Bright Forecast for Women’s Swimming and Diving Team
By Mia Nicholson, Public Relations Major '15
WASHINGTON, D.C - Howard University's women's swimming and diving team will be opening its season on Friday, October 8 at Mary Washington College.
The Lady Bison hope to pick up where they left off last year, placing sixth in the women's 200-yard freestyle at the Potomac Relay Invitational and ending the season with three victories.
The season was proved to be historic. Senior Ashley Goins broke some school records in diving. All total, the team went on to break six school records last year under head coach Matt Salerno.
Salerno, now in his third season was asked about the team's accomplishments.
"The team has grown quite a bit and is developing into a better program," noted Salerno. "The work ethic of the team is great and I know that we will only grow from here."
He continued, "Over the past three years that I have been coaching, I have seen a great improvement in the swimming and diving team as a program. I expect this year to be even better."
There are a few new additions to the team. Freshmen Briana Dillon, Caleah Gregoire, Marissa Gentry are all expected to make an immediate impact. "They are very talented young women and I know they will perform well this year," said Salerno confidently.
When asked what the team has been doing to surpass last year's accomplishments, he replied "We have been training hard since Labor Day weekend. We hold practice at 5 am and 7 pm and we go to American University on Fridays to practice there."
Salerno does not hide his excitement over the upcoming season and added that he has set some team goals.
"We placed ninth overall last year and this year we are aiming for seventh" said Salerno. "Aiming their goals higher and higher is the only way for improvement of not only the team, but of the program as a whole."
One of the team's biggest goals this year is to continue to rewrite the record books. The list consists of the Top 10 swim times. This year's goal is to have 50 new swim records on that list.
The Howard University women's swimming and diving team is a program one that is on the rise and great things can be expected in the future.
