COLLEGE STATION, Texas—Three high school standouts will join the Texas A&M men’s swimming and diving team for the 2015-16 season, head coach Jay Holmes announced.
Joining the Aggies are Anthony Kim (Albuquerque, New Mexico), Adam Koster (Trophy Club, Texas) and Michael Thibert (Mansfield, Texas).
“Our team and staff are very excited to add these guys to our program,” Holmes said. “They see the vision of what Texas A&M will become at the NCAA level, and the three of them will play a key role in making it happen. It was fun getting to know them and their parents in this process. Everyone should look for them to make an immediate impact in our lineup.
2015-16 Texas A&M Men’s Swimming & Diving Signees
Swimmer Hometown (High School) Club Team
Anthony Kim Albuquerque, N.M (Albuquerque Academy) Charger Aquatics
Adam Koster Trophy Club, Texas (Byron Nelson HS) North Texas Natadores
Michael Thibert Mansfield, Texas (Mansfield HS) Mansfield Aquatics Club
Kim, from Albuquerque, N.M., was ranked the No. 1 swimmer in the state of New Mexico and No. 46 nationally, according toCollegeSwimming.com. He is a three-time state champion in the 200 free, 100 back (50.08) and 100 fly (48.66). A Junior Nationals competitor, Kim owns the New Mexico state records in the 100 fly and 100 back. His best times (short course yards) are: 100/200 backstroke 48.38/1:45.22; 100 butterfly 48.52; 200 IM 1:51.1.
“When (assistant) Coach (Jason) Calanog went up to see him practice, I kept getting texts saying things like ‘We need to get this guy,’” Holmes said. “We really liked his ability to swim multiple events well. His underwaters are very good, and they will get even better. Anthony is already a national level swimmer, has his (U.S. Olympic Team) Trials cuts, and will be a great competitor for us.
Koster, from Trophy Club, Texas, was ranked the No. 10 senior swimmer in Texas by CollegeSwimming.com. Koster was a finalist in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle at the Class 4A state meet as a sophomore and junior for Byron Nelson HS. Koster is also a two-time competitor at the Speedo Junior National Championships. His best times (short course yards) are: 50/100 freestyle 20.47/45.52.
“Adam will keep getting better and better,” Holmes said. “While his 50 free on paper is his best event, we have plans for him to be able to help us in lots of other places as well. At 6-foot-6, he has great size to him and very good grades. He got admitted into A&M very quickly. Once he realizes what he is capable of, we will have a lot of fun watching him go fast.”
Thibert, from Mansfield, Texas, is the reigning Texas 6A state champion in the 100 free (44.68) as well as a Winter Nationals qualifier in the 50 free (20.54 SCY). Rated the No. 9 senior swimmer in Texas by CollegeSwimming.com, Thibert was also a 2015 Junior Nationals competitor. His best times (short course yards) are: 50/100/200 freestyle are 20.54/44.68/1:39.20.
“The first time I saw Michael race, I knew he was someone we wanted competing for us,” Holmes said. “His ability pretty much screamed ‘This is the guy.’ Coach Calanog and I visited Mansfield, Texas as often as we legally could making sure we did everything to have him on our roster. While he is known for his sprint freestyle events, he has also competed pretty well in the 500 and 200IM. That meant a lot to us.”
Swimming news courtesy of Texas A&M Swimming & Diving.
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