Marshall University Athletics
Herd Swimming Picks Up Two
11/19/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Swimming and Diving
Nov. 19, 2008
HUNTINGTON - The Marshall swimming and diving team has added two new athletes so far during the fall signing period as breaststroker Sarah Schimenti and diver Maribeth Smith have decided to compete for the Thundering Herd.
"Maribeth and Sarah what we are looking for in members of our Herd family," Marshall head coach Leonard Kraus said. "They are talented of course but also intelligent and good people. I believe that they will leave a lasting impression on this program and help continue to build it throughout their four years."
Schimenti is a native of Marietta, Ga. where she competes for the Marietta Marlins swim team. Schimenti was a junior national qualifier in both the 100-yard and 200-yard breaststroke and was a state finalist in the 100-yard breaststroke during her junior year.
"Sarah is a tremendous breaststroker," Kraus said. "She is someone that we expect to contribute to the team right away. Besides her individual events Sarah will play a major role in the medley relays.
"She is a quality person and she comes from a good family so we are very excited about Sarah coming and swimming for us."
 Maribeth Smith  | |
Smith is from Bethpage, N.Y. and dives for Ron Kontura at the West Point Diving Aquatic Club. Smith has only been diving for three years since switching from gymnastics, but has accomplished a great deal in a short amount of time.
Smith was a two-time New York State Championship Qualifier, as well as a two-time AAU National Championship qualifier. She the first ever New York recruit for the Marshall women's swimming program.
"Maribeth is the type of athlete that coaches dream about adding to their team," said Marshall head diving coach Lori Meierbachtol. "She has the type of attitude and talent that will allow her to achieve any goal she sets for herself at the college level. I'm extremely excited about everything she is going to add to the Marshall swimming and diving team next year."
