Head coach, Paul Graham, is excited to announce his first recruiting class at Cleveland State University. “We are thrilled with our Fall commitments. There was a focus on adding depth to the women’s team and I am confident we accomplished that goal. I look forward to working with this talented group of student-athletes”
The Vikings signing class of 2014, which will enroll and join the program for the 2015-16 academic year includes MacJilton Lewis(Cincinnati, OH/Mariemont High School), Cassandra Oltman (Fairmont, WV/ Notre Dame HS), Kimberly Jimenez (Union NJ, Union HS), Ashleigh Bennett (Charleston, SC/ West Ashley HS), Maggie Stebick (Waterford, PA/ Fort Le Boeuf HS), Claudia Zido (Pittsburgh, PA/ Woodland Hills HS), Morgan Massie (Dayton, OH/ Carroll HS), Emma Flynn (Rocky River, OH/ Rocky River HS), Michaela Bargardi (Farmington Hills, MI/ Mercy Catholic HS).
MacJilton Lewis is an IM/Mid Distance specialist from Cincinnati, OH and a member of the Mercy HealthPlex Sea Wolves coached by Aaron Dorfman. At the Ohio High School State Championships this past season, Lewis placed 4th in the 200IM and 3rd in the 500Freestyle. Lewis is a 2013-2014 Scholastic All American and NCSA qualifier. Upon signing with Cleveland State, Lewis stated, “Cleveland State University offers me one of the nation’s best programs in Urban Affairs, and a swim team with a long history of success. Cleveland is a town in transition, and I am excited to be a part of that change. Go Vikings!”
Morgan Massie is a Breastroke/Freestyle special from Dayton, OH and a member of the Dayton Raiders coached by Kevin Weldon. Massie placed 10th in the 100 Breaststroke and 21st in the 200IM at the 2014 Ohio High School State Championships as well as qualified for the NCSA Jr. Nationals. When officially committed to Cleveland State, Massie says, “It was my first visit and I loved everything about it! The team was great and also my host, the campus was right in the city and perfect. Everything about Cleveland State was great and I know that’s where I want to spend my next 4 years as a swimmer!”
Emma Flynn is an IM/Butterfly specialist from Rocky River, OH and a member of Lake Shore Swim Club coached by Josh Brown, a former Cleveland State Viking. Flynn has been the WSC 200 Individual Medley Champion since her freshman year, and holds the school record for the 100 Meter Butterfly and 400 Meter Freestyle Relay. When asked what made her choose Cleveland State, Flynn state, “The determining factor that put CSU above the rest was the coaching staff and all the positive energy that is happening in the city of Cleveland right now. I have swam at Cleveland State since I was 8, and it feels like home.”
Maggie Stebick is a diver from Wexford, PA and a student of Fort Lebeouf High School. “It’s been a dream of my life to go to college and do a sport. Cleveland State University was the best fit for me. There was a great group of people at CSU that support what I want and what I need.”
Cassandra Oltman is a Butterlfy/Backstroke specialist from Fairmont, WV and a member of the Harrison Area YMCA Swim Team coached by Dennis Miller. Oltman was the champion of the 100 Butterfly and 6th place finisher in the 100 Breaststroke at the 2014 West Virginia High School State Championships as well as a YMCA National Qualifier in multiple events. On signing day, Oltman states, “It was just everything from the campus, to meeting the team, and talking with the coaches. It just really felt as though that’s where I was meant to be and that is where I would benefit and prosper the most. I am so glad to officially be a Lady Viking!”
Claudia Zido is a sprint free specialist from Pittsburgh, PA and a member of the Franklin Area Swim Team coached by Lucas Marsak. Claudia is the current record holder in the 100 and 200 yard freestyle as well as a member of the record holding relay teams in the 200 yard Medley Relay and the 400 yard Freestyle Relay. She has qualified for WPIALS in 33 events and has been a Pennsylvania State qualifier for the past three years.
Ashleigh Bennett is a sprint free specialist from Charleston, SC and a member of the Mount Pleasant Swim Club coached by Dave Horton. Bennett has attended the USA swimming convention the past 2 years as a SC JR and SR athlete representative. Bennett placed 3rd and 6th in the 50 and 100Freestyle events respectively at the 2013 South Carolina State Championships.
Michaela Bargardi is a Backstroke and Freestyle specialist from Farmington Hills, MI and a member of Mercy Catholic High School coached by Shannon Dunworth . Bargardi is a three year Varsity Letter Winner, NCSA qualifier, and Top 16 Finisher as a sophomore, junior, and senior at the Division 1 State Championship Meet. Bargardi has been named All Oakland County, and awarded “Most Determined” and “Hardest Worker” team awards.
Kimberly Jimenez is a Middle Distance Freestyle specialist from Union, NJ and a member of Westfield YMCA Swim Team coached by Jamie Bloom. Jimenez was 1st Team All-Area, 2nd Team All-State, NJ Junior Olympics qualifer, and YMCA National Qualifer.
MacJitlon Lewis – Cincinnati, OH/ Mariemont HS
MacJilton Lewis – IM/Mid Distance specialist from Cincinnati, OH. (2013-2014 Scholastic all American, NCSA qualifier)
Morgan Massie – Br/Free – Dayton, OH
Emma Flynn – IM/Fly – Rocky River, OH
Maggie Stebick- diver – Waterford, PA
Maggie Stebick is a diver from Waterford, PA
Cassandra Oltman – Fly/Back – Fairmont WV
Claudia Zido – sprint Free – Pittsburgh, PA
Ashleigh Bennett – sprint Free – Charleston, SC
Michaela Bargardi – Back/Free – Farmington Hills, MI
Kimberly Jimenez – Mid dist Free – Union, NJ
College Swimming News courtesy of Cleveland State Swimming and Diving.