Coming off of sweeping the NEWMAC Championships last season, the MIT men’s and women’s teams have loaded up with a stacked recruiting class for 2020-21.
On the men’s side, after losing some of their top sprinters to graduation, the team has reloaded with multiple 20-point freestylers who will be able to step in and make an impact right away. They’ve also added depth in a few areas of weakness last season – namely mid and distance free and breaststroke.
For the women, they’ve added to their free and backstroke depth, while also addressing their medley weakness from last season.
The team will look to carry its momentum forward after new coach Meg Sisson French‘s successful first season was cut short.
MIT Press Release Courtesy MIT Athletics
Cambridge, Mass. (September 3) – A total of 25 first-years will be added to the MIT men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams this fall, as announced by Mary Frances Wagley ’47 Head Coach Meg Sisson French and assistant coach James Sica today.
“We are so excited to welcome the class of 2024 to the MIT Swim and Dive family! We have an awesome group of talented, versatile and driven swimmers and divers joining us this fall, and we’re looking forward to seeing what the next four years has in store for them,” said Sisson French. “Even though the beginning of their college careers will begin remotely, we’re confident this class will rise to the challenges of a virtual fall season. Our first year class has the opportunity to make an extremely positive impact on not only our swim and dive program but the entire community here at MIT this year!”
Sica added, “The class of 2024 is poised to have an incredible impact on our swimming and diving program and the greater MIT community over the next four years! This group of first years has already been uniquely challenged in many ways through their start at the Institute, but through it all they have acted with composure, grace, and an inspiring attitude of excitement and optimism for the future. We cannot wait to see the contributions that this talented group will make both in and out of the water during their careers at MIT. Go Tech!”
Both teams capped their respective seasons by winning the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Swimming and Diving Championship. Sisson French was named as the NEWMAC Men’s and Women’s Swimming Coach of the Year, while four student-athletes took home major awards from the league office. Recent graduates Bouke Edskes (Rockville, Md.) and Blake Zhou (Palo Alto, Calif.) were named as the Men’s Swimmer of the Year and Women’s Diver of the Year, respectively. In addition, rising sophomores Adam Janicki (Falls Church, Va.) and Edenna Chen (Colorado Springs, Colo.) swept Rookie of the Year accolades in 2019-20.
| MIT SWIMMING & DIVING CLASS OF 2024 | |
| MIRANDA CAI | Cranbury, N.J. |
| Top Times: 50-Free – 23.91 100-Free – 52.65 200-Free – 1:55.41 |
“I chose MIT because of its challenging academics and the many opportunities for exploration it has to offer. MIT has always been my top choice ever since my first visit on campus, and I’m excited to grow as both a student and an athlete in such a passionate and supportive environment.” |
| HELEN CHEN | Cary, N.C. |
| Top Times: 100-Back – 58.28 200-Back – 2:06.27 200-Free – 1:55.66 |
“I chose MIT not only for the unrivaled academic opportunities and equally competitive swim program, but also for the incredibly welcoming and driven spirit on campus. I can’t wait to be a part of such an amazing team and school!” |
| SYDNEY CHUN | Chandler, Ariz. |
| Top Times: 200-Fly – 2:01.95 200-IM – 2:04.14 400-IM – 4:23.52 |
“I chose MIT for more than just its reputation. The school culture encourages creativity and collaboration in its student body and is an overall positive learning environment despite the challenging course work. In addition, MIT has a great balance of athletics and academics so I can continue my career as a competitive swimmer while also developing my skills and knowledge for my future.” |
| HANNAH DONNER | Bethesda, Md. |
| Top Score: 1-Meter – 347.15 (11 Dives) |
“I chose MIT due to the unparalleled research opportunities and the close knit, collaborative environment that I felt when touring campus. The opportunity to continue diving and learning with some of the most accomplished professors in their field is what made me choose to call MIT my home for the next four years.” |
| ARIA EPPINGER | Pittsburgh, Pa. |
| Top Times: 200-Free – 1:58.71 500-Free – 5:19.41 1650-Free – 17:58.76 |
“I chose MIT due to the unparalleled research opportunities and the close knit, collaborative environment that I felt when touring campus. The opportunity to continue diving and learning with some of the most accomplished professors in their field is what made me choose to call MIT my home for the next four years.” |
| MIKE HADJIIVANOV | Glenview, Ill. |
| Top Times: 50-Free – 20.63 100-Free – 45.67 200-Free – 1:42.65 |
“I picked MIT because I wanted to put myself in an environment where I’d be constantly challenged, and surrounded by extraordinary people doing extraordinary things. Combining this academic experience with one of the best D3 swim programs made MIT a no-brainer.” |
| KYLE HARE | Medford, N.J. |
| Top Times: 500-Free – 4:35.95 1650-Free – 15:55.43 200-Fly – 1:50.94 |
“I chose MIT because of the extensive opportunities available for me to achieve my goals, both in and out of the pool. The education and research opportunities are unparalleled, and the swim team is such a welcoming community with extraordinary coaches. I am so excited and humbled to be a part of this amazing community for the next four years! Go Tech!” |
| JANE HU | Louisville, Ky. |
| Top Times: 100-Breast – 1:05.51 200-Breast – 2:22.45 200-IM – 2:08.25 |
“I choose MIT because of the countless opportunities to explore my interests in S.T.E.M. and the amazing community of all the students, especially the swim team. I remember stepping onto campus the first time and being amazed by research and projects the students were pursuing. MIT is the best place to continue both my academic and swimming career!” |
| SASHA KONOVALENKO | Midland, Mich. |
| Top Times: 100-Back – 59.41 200-Back – 2:11.50 200-IM – 2:11.06 |
“There’s something special about being surrounded by the people who go to MIT. Everyone has a drive to discover, and I know here I’ll be able to push myself beyond any limits in such an amazing community. That’s not even mentioning swim. This is a team that I know I’d do anything for.” |
| KATIE KOSTECKI | St. Louis, Mo. |
| Top Times: 200-Free – 1:54.73 100-Back – 58.23 200-Back – 2:05.57 |
“I chose MIT because it’s a place where there’s nothing you can’t do. It’s a culture that takes your goals and your dreams and things you might’ve thought were impossible and says, “let’s make this happen.” It was so important to me to find an environment where I could explore any avenue or curiosity and I not only found that in MIT, but I also found a community that strives to help me in going beyond that. It’s a community that thrives on collaboration, pride, and unique traditions, and I remember sitting in an information session thinking, “this is it, this feels like home.” |
| BRIAN LI | Austin, Texas |
| Top Times: 200-Free – 1:41.56 500-Free – 4:34.27 1650-Free – 16:14.45 |
“When I went on my recruiting trip last October, the first thing that struck me was the people at MIT. Everyone I met was incredibly passionate about what they were doing, from classes to extracurriculars. In addition to being able to be a part of the community, I also chose MIT because it was a good fit for me both academically and athletically. I look forward to beginning my MIT experience this fall, whether remotely or in-person, and meeting my new teammates!” |
| JADEN LUO | Austin, Texas |
| Top Times: 200-Free – 1:37.11 100-Breast – 55.40 200-IM – 1:50.48 |
“I decided to come to MIT because of the amazing academics that the school offers in STEM in conjunction with the stellar swim team, and I feel that the flexibility and choices that are offered at MIT suit me greatly due to my uncertainty of what field I specifically want to pursue. I personally find biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering all interesting and I know that MIT has the resources to allow me to explore all of the fields and find which major suits me.” |
| RILEY MOEYKENS | Marshfield, Mass. |
| Top Times: 100-Back – 56.93 200-Back – 2:01.33 500-Free – 5:05.54 |
“I chose MIT for its outstanding academics, its limitless study and research opportunities, and its welcoming campus environment. The MIT Swim and Dive team is extremely welcoming and inclusive, and I can’t wait to become a member of the team this year!” |
| TOBY OBOCHI | Highlands Park, Ill. |
| Top Times: 50-Free – 20.19 100-Free – 44.98 100-Breast – 58.22 |
“I chose MIT because I felt that it had the right balance of academics and athletics. My goal in college is first to be a student, and then an athlete, and MIT offered a space where I could excel in both. It is the best engineering school in the world and has an incredibly successful DIII swimming program as well.” |
| EVELYN PETERS | Fort Mill, S.C. |
| Top Times: 100-Fly – 57.20 200-Fly – 2:07.52 200-Free – 1:54.47 |
“I chose MIT because of the balance between unparalleled academic opportunities and a collaborative, vibrant student culture. I felt at home with the swim and dive team from the moment I stepped on campus and can’t wait to join such a close-knit community. Go Tech!” |
| KATIE SAPOZHNIKOV | Ambler, Pa. |
| Top Times: 100-Fly – 57.58 200-Fly – 2:08.35 500-Free – 5:04.81 |
“I chose MIT for the perfect balance between world-class academics and a competitive swimming program. The swim team and MIT in general foster a strong sense of community, and all the students I got the chance to talk to were incredibly welcoming and passionate about everything they’re involved in. I’m so excited to join this amazing team! Go Tech!” |
| NICHOLAS SCHULTZ | Baldwinsville, N.Y. |
| Top Times: 100-Breast – 56.14 200-Breast – 2:06.62 200-IM – 1:59.65 |
“I chose MIT because of its great engineering program which is known for harboring creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurship. MIT also has a highly competitive swim team with a very supportive culture which I felt I fit right in with!” |
| ANDREI SPIRIDE | Plano, Texas |
| Top Times: 100-Back – 50.74 200-Back – 1:50.30 100-Fly – 52.35 |
“MIT offers the perfect combination of challenging academics and athletics. The team culture is extremely supportive and made me feel at home. Overall, MIT’s abundance of resources and friendly community make me excited to see what the future holds!” |
| NICOLE STILES | San Ramon, Calif. |
| Top Times: 200-Free – 1:54.46 500-Free – 5:01.26 1650-Free – 17:19.52 |
“I chose MIT for its blend of academic opportunity, the close-knit swim family, and dynamic school environment. MIT is the perfect place to learn and grow over the next few years.” |
| ARNOLD SU | Irvine, Calif. |
| Top Times: 100-Free – 45.23 100-Fly – 49.54 200-IM – 1:51.77 |
“I chose MIT because of the school’s never ending opportunities and resources. I feel like I can pursue and excel at anything to my liking (including but not limited to athletics, academia, research, and many more).Very excited for whatever the future may have in store!” |
| HELEN SUN | Solon, Ohio |
| Top Times: 50-Free – 24.10 100-Free – 52.16 100-Fly – 56.38 |
“I chose MIT because I wanted a program that could push me both academically and also athletically. When I visited campus, I loved the collaborative and friendly atmosphere in the classrooms and within the swim team and I knew MIT was perfect.” |
| MELODY WEN | Cary, N.C. |
| Top Times: 50-Free – 23.74 100-Free – 52.56 100-Back – 59.64 |
“At MIT, I know that I’ll be challenged both in the classroom and in the pool. Around brilliant people, I’m excited for the opportunity to grow as a student, an athlete, and a person. With a dream of passing the swim test, I can’t wait to be part of such an amazing team and community!” |
| JOSHUA WORNELL | Wellesley, Mass. |
| Diver: Was gymnast in High School |
“I chose MIT because of the energetic, determined, and focused engineering community that is MIT. I also really wanted a school that lets me prioritize my academics while still being a dedicated athlete. MIT showed me that they would help me continue in sports and also excel in school, all while being surrounded by like-minded people.” |
| ALAN YU | Herndon, Va. |
| Top Times: 100-Fly – 50.04 100-Breast – 56.50 200-Fly – 1:50.47 |
“I chose MIT because of the welcoming community and the variety of academic opportunities it offers. I can continue pursuing my goals in the classroom and the pool while being surrounded by people who inspire me to become the best version of myself!” |
| AARON ZHU | Chelmsford, Mass. |
| Top Times: 200-IM – 1:52.57 400-IM – 4:02.69 200-Breast – 2:03.95 |
“I chose MIT not only for its outstanding academics and swim team, but also for the amazing people there. The feeling you get when stepping on campus, knowing you’re surrounded by the world’s brightest leaders and innovators committed to making this world a better place, is truly inspiring and like none other. I can’t wait to be a part of the MIT Swim and Dive family!” |