Natalie Davis from Austin, Texas has signed an NLI to swim for the University of Maryland, Baltimore County in 2015-16. Davis is a member of Nitro Swimming’s national team and specializes in IM and 200 strokes. Her top times over the last two seasons are:
400y IM: 4:29.69 400m IM: 5:06.68
500y free: 4:59.30 400m free: 4:27.51
200y IM: 2:07.68 200m IM: 2:26.33
200y fly: 2:07.20 200m fly: 2:25.26
200y back: 2:07.89 200m back: 2:25.35
200y free: 1:53.93 200m free: 2:08.91
Davis’ times will make an immediate impact on the Retrievers, who finished second to New Hampshire at the 2014 America East conference championships. Davis would have made the A-final in both the 400 IM and 500 free and the B-final of the 200 free, 200 back and 200 fly.
Davis told SwimSwam: “I went on 5 amazing recruiting trips to 5 amazing schools. They were all almost academically equal and had teams whose speeds were close to one another. A deciding factor for me was a team atmosphere. All coaches and swimmers will tell you, ‘Oh yeah, our team is so close!’ but it’s honestly something you see and feel when you’re there. When I walked onto the UMBC pool deck after getting off a long flight (before I was even introduced to the team) I could feel the energy and the excitement. I could hear the cheers of teammates and the slaps of high fives as they raced at the end of a tough practice. Breathing heavy and red faced, there were smiles and “good jobs” all around. I knew at the moment I could be a part of that team. Coach Chad was so friendly and really took the time to talk to his swimmers but from what I heard could also give a kick in the butt if needed! All in all I cannot wait to be able to represent such an amazing program and be a part of much, much more success. GO DAWGS!”