PULLMAN, WA, December 31. THREE swimmers signed their National Letter of Intent with the Washington State University this fall announced Cougar Head Coach Erica Quam.
The three signees are Jamie MacLeod of Mississauga, Ontario, Elyse Peterson of San Luis Obispo, Calif., and Afton Pickett of Monroe, Mich.
MacLeod is a national level swimmer with Etobicoke Swim Club in Canada. She qualified and competed in the 50 and 100 freestyle at the 2004 Canadian Olympic Finals. Last season, MacLeod was named the Etobicoke Swimmer of the Year. In her sophomore season, MacLeod was the high point award winner for her age group at the Ontario Junior Provincials. MacLeod is also a three-time silver medalist at the Ontario short course. Academically, MacLeod has received honors three consecutive years.
Peterson is a three time all-league swimmer. She has led her team to back-to-back league championships and consecutive undefeated seasons while being named team MVP both years. Peterson is the southern California Junior Olympic Champion and the school record holder in the 100 breaststroke.
In the classroom, Peterson holds a 4.3 GPA and is a member of the California Scholastic Federation. She has also been on the academic honor roll each trimester.
Elyse is coming off a year of improvement in the breaststroke events, Quam said. She is a U.S. Open qualifier in the 100 breaststroke, she dropped four seconds in the 200, and has a great background in the freestyle events. She has the ability to step up and race when her team need her.
Pickett is a two time High School All-American in the 100 backstroke. She won the 100 backstroke at the 2004 Central Zone Speedo Championship Series Meet.
Academically, she in a three year member of the National Honor Society and a Michigan Merit Award scholar.
Afton is a team captain for high school swim team and is a versatile racer, Quam said. She has the ability to contribute to our team in a variety of events and will continue to improve in another exciting racing environment.