up on my offer. I have always been intrigued by her athleticism and she’s going to bring an incredible work ethic and be an outstanding role model for our athletes.”