Nebraska women add Canada’s Brassard

The University of Nebraska women picked up a verbal commitment from Canadian Cassie Brassard.

Brassard specializes in backstroke and distance freestyle, although she also projects as a potential relay piece in the shorter distances.

Competing for the Regina Optimist Dolphins of Regina, Saskatchewan, Brassard took home three medals at the Canadian Age Group Championships over the summer: silver in the 800 free, silver in the 100 back and bronze in the 200 back. She also competed at the Canadian World Championship Trials, swimming three backstroke races and finishing as high as 19th in the 200 back.

Brassard’s Top Times (in long course meters):

100 back: 1:04.64

200 back: 2:18.82

800 free: 9:01.20

400 free: 4:28.06

200 free: 2:07.29

Depending on how  she transitions from meters to yards, Brassard should be a candidate to lead off Nebraska’s medley relays next season, and she might eventually factor in on the 800 free relay as well. She has had recent success in short course competition, albeit short course meters, winning four medals at the Alberta Short Course Senior Champs last winter.

Brassard will join Nebraska for its fourth season in the Big Ten. The Huskers rose from 11th in the Big Ten in 2012 to 9th place last year and hope to continue the upward trend in the ever-expanding Big Ten.