The Minnesota women have picked up another verbal commitment, as Bismarck High School senior Emma Hepper has announced her intention to join the Golden Gophers next fall. Hepper is primarily a back/freestyler, and her current club training base is with AquaStorm in North Dakota.
Last season, Hepper was a 2-time medalist at the 2015 North Dakota State Championships. There, she established herself as the state champion in the 100 back with her 57.54. She also clocked a 1:52.47 to pick up a silver medal in the 200 free. Later in the season, Hepper went on to set best times in the 200 bacl (2:02.47) and 200 IM (2:10.69) at the 2016 North Dakota State Short Course Championships.
Hepper’s Top Times:
- 100 back- 57.40
- 200 back- 2:02.47
- 100 free- 52.92
- 200 free- 1:52.17
- 200 IM- 2:10.69
When she arrives at Minnesota, Hepper’s biggest contributions will likely come in the backstroke events. She’ll be joining a Gophers backstroke group that includes Zoe Avestruz, who placed 12th in the 100 free and 11th in the 100 back at the 2016 Big Ten Championships. She’ll also be training with Chantal Nack, who scored in the C-final of the 200 back with her 19th place finish at 2016 Big Tens.
If you have a commitment to report, please send an email with a picture and quote to [email protected].