FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.- Three swimmers and two divers have inked National Letters of Intent to join Arkansas women’s swimming and diving in the 2016-17 season.
Joining the team will be: Sarah-Dalton Chambliss, Kathryn Cole, Allyson Ayumi Macias Alba, Caroline Welch, and Victoria Moretti.
Sarah-Dalton Chambliss>> Prattville, Alabama (Prattville HS/Prattville Swim League)
Dalton, the No. 1 Alabama recruit, excels in sprint freestyle, butterfly, and backstroke. Dalton’s best shore course times over the last two season have been: 50 free (23.18), 100 free (50.79), 200 free (1:51.47), 100 back (55.58), 200 back (2:01.90), 100 fly (54.49).
What Schimmel says: “I am really excited about the opportunity to work with Dalton. Her character and core values line up with what our whole program is about. It has been great connecting with her through this process and I look forward to working with her.”
What Dalton says: “I really loved Arkansas program and felt drawn to the school. I had the feeling that I would end up at Arkansas when I was on my visit. I love the girls on the teams, and I believe that becoming a Razorback will help reach my goals in life and in the pool.”
Allyson Ayumi Macias Alba>> Mexico City, Mexico (Aquatic Nelson Vargas)
Native of Mexico City, Mexico, Ayumi is a top recruit at No. 69. She joins the Razorbacks as an accomplished distance freestyler. Her top times include (8:41.53) in the LCM 800 freestyle and (4:16) in the LCM 400 freestyle.
What Schimmel says: “Ayumi is going to impact the SEC conference and NCAA in the middle distance and distance freestyle events. She also has the potential of being a major player in our 800 freestyle relay. I am really looking forward to working with Ayumi. She is definitely going to bring a lot to our team in regards of work ethic and elite performances.”
Kathryn Cole>> Nashville, Tennessee (Saint Cecilia Academy/Nashville Aquatic Club)
The No. 4 Tennessee recruit, Cole will continue the family legacy here at the University of Arkansas as her father attended the Arkansas and her sister is currently a student here. Cole’s best times include: 50 free (23.78), 100 free (51.48), 200 free (1:50.92), and 100 back (57.07).
What Schimmel says: “We are excited about her joining the Razorback family and developing into an integral part of our team and our ability to make an impact at the SEC Championships.”
Caroline Welch >> The Woodlands, Texas (The Woodlands HS/ The Woodlands Diving Academy)
Native of The Woodlands, Texas, Welch is a member of the Woodlands Diving Academy under Ken Armstrong. At the 2015 USA Diving Region 4 Championships, Welch finished eighth (375.15) in the 3-meter J.O and 13th(327.95) in the 1-meter J.O.
What DiNicola says: “Caroline is coming from a great club program that has instilled great diving skills. I am excited to see where her efforts will take her in the future, here at Arkansas. Caroline is yet another athlete that is right for our program.”
What Welch says: “I chose the University of Arkansas because it feels like a place where I can feel at home and grow as an athlete as well as a student.”
Victoria Moretti>> Orlando, Florida (Olympia HS/YCF Diving)
Accomplished diver Moretti competed in the 1-meter, 3-meter and platform events at the 2015 USA Diving ATT National Diving Championships and finished ninth overall in the 16-18 Girls Platform J.O with 355.30 points. She placed fifth in the 2015 Florida 4A State Championships and seventh in the 2014 Florida 4A State Championships. Moretti, a native of Orlando, Florida dove under Gamboa Yaidel at YCF Diving.
What DiNicola says: “Victoria is a very well rounded athlete. I look forward to taking things to the next level for her so that she can help Arkansas be a top SEC team and NCAA competitor. Her personality is a great fit for what we are creating here.”
What Moretti says: “It’s all starting to sink in that now I know for sure a new journey awaits me at the University of Arkansas! Signing was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. I can’t wait to be a Razorback!”
Swimming news courtesy of Arkansas Swimming & Diving.