Marshall University Athletics
Swimming and Diving Adds Five During Signing Period
11/25/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Swimming and Diving
Nov. 25, 2011
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - Head Coach Russell Hunt recently announced that five ladies have signed on with the Marshall Swimming and Diving squad during the most recent signing period.
Comprising the group is Alexandria Black (Palm Bay, Fla.), Hannah Clark (Marietta, Ga.), Sophia Cooper (Twinsburg, Ohio), Alyson Francis (Columbus, Ohio), and Danica Ross (Binghamton, N.Y.). All five are set to join the Herd for the 2012-13 season.
"It's important we continue to build this program around quality, talented, enthusiastic people." Remarked Hunt. "This class brings precisely that and these student athletes will be crucial in the growth of our team's future identity."
Alexandria Black - Palm Bay, Fla.
As a member of the Holy Trinity Episcopal School, Black earned MVP honors from her high school, and was a multi-time Florida State Championship qualifier, including in the 100 yard Breaststroke and 200 yard Medley Relay during 2011. Black is a perennial Florida Regional finalist, and was named by Florida Today magazine to the All-Space Coast team.
Coach Hunt: "Alexandria is an engaged student athlete, and gives thought and preparation to her successes in and out of the water. Alex has great experience, continues to improve, and she will be a great addition to our stroke group."
Hannah Clark - Marietta, GA
Clark has been a member of the 5A Georgia High School State Champions her freshman, sophomore, and junior seasons at Lassiter High School. Hannah was a Georgia High School state qualifier in the Individual Medley and Freestyle events, plus she was the 2011 Georgia Metro 1000 yard Freestyle champion, and 2011 Senior Circuit 1500 champion. Clark swims with Dynamo Swim Club in the greater Atlanta area.
Coach Hunt: "Hannah is well versed in swimming success, and she is filled with passion for her sport and team. We are thrilled to bring Hannah's talents in the classroom and in the pool to the Thundering Herd, and she will be a wonderful addition to the Distance group."
Sophia Cooper - Twinsburg, Ohio
As part of the Twinsburg High School Swimming and Diving team, Cooper garnered her team's Most Improved Award during her freshman year of high school. Additional honors include being selected to the Northeastern Ohio Conference team her freshman, sophomore, and junior years, and is a three time sectional qualifier and letter winner. She dives with American Flyers Diving in the greater Cleveland-Akron Area.
Coach Hunt: "Our diving team will absolutely benefit from Sophia's approach, and experience in a great high school swimming and diving state. I look forward to seeing Sophia build her dive lists in the coming years."
Alyson Francis - Columbus, Ohio
Alyson joins the Herd from Bishop Watterson High School, where she was a member of the 2011 Ohio High School State Runner-up team. Francis is a 2011 State Championships finalist in the 200 yard Freestyle Relay, Central District Finalist in multiple events, and a Speedo Sectionals Qualifier with Greater Columbus Swim Team.
Coach Hunt: "Aly is a talented student, a cerebral swimmer, and has been an important cog in the recent success of her High School's State Championship runs. The team emphasis she developed at the prep level will serve her well as she works into our sprint group, and will be an important part of future Thundering Herd relays."
Danica Ross - Binghamton, N.Y.
Ross comes from Chenango Valley High School where she has achieved all-conference honors in two individual and two relay events. She was the recipient of the Outstanding Competitor Award at the Dr. Jack Thomas Invitational. Ross has a variety of times and records in Chenango Valley's All-Time top 10 marks. This season she has made her biggest splash during the 2011 New York High School State Championships, finishing as a state finalist in the 50 and 100 yard Freestyle.
Coach Hunt: "We are thrilled that Danica will be bringing her talents to Huntington. Her strongest assets are her ability to face a challenge head on, and to embrace racing, which will serve her well as she transitions into collegiate swimming. Danica's potential is enormous and we look forward to developing that potential in the coming years."
