USA Swimming is continuing its tradition of sending some of the best 18-and-under athletes to the FINA World Cup for crucial racing experience, picking 14 to attend the final two stops in the Middle East in November.
The junior team members typically attend the meets in Asia, but with FINA shifting the schedule around this year, the early November meets are taking place in Dubai and Doha. York YMCA head coach Michael Brooks will serve as head coach, while Cindy Dial of the Firestone Akron Swim Team will be the assistant coach.
Seven of the swimmers got the chance to race outside the United States earlier this year. Five of them competed at the junior world championships, while one was part of the Pan American Games team. Meghan Small, one of Brooks’ most promising swimmers, was the silver medalist in the 200 IM at the Pan American Games, unofficially breaking the junior world record in the process.
Carsten Vissering was part of the World University Games team in July, competing in the 100 breaststroke.
Of the five who swam at the junior world championships, Sean Grieshop was the only one who left with a gold medal. The Nitro Swimming standout won the 400 IM in Singapore.
The World Cup meets will feature some of the best athletes in the world, and the junior teamers will learn from the best, including two members of the USA Swimming national team. David Plummer and Felicia Lee will join the group in the Middle East, providing leadership both in and out of the pool.
USA Swimming 18-and-under squad to FINA World Cup
Women
Cassidy Bayer, Nation’s Capital Swim Club
Marta Ciesla, Pine Crest Swimming
Erin Earley, Hopkins Mariner Swim Team
Courtney Harnish, York YMCA
Meghan Small, York YMCA
Men
Michael Andrew, Indie Swimming
Sean Grieshop, Nitro Swimming
Matthew Hirschberger, Nation’s Capital Swim Club
Logan Houck, Sandpipers of Nevada
Bryce Mefford, Sierra Marlins Swim Team
Joey Reilman, Firestone Akron Swim Team
Carsten Vissering, Nation’s Capital Swim Team
Chris Yeager, Nitro Swimming
Sam and Libby!!!!!!!
Carsten Vissering was able to get international experience this summer as well at the World University Games in Korea – so that makes a total of 7.
Looks like a good team and a fun trip.
Yep, Carsten did swim at WUGs. Thanks!
This is my best swimming
Breast Swimming
Dubai????
Congrats to Chris and Sean from Nitro!!!
Good Luck Erin!!
Yes Brice!!!! Congratulations….go get em…..