For a full rundown of all of the latest college recruiting news, click here.
With the uncertainty of Missy Franklin’s decision out of the way, Teri McKeever has set about shoring-up the rest of her class, with the latest addition being breaststroker Taylor Young.
Young is an Olympic Trials qualifier who is about as good in long course as she is for short, and likewise about equal in the 100 and 200. In yards, she’s been a 1:02.44 and 2:14.42.
The breaststrokes are the one area of this Cal lineup where there’s some uncertainty going forward for the next few years. That’s after the graduation of Caitlin Leverenz following this season: one of the best in the country.
Yvette Kong had a very good freshman year; after just barely sneaking into NCAA’s on a scratch, she finished 19th in 1:00.34. She and Melissa Bates (1:01.49 last season) will be the incumbent favorites to take over the medley relay spots next fall, with Young fighting for that spot as well.
Cal’s class, aside from Young and Franklin, now includes Abby Speers, a 23.1 50 freestyler; Celina Li, an Olympic Trials finalist IM’er and 52.7 butterflier; and Kristen Vredeveld, a 22.1 50 freestyler.
Good get for the Golden Bears. Sonoma County has produced several prominent female swimmers: Maya DiRado, Amanda Sims, Jenna Johnson. Congrats to Taylor, Teri, and the Pac-12. Roll on you Bears!