Colorado State University Athletics

swim & dive
Photo by: Javon Harris

Rams Swimming and Diving announces incoming freshman class

12/18/2018 9:30:00β€―AM | Women's Swimming & Diving

Seven swimmers to join Coach Woodard’s Rams program next year

FORT COLLINS, Colo.β€”Following the Colorado State Rams swimming and diving team's successful record-breaking season, Head Coach Chris Woodard announced the addition of seven new student-athletes who will join the program for the 2019-20 season. The incoming freshman class hails from all over the map, promising to contribute to the Rams' winning tradition.

Katelyn Bartley | San Antonio, Texas | Ronald Reagan HS | Alamo Area Aquatic Association

Texan Bartley swam for Ronald Reagan High School and Alamo Area Aquatic Association. She is a USA Swimming Scholastic All-American who competed in freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke, and is on pace to graduate high school Summa Cum Laude. A three-time Texas UIL state finalist, Bartley placed first in the 100-yard Back (57.77) and third in the 200-yard Individual Medley (2:07.48) at the Texas UIL Region 7-6A Championship. She also is a member of the both the National Honor Society and the Latin Honor Society. Bartley is the 33rd-ranked recruit out of the state of Texas according to CollegeSwimming.com

"San Antonio resident Katelyn Bartley proved to us she has the potential to shine at the next level," Woodard said of the regional champion. "Katelyn is incredibly bright, goal-oriented and a team playerβ€”all things we value highly. Training under the guidance of Coach Lou at Alamo Area Aquatics Association, Katelyn's dedication and work ethic will pay dividends in the Backstroke, Individual Medley and Breaststroke events."

Bartley on being a Ram

"I am excited to announce my commitment to further my swim career and education at Colorado State University! The combination of an amazing coaching staff, awesome team environment and all-around great atmosphere made CSU the perfect place for me. I can't wait for the next four years. Go Rams!!"

Amanda Hoffman | Huntersville, N.C. | Christ the King Catholic HS | SwimMAC Carolina

Hoffman, from North Carolina, swam for Christ the King Catholic High School and her club team SwimMAC Carolina. She is a USA Swimming Scholastic All-American and member of the National Honor Society who placed first in the 500-yard Freestyle (5:04.05) and the 100-yard Butterfly (56.91) at the NCISAA 1A2A State Championship. Hoffman is the No. 31 prospect in North Carolina according to CollegeSwimming.com.

"Amanda Hoffman joins the Rams for the 2019 campaign all the way from Charlotte, N.C.," Woodard said. "Hoffman displayed a maturity and initiative during the recruiting process that made her a favorite of our team and staff. The state champion comes from the renowned SwimMac program and will bring some serious ability and resiliency to the Fly and Endurance IM/Free events."

Hoffman on being a Ram

"I am so happy to announce my commitment to continue my swimming and academic careers at the beautiful Colorado State University! The coaches are wonderful and the team has been so welcoming. I have been truly blessed with the opportunity to be a CSU Ram!"

Liza Lunina | Hillsboro, Ore. | Century HS| Hillsboro Heat

From the West Coast, Oregon resident Lunina swam for Century High School and Hillsboro Heat Swim Team and is the fifth-ranked swimmer out of the state of Oregon, according to CollegeSwimming.com. She was a Winter Junior National qualifier in the 100 Backstroke. Lunina placed 16th in the 100 Backstroke, 20th in the 200 Backstroke and 15th in the 50 Freestyle at the 2018 Federal Way Speedo Sectionals. At the 2018 Santa Clara USA Swimming Futures, she took 6th place in the 100 Backstroke, 5th in the 200 Backstroke, 11th in the 50 Freestyle. At Century, she is an AP Scholar with Honors, holding a 4.0 unweighted GPA.

"We are always looking at athletes from the Pacific Northwest that we think have the drive to succeed and will command respect," Woodard said. "Liza Lunina was a must-have for our program, as she has developed into a Futures qualifier and impact player under the guidance of Head Coach James Resare at Hillsboro. Liza can sprint across three disciplines and will not only help provide punch in our Fly, Back and Free events, but should also be a regular on our relays."

Lunina on being a Ram

"I'm so excited to announce my commitment to CSU! The team and coaches were so welcoming and the campus was absolutely beautiful. I am proud to say that I will be a Ram!"

Sarah Mundy | Moncks Corner, S.C. | Berkeley HS | South Carolina Swim Club

Mundy, a South Carolinian freestyler, swam for South Carolina Swim Club and her school Berkeley High, and is the fourth-ranked prospect in South Carolina according to CollegeSwimming.com. In the 2016-17 and 2017-18 school years, she was a scholastic All-American. Mundy was a member of the non-profit national Beta Club for three years. She was her high school swim team captain for two years and co-captain for one year, and is a two-time state champion in the South Carolina High School League at the 4A level, taking home titles in the 50 and 100 freestyle events in 2017. Her best events are the 50-yard Freestyle (23.57), 100-yard Freestyle (51.63) and 200-yard Freestyle (1:51:22).

"South Carolina native Sarah Mundy impressed our team with her intelligence and energy," Woodard noted. "A National Honor Society member and Junior National qualifier, Sarah is a student of the sport and a consummate teammate. Studying under the tutelage of Coach Dave Horton at South Carolina Swim Club, we firmly believe that Sarah will make an immediate impact in all our free events and push our relays into the top-3 in the Mountain West."

Mundy on being a Ram

"I'm thrilled to announce my commitment to Colorado State University! I love the team, coaching staff, and felt welcomed on the campus! Go Rams!"

Caroline Perry | Cumming, Ga. | South Forsyth HS | Swim Atlanta

Perry, a backstroker from Georgia, is a USA Swimming Scholastic All-American and member of the National Honor Society. The 12th-ranked recruit in the state of Georgia according to CollegeSwimming.com, she swam for her club team, Swim Atlanta, and her high school South Forsyth. Perry's best event is the 200 Backstroke (2:00.17). She placed 3rd at the 2017-18 season Georgia 6-7A State Championship in the 100-yard Backstroke (57.00).

"Caroline Perry came out to visit us early last year during our Future Ram Day and we knew we would pursue her aggressively," Woodard said. "Caroline will join the Rams upon a successful completion of her time with Swim Atlanta. Underneath Caroline's pleasant demeanor is a fierce competitor. The Georgia State Championship swimmer will no doubt make a big impact in the Backstroke and IM events for the Rams."

Perry on being a Ram

"I'm so happy to announce my commitment to swim for Colorado State University! The moment I stepped on campus I knew it was where I wanted to be for the next four years. The campus is beautiful, and I can't wait to be a part of all that CSU has to offer in both academics and swimming. The coaches and the team are amazing and made me feel part of the team already! Go RAMS!"

Hannah Sykes | Jacksonville, Fla. | Homeschool/Wolfson HS | Episcopal AmberJax

Hailing from Jacksonville, Fla., Sykes swam for the Episcopal AmberJax Swim Club and at Wolfson High School. Sykes is a three-time USA Swimming Academic All-American and No. 31 recruit in the state of Florida according to CollegeSwimming.com, and has qualified for USA Swimming Junior Nationals. She also was a Florida State High School Swimming finalist multiple times. Sykes's best events are the 100 Fly (55.64), 200 Fly (2:01:30) and 200 Free (1:50:72).

"Hannah Sykes leaves the East Coast for Fort Collins next year with some big goals in and out of the pool," Woodard said. "The All-American Sykes hails from Jacksonville, Fla., and comes from the nationally-recognized AmberJax program under Coach and Olympian Martin Zubero. Hannah immediately impressed our team with her determination and maturity. She will be a key asset in strengthening our fly and free events and helping us become a more dangerous program."

Sykes on being a Ram

"I'm super excited to announce I have committed to swim for Colorado State University! I believe CSU provides an amazing environment that will help me continue to improve both in the pool and in the classroom. I am incredibly thankful for this opportunity! Go Rams!"

Sydnee Whitty | Honolulu, Hawai'i | Punahou School | Iolani Swim Club

Whitty, a Honolulu native, swam for the Iolani Swim Club and at Punahou High School, and the No. 2-rated swimmer in the state of Hawai'i according to CollegeSwimming.com. Whitty swam mostly freestyle events including the 50, 100, and 200 freestyle. As a freshman, she was selected as the Punahou High School athlete of the year. A Hawai'i state champion, Whitty also set her high school's record for the 50 freestyle when she was 16. Whitty has international experience, as well, becoming a seven-time bronze medalist at the 2018 Oceania Games in Papua New Guinea. Her top times include the 50 Free (23.21), 100 Free (50.50) and 200 Free (1:50:39).

"We are thrilled that Sydnee Whitty chose to leave Hawaii for the mountains of Colorado to be a Ram," Woodard said. "A Junior National qualifier and product of Punahou under Coach Meister, Sydnee brings a wealth of national level experience and talent. Sydnee possesses a remarkably positive attitude and an undeniable ability to close out a race. She will certainly provide the Rams with a big boost in all sprint free events and relays."

Whitty on being a Ram

"I chose CSU because when I arrived on campus I immediately fell in love with the school and the atmosphere. I could see myself being happy in Colorado. What also made me choose CSU were my future teammates who were extremely welcoming and friendly; they made me feel at home. I am looking forward to becoming a Ram!"

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