English Swimmer Savanna Saunders commits to the North Michigan Wildcats

Northern Michigan University has landed some depth from England, as Savanna Saunders will leave for the USA to join the Wildcats this winter.

Coach Heidi Voigt said of her newest addition ‘I am delighted to finally get Savanna here, Savanna will bring much needed depth to our backstroke events and should contribute in several relays. She is dedicated to her sport and her academics. Savanna will be a great addition to our team this season.’

A pupil from the prestigious Bridgewater School and Eccles College, Saunders is aiming to pursue a career in education.

Saunders has been at the City of Salford since she was 10-years old and has flourished with coach John Stout. Saunders is the 4th female swimmer from the Salford program to choose to swim in the American collegiate (NCAA) system.

Through her career to date Savanna has been strong in fly, back and more lately 400IM. She’s a county, regional, zonal and national meet qualifier and has made English Nationals for 6 consecutive years. She’s also a national relay medalist, swimming the fly leg of the medley. She’s also a regular member of the English Schools North team with a recent team highlight of winning the league National Championship in 2013.

Saunders, if she picks up yards swimming in a hurry, should challenge NMU senior Debbi Lawrence in the butterfly group, though Lawrence looks strong this season with a 55.0 in the 100 yard race already. It looks more likely that Saunders could push the backstroke (where Lawrence is also the best on the team over 100 yards) and swim that spot on the medley relay in year one, before transitioning more heavily back to the flys as a sophomore.

Her Best times – Long Course Meters:

1:06.53 100 Fly

2:22.25 200 Back

5:08.82 400 IM 

Article Courtesy: Terry Turner @SRUSA_swimming