Junior Nicole Cordero currently competes for Oakland University, a swim and dive team in their second year as members of the Horizon League. Pete Hovland is the head coach at Oakland University, assisted by Shawn Kornoelje, Katie Sullivan, Andre Latour, Blaine Dolcetti, and Larry Albright (Diving). Oakland Swimming and Diving is known for their long history of success in the pool, starting in the Division II days. In Division II, Oakland won 20 National Championships between the Men and Women’s teams. After Oakland moved up to Division I, the teams continued their winning tradition, being undefeated at the conference championships 16 years in a row. Oakland University athletes are also known as the Golden Grizzlies. (Oakland University Golden Grizzlies Athletics, 2015)
Background
Nicole was born in 1994 to parents Mitchell and Lisa Cordero. She began swimming because her two older sisters, Melanie and Jacalyn, were swimmers. Nicole also developed Type 1 Diabetes in 2001, and swimming was used as a means to manage her blood sugar.
High School
One of Nicole’s highlights from high school was bringing home Holland High School’s first-ever Division 2 State Championship, through the Girl’s Swimming and Diving Team. She was coached all four years by Don Kimble. Nicole also earned Top 16 spots in all the event’s she swam at the Michigan Division II State Meet, all four years of high school. She also earned All-Conference, All-State, and All-American all four years.
College
One of Nicole’s many accomplishments throughout college has been swimming at an elite level, while managing her Type 1 Diabetes. Nicole also has enjoyed the opportunity to make great life long friends through the swim and dive team. She is currently studying Graphic Design, and is coached by Andre Latour in the sprint group.
2012-2013: Nicole was a member of the winning Summit League Championship team.
2013-2014: Nicole represented the Golden Grizzlies on the pool deck at the Horizon League Championships, cheering on her teammates and friends to the Oakland victory.
