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LOUISVILLE – University of Louisville swimming announced the signing of six men and 11 women in the latest recruiting class.
Men’s Press Release
The University of Louisville men’s swimming and diving program announced the signing of five swimmers and a diver for the class of 2015 according to head coach Arthur Albiero. The class includes: Jake Miller of El Paso, Ill., Zach Harting of Madison, Ala., Matyi Kovacs of Mishawaka, Ind., Abel Aulbach of Petersburg, Alaska, and Jacob Demercurio of Frisco, Texas, and Daniel Fecteau of Olathe, Kansas.
“We are very excited about this incoming group of young men,” said UofL head coach Arthur Albiero. “Our staff canvassed the country to assemble a class that we feel can make an immediate impact at both the ACC and NCAA level. We filled some strategic athletic needs. But what most impresses me about each of these young men is their burning desire to improve themselves athletically and on a personal level. Each of these young men have been handpicked to continue our quest to elevate the University of Louisville Swimming and Diving Program into the upper echelon of the NCAA and Olympic Levels.”
Jake Miller – El Paso, Illinois – IM, Free
Jake Miller comes to UofL from El Paso, Illinois. Under the guidance of Coach John Almeida at the Redbird Swim Club, Miller established himself as the No. 1 recruit out of the State of Illinois according to collegeswimming.com. A 2016 Olympic Trial qualifier in the 400 IM, he also holds the Illinois High School State Record in the 200 IM. The four-time NCSA Junior National Champion holds NCSA records on both the 400 IM and the 100 freestyle, and was invited to attend the 2014 USA Swimming National Select Camp at the USOC Olympic Training Center.
Jake on choosing Louisville
“I chose Louisville because of the energy of the talented coaching staff and their focus on building partnerships with each swimmer. Their genuine drive, goals and high ambitions really spoke to me – They have a talented group of swimmers, who are humble but hungry. I’m looking forward to being a part of this team! GO CARDS!”
Miller’s Top Times:
200 IM – 1:47.47 SCY / 2:05.13 LCM
400 IM – 3:50.36 SCY / 4:26.04 LCM
100 FR – 45.03 SCY / 50.77 LCM
200 FR – 1:40.94 SCY / 1:55.36 LCM
500 FR – 4:25.38 SCY / 4:04.43 LCM
Zach Harting – Madison, Ala. – Butterfly/ IM
Zach Harting joins the Cards from Madison, Alabama. The No. 1 recruit out of the State of Alabama, according to collegeswimming.com, he represents the Huntsville Swimming Association under the tutelage of Coach Matt Weber. A 2016 Olympic Trial qualifier in the 200 butterfly, Harting shattered the Southeastern Swimming record held by 2008 Olympian Gil Stoval in the yards format of the event this year. The 2014 High School State Champion in the 100-yard butterfly was invited to the USA Swimming National Select Camp at the USOC Olympic Training Center. Harting is also a two- time USA Swimming Scholastic All-American and is a member of the National Honor Society, the Beta Service Club, and the National English Honor Society.
Zach on choosing Louisville
“Louisville is the entire package. The coaching staff, team, facilities, campus, and academic staff all made me feel welcomed and at home… and soon it will be! Go Cards!”
Harting’s Top Times: 100 FL – 48.99 SCY / 55.72 LCM
200 FL – 1:46.50 SCY / 2:01.12 LCM
200 IM – 1:51.60 SCY / 2:09.31 LCM
400 IM – 3:58.30 SCY / 4:34.30 LCM
Matyi Kovacs – Mishawaka, Ind. – Freestyle
Matyi Kovacs comes to Louisville from Mishawaka, Indiana. A product of Coach Jess Preston of Penn High School and PRO Swimming, Kovacs was the 2014 Indiana High School Runner-up in the 50 yard freestyle and an All-American in that event. An Honor Student at Penn High School, Kovacs is a USA Swimming Winter Nationals qualifier.
Matyi on choosing Louisville
“I chose the University of Louisville because it felt like the perfect fit for my goals both in and out of the pool.”
Kovac’s Top Times:
50 FR – 20.49 SCY / 23.81 LCM
100 FR – 45.47 SCY / 52.53 LCM
200 FR – 1:43.72 SCY
Abel Aulbach – Petersburg, Alaska – Freestyle
Abel Aulbach joins the Cards from Petersburg, Alaska. Aulbach was the Alaska High School State Champion in the 50 and 100 freestyle for 2012, 2013, and 2014. In 2014, he broke the State Record in the 100 freestyle (44.90). An Honor Roll student Aulbach is top 12 in his graduating class.
Abel on choosing Louisville
“I chose the University of Louisville because the coaching staff is really nice, and it is a very cool program.”
Aulbach’s Top Times:
50 FR – 21.13 SCY
100 FR – 44.90 SCY
Jacob Demercurio – Frisco, Texas – Free/Back
Jacob Demercurio joins the Cards from Frisco, Texas. The Madisonville, Kentucky native returns to his home state after his family relocated during his senior year. A product of the Madisonville YMCA under Coach Kent Waide, and Coach Dan McDonough of Texas Ford Aquatics, Demercurio has won multiple Kentucky State Swimming Championships, and qualified for the USA Swimming Junior Nationals. A two-time Academic All-American, Demercurio carries a 4.0 GPA and is a member of the National Beta Club.
Jacob on why he chose the Cards
“Between the academic programs, the coaching staff, and the team I felt that Louisville was the best fit for me. Also growing up in Kentucky, I have always wanted to be a Cardinal. Finally, my parents really like and trust Coach Albiero, and his Staff!”
Demercurio’s Top Times:
50 FR – 21.24 SCY
100 BK – 50.87 SCY
Daniel Fecteau – Olathe, Kan. — Diver
Daniel Fecteau joins the Cardinals from Olathe, Kansas. As a member of iDiveKC under Coach Christian Zarif, Fecteau took home Kansas High School State Championships in both 2013 and 2014 on the 1m Springboard. He also qualified for Nationals this past March at Regionals in Southlake, Texas.
Daniel on choosing Louisville
“I chose the University of Louisville because by all means, UofL was and will be the top runner: athletically, academically, competitivness, team unity and cooperation, facilities, facility,world famous coaches, and everything else. Louisville was the dream school of mine and I am honored to have this opportunity to represent this swim and dive team which is currently Top Five in the nation. This is a whole new chapter in my life coming from Kansas, where there are limited facilities to practice at. So, I am nowhere close to peaking, and am looking forward to help contribute towards a National Championship for the University of Louisville.”
Women’s Press Release
The University of Louisville women’s swimming and diving program announced the signing of eight swimmers and three divers for the class of 2015. The class of 11 includes Caitlin Ahern, Clara Baggett, Rachael Bradford-Feldman, Sophie Cattermole, Mallory Comerford, Erin Duffey, Carly Hill, Grace Long, Emily Moser, Manuela Sampaio and Ayaka Schmitz.
“This is a class that we worked very hard to put together,” said head coach Arthur Albiero. “This was a total team effort and certainly coach Stephanie Juncker as a recruiting coordinator played a big part in this. But ultimately this is a group that we felt will greatly impact our program both athletically and academically as we continue to grow in the ACC. It’s a group that we expect to come in and help us achieve our national goals as well.”
Caitlin Ahern – Fort Lauderdale, FL – St. Thomas Aquinas High School
Best Times:
100 BR: 1:03.30
200 BR: 2:20.49
Ahern joins the Cardinals coming off an exciting performance at the FHSAA 4A State Championships as she won the 100 Breast in a time of 1:03.30 for St. Thomas Aquinas High School. She was named a 2014 All-American in the 100 Breast and the 2014 St. Thomas Aquinas High School Swim Team MVP. Ahern is a fantastic student and is a member of the National Honors Society and was a 2013-14Scholastic All-American.
Caitlin on why she chose Louisville
“I absolutely love the coaching staff, team, and facilities. On my visit, everyone made me feel completely at home and like I was already a part of their family. I’m so excited for the opportunity to be a Cardinal!”
Coach Albiero on Caitlin
“We are very excited to work with Caitlin. She was looking for a place that would allow her to combine high level academics with high level athletics, and saw our program as a perfect fit. I think she has a tremendous upside”
Clara Baggett – Evansville, IN – Reitz High School
Best Times:
50 FR: 23.25
100 FR: 50.46
Baggett will join the Cardinals from nearby Evansville, Ind. where she now attends Reitz High School and swims for the Newburgh Sea Creatures. Prior to Reitz, she attended Mt. Vernon Senior High and was a three-time state runner-up, twice in the 50 free and once in the 100 free. She was named the Mt. Vernon Swim Team MVP as a sophomore and junior, received all-conference and all-state honors and was an All-American in each event every year. Baggett is a summer and winter Junior Nationals qualifier. Academically, she is ranked in the top ten percent of her class and is a member of the National Honor Society.
Clara on why she chose Louisville
“I chose the University of Louisville because I finally got “the feeling” in my heart that it was the right choice for me. I love the coaches, team, and facilities and I am confident that the support and opportunities there will help guide me to success in and out of the pool. I can’t wait to be a Cardinal!”
Coach Albiero on Clara
“I think Clara is a diamond in the rough. She brings a lot of spark and energy, and we are very excited for her to be joining our program.”
Rachael Bradford-Feldman – Boca Raton, FL – Saint Andrew’s School
Best Times:
200 IM: 2:00.40
400 IM: 4:19.92
100 BR: 1:03.44
200 BR: 2:15.77
Bradford-Feldman currently attends Saint Andrew’s School in Boca Raton, Fla. but is originally from Essex, Vermont. She was a FHSAA state champion as a sophomore and runner-up as a junior and senior. Bradford-Feldman is the Saint Andrew’s team captain, a Junior National finalist and All-American. Academically she is on the headmaster’s list at Saint Andrew’s.
Coach Albiero on Rachael
“Rachel has a tremendous upside as an athlete. I think she’s only started to scratch the surface of her potential.”
Sophie Cattermole – Englewood, FL – Lemon Bay High School
Best Times:
200 FR: 1:47.29
500 FR: 4:45.26
200 IM: 2:00.39
400 IM: 4:16.38
Cattermole will come to Louisville as a native of Great Britain, but her family currently resides in the Sarasota, Fla. area where she attends Lemon Bay High School and swims for Sarasota YMCA. She is a three-time FHSAA 2A state champion winning two titles this year in the 200 and 500 freestyle and the 200 IM in 2013, as well as a three-time state runner-up in the 100 free (2x) and 200 IM. She is a Senior National and Great Britain Olympic Trial Qualifier and a multiple time YMCA Nationals finalist. Cattermole has garnered numerous awards including the Herald Tribune Swimmer of the Year, Charlotte County Swimmer of the Year, ABC7 Athlete of the Week and HT Preps Athlete of the Week. She has excelled in the classroom as well as a USA Swimming Scholastic All-American, named to the NISCA Swimming All-America team, member of National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society.
Sophie on why she chose Louisville
“On my recruiting trip I felt like I was part of the team already. Coach Arthur and the rest of the coaching staff understood where I want my swimming career to go, and I feel like I will reach my next level of potential while swimming for them! I couldn’t be any more pleased with my decision. Go Cards!”
Coach Albiero on Sophie
“Sophie’s versatility was something that caught our attention early. She can do a lot of different things, but maybe more importantly is her personality, which we believe will be a great asset.”
Mallory Comerford – Kalamazoo, MI – Plainwell High School
Best Times:
50 FR: 23.35
100 FR: 50.14
200 FR: 1:47.60
Comerford will head down to Louisville from Kalamazoo, Mich. where she attends Plainwell High School and swims for Southwest Y Michigan Swimming. She has earned a number of athletic achievements including the 2011 and 2012 Division 3 Michigan Swimmer of the Year, an All-American in the 50, 100, 200 and 500 freestyles, a Michigan State Champion and a finalist at the NCSA Junior Nationals. Comerford has excelled in the classroom as a member of the National Honor Society and a 2013 and 2014 USA Swimming Scholastic All-American.
Mallory on why she chose Louisville
“Louisville has always felt like the right place to be. The team already feels like my family and the coaching staff is amazing! I cannot wait to see where this opportunity is going to take me. Go Cards!”
Coach Albiero on Mallory
“Mallory I think is a perfect fit for our program and vice versa. The first time I met Mallory I knew that she had all of the intangibles that we look for in a successful UofL student-athlete.”
Erin Duffey – Louisville, KY – Sacred Heart Academy
Duffey will continue her education and diving career here in Louisville after attending Sacred Heart Academy in Louisville. She has been one of the top divers in the state of Kentucky throughout her high school career as she has been First-Team All-State, an All-American and won the 2013 KHSAA state championship. On the national stage, Duffey is a JO Nationals and Age Group Nationals Finalist. She has done great job in the classroom as a member of the honor roll, principal’s list, and ambassador all four years. Duffey is also involved in founding the Current Events Club, Youth for Life Club and FCA at Sacred Heart.
Erin on why she chose Louisville
“As a local, Louisville has always been home to me. However, it wasn’t until my official visit that I knew this was the school for me. My decision was mainly based on the team and coaches and what they were doing with their program. Immediately, the team and coaches made me feel at home. I could see that they were extremely motivated to progress their program in the ACC, and I wanted to be a part of it. Their motivation to be the best lit a spark for me and really sealed the deal on me coming here. ”
Coach Albiero on Erin
“Erin is a local product, somebody that we’ve watched for quite some time. She continued to develop and get better. We are thrilled that she chose to be a part of our program.”
Carly Hill – Fort Thomas, KY – Highlands High School
Hill will come to Louisville from Fort Thomas, Ky. where she attends Highlands High School. She is another top diver from the state of Kentucky having won the 2014 KHSAA state championship. Hill is a finalist at Age Group Junior Nationals, 3-time NISCA All-American, the 2013 KHSAA state runner-up and Kentucky Enquirer Diver of the Year. Academically Hill has excelled as a member of National Honor Society, National English & Math Honor Society, a Scholastic All-American and has served as Student Council President and Vice-President.
Coach Albiero on Carly
“We are thrilled to keep arguably the two best divers in the state to be a part of our program. We are excited to see what the future holds for Carly and all of our divers.”
Grace Long – Upper Arlington, OH – Upper Arlington High School
Best Times:
50 FR: 23.1
100 FR: 49.93
200 FR: 1:48.67
Long will come to Louisville from Upper Arlington, Ohio where she attends Upper Arlington High School and swims for UA Swim Club. She is a 15-time All-American and was the Ohio state runner-up in the 100 free in 2014. Long also played water polo for Upper Arlington and is coming off of a state title this fall. She has excelled in the classroom as well having been on the honor roll all four years of high school.
Grace on why she chose Louisville
“I chose Louisville because I loved the coaching staff and the team. On my recruiting trip it felt like a place I could call home and have great people around me. I believe this team will be a great experience! Go Cards!!”
Coach Albiero on Grace
“Gracie is a great student, committed athlete and someone that has potential to have an immediate impact in the sprints”
Emily Moser – Fishers, IN – Fishers High School
Best Times:
200 FR: 1:50.55
500 FR: 4:48.80
Moser will join a cast of swimmers from Indiana on the Cardinals roster as she attends Fishers High School in Fishers, Ind. She is a two-time state runner-up in the 500 free and has been named All-state and an All-American twice. Moser is currently the Fishers team captain and is a summer Junior and winter Senior National qualifier. She also brings a dedication to the classroom to Louisville after being on the Honor Roll, a member of NHS and a Scholastic All-American.
Emily on why she chose Louisville
“I really just loved the family atmosphere at Louisville. I felt so welcome and like I was already a part of the team just from the trip. I also really loved the coaching staff. They seemed very engaged in the program and the swimmers. You could tell they truly cared about the swimmers as students, as athletes, as people.”
Coach Albiero on Emily
“Emily is a smart young lady; I think she’s got great improvement ahead of her. She fell in love with us and we fell in love with her right away, so it’s a great match!”
Manuela Sampaio – Elizabethtown, KY – Elizabethtown High School
Best Times:
100 BR: 1:09.79 (SCM)
200 BR: 2:27.49 (SCM)
Sampaio will join the Cardinals from nearby Elizabethtown, Ky. where she attends Elizabethtown High School. She is a state champion in the 200 Breast and runner-up in the 400 IM. Sampaio also has citizenship in Brazil and finished second in the 200 Breast at Brazilian Nationals. She is currently captain of her team, Region Swimmer of the Year and a Scholastic All-American.
Manuela on why she chose Louisville
“I absolutely loved everything about the team, coaching staff, and the facility. I cannot wait to be a Lady Card!”
Coach Albiero on Maunela
“Manuela is another one who has had a tremendous improvement curve over the last couple of years. She’s going to come in with some international experience and ready for high level division one swimming”.
Ayaka Schmitz – Littleton, CO – D’Evelyn Senior High
Schmitz will continue the Cardinals Colorado connection as she comes to Louisville from Littleton, Colo. where she attends D’Evelyn Senior High and dives for Mile High Dive Club. While she has only been diving for two years, she will bring great athleticism having been a level 8/9 gymnast prior to beginning diving. She did place 8th at the National Zone D championships in the women’s synchro 3-meter springboard. Schmitz is a fantastic student as well as she has been on the honor roll all four years and is a member of National Honor Society.
Ayaka on why she chose Louisville
“I chose Louisville because I loved everything about the school, including the awesome positive energy that came with the team. I loved how the team was almost like a family, and I truly look forward to becoming part of this special team.”
Coach Albiero on Ayaka
“We are excited for Ayaka. We know that she looked at a lot of different places but in the end of the day felt that Louisville was the right place for her. She also marks the beginning of the new era and the first diving class for coach KZ.”