Courtesy: Sacred Heart Athletics
FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Sacred Heart University women’s swimming and diving team released its 2024-25 captains this afternoon, as announced by Head Coach John Spadafina. Seniors Meghan Hammarlund, Rosemery Nieto and Melanie Sanchez were named this season’s captains.
“These three women exemplify our core values of being a Pioneer and team member in and out of the pool,” Spadafina explained. “I am excited to see these leaders turn into mentors for their team as we enter a new chapter in our school’s history entering the MAAC.”
Hammarlund placed seventh in the 200-yard backstroke and 14th in the 100-yard backstroke at the NEC Championship last year. She also swam the 100-yard butterfly in the 400-yard medley team that broke the school record at the NEC Championship.
“I am very proud and humbled to be selected as a captain for this upcoming season as I have the honor of leading by example, inspiring my teammates, and taking on the responsibility of guiding us both in and out of the pool,” Hammarlund says. “We are extremely excited to be joining the MAAC and can’t wait to show our competitors all the hard work and determination that goes into SHU swimming and diving.”
Nieto holds SHU records in the 100- and 200-yard breaststroke. Last season, the Stratford, Conn., native placed third in both breaststroke events and sixth in the 200-yard IM. She was a member of both the 200- and 400-yard medley relays that broke the school record swimming breaststroke.
“It’s such an honor to be selected as captain of the SHU Swim and Dive team,” Nieto stated. “I am beyond confident that we will make waves in the MAAC this year and stand as a united front.”
Sanchez finished in 13th in the 200-yard butterfly, 14th in the 400-yard IM, and 22nd in the 500-yard freestyle and the NEC Championship last season. The Yonkers, N.Y., native was also a member of the 200-yard medley relay that secured the SHU record swimming butterfly.
Sanchez is eager to start this role. “Being selected as one of the captains for the SHU swim and dive team is a privilege. It is an honor to be trusted with this role and I’m excited to see what our team will accomplish this season!”
The Pioneers begin their season on Sept. 22 at the Block Cancer Open Water Festival at Lake Terramuggas.
