Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
CHASKA, Minnesota, September 28. Although her famous backstroke Aquajet teammate Rachel Bootsma decided to head to California for college, Zoe Avestruz has decided to stay home and attend the University of Minnesota.
Avestruz, the top-ranked swimmer in the State of Minnesota as well as the 26th-ranked swimmer in the Class of 2015 by CollegeSwimming.com, filled in Bootsma’s Aquajet shoes quite nicely as one of the top backstrokers coming out in this class.
Avestruz, who preps at Farmington High, is incredible in the sprint backstroke events with a 24.44 in the 50-yard back and a 52.09 in the 100-yard back to her credit from the 2013 NCSA Junior Nationals as seen live on SwimmingWorld.TV.
Meanwhile, Avestruz has a 28.89 in the 50-meter back and a 1:02.46 in the 100-meter backstroke to her credit as well, and even threw in a 1:57.27 in the 200-yard backstroke this year at the 2014 NCSA Junior Nationals.
Avestruz is also a versatile threat with a 23.00 in the 50-yard free as well as a 49.77 in the 100-yard free. Not to mention a 54.30 in the 100-yard fly.
Avestruz represents a huge get for the Golden Gophers, as top 50 recruits typically leave the colder climates of Big Ten country for the Pacific 12 or Southeastern Conference. Minnesota, along with Big Ten foe Indiana, have been doing a great job of keeping top talent home this recruiting cycle.