Florida International University is the two-time Conference USA Women’s Team Champion and shows no signs of that their reign is ending any time soon. Head Coach Randy Horner is hard at work, loading his roster with a strong incoming class for the Fall of 2017. Horner has received verbal commitments from three more international athletes this week who will be joining an already strong group that includes Stina Heimnes (Norway,) Melannie Vargas (Florida,) and Rielly McNamara (Canada.)
Photo courtesy of Kelsie Campbell
Kelsie Campbell is a British National Finalist who currently swims at Nova Centurion Swim Club, the home of Rebecca Adlington. She has earned gold medals at the Carfita Games in the 100 free, 200 free and 100 fly, as well as two golds at the Caribbean Island Championships for the 100 free and 100 fly while representing Jamaica. She was recently selected by Jamaica to swim at Short Course Worlds in Windsor this December. “The team really seems like a family and have had great success over the last few years at conference championships. Research facilities at the university are world class. I think the university will develop me both athletically and academically.”
Top times (LCM):
- 50 free- 26.96
- 100 free- 58.03
- 200 free- 2:06.08
- 100 fly- 1:03.48
- 200 fly- 2:22.00
- 200 IM- 2:22.25
Photo courtesy of Rachel Foord
Rachel Foord finished 11th on the 3-meter board at the 2016 Australian Open National Championships, which effectively served as the Rio Olympic Trials, where she represented Rowville Secondary College and Diving Victoria. She was also the recipient of the 2016 Sporting Blue Award for Diving, which is the highest sports award for Victoria schools. Her accomplishments stand out even more as she had recovered from severe headaches for several months after skimming the edge of the platform while performing a 407c, (Inward 3-1/2 somersault,) in March 2015. Rachel told SwimSwam: “I chose FIU because it looks like a great community to be a part of and everyone seems really nice. I am really looking forward to making new friends and being a part of the team.”
Top scores:
- 1-meter 10 dives: 381.90
- 3-meter 10 dives: 411.55
- Platform 9 dives: 374.15
photo courtesy of Victoria Cantu
Victoria Cantu swims for Coach Tina Vidal at Palmyra Sport and was a finalist at the Centro-American games in Merida, Mexico. She has been a nominee for Athlete of the Year in her home state of Morelos multiple times and has earned several age group national titles. She told SwimSwam: “From the start I fell in love with FIU and the city of Miami. I can’t wait to swim with such an amazing team and great coaching staff.”
Top times (LCM):
- 50 free- 27.10
- 100 free- 58.80
- 200 free- 2:06.70
- 400 free- 4:24
- 50 fly- 29.10
- 100 fly- 1:03.55
- 200 fly- 2:17.80
WHERE THEY FIT IN:
Kelsie Campbell looks to have the potential to score in up to six events for the Panthers at the Conference USA Championship. When converting her times from long course meters to short course yards, her 50 free, 200 free, 100 fly, 200 fly and 200 IM all would have landed solidly in the B-final at the 2016 C-USA meet, right on the edge of sneaking into the top 8. Her 100 free would have easily scored deep within the A-final and might have also earned her a spot on the Panthers’ winning 400 free relay as well.
When converting Victoria Cantu’s times over from long course meters to short course yards, it appears that she will be a major scorer for FIU at the C-USA Championships. Based on 2016 results, her 100 and 200 free, along with her 100 fly, would have all been deep in the B-final, right on the edge of squeaking into the top 8. Her 500 free and 200 fly would have landed solidly in the A-final as well, making her a potential star for the Panthers if she continues to develop.
Regarding diving score comparisons for the 2016 Conference USA Championship, it is hard to know just where Rachel Foord will fit, but you can bet that she will only contribute to making an already outstanding group stronger. Last year FIU placed three sophomores in 1st, 3rd and 4th on platform, along with a 1-3 finish for one-meter and 2-3 finish for 3-meter springboards. With high experience on all three, Rachel Foord will most likely be a major asset for the Panthers in Conference USA.