North Carolina State University Athletics
2014-15 Swimming & Diving Preview: Backstroke
9/22/2014 12:00:00 AM | Swimming
RALEIGH, N.C. - The NC State swimming & diving team posted strong results last season in the backstroke events. Head coach Braden Holloway and GoPack.com take a closer look at the 2014-15 version of the backstroke group in preparation for the season.
Holloway's Take
"Backstroke should be pretty good for us this year," said head coach Braden Holloway. "We're looking to score a lot of points throughout the regular season and the ACC Championships in February and March in the backstroke events."
Men's Key Returners
- The Pack returns a well-balanced group from a season ago, as the squad returns four of its top times in the 100 backstroke and the top-five times in the 200 back.
- Coming off two South African National Titles over the summer in the 100 and 200 backstroke, Stephen Coetzer returns for his senior campaign. Coetzer was an NCAA All-American last season in the 200 back and recorded the second-fastest time in the 100 back.
- In addition, Michael Camper returns for his senior season. Last season, Camper placed sixth overall at the ACC Championships in the 200 backstroke and also scored points in the `B' final in the 100 back.
- Andreas Schiellerup returns for his sophomore campaign following a stellar first season. As a freshman, Schiellerup finished with All-ACC honors and the top time on the team in the 100 backstroke, while also qualifying for the NCAA Championships in the event.
Men's Key Newcomers
- Freshman Hennessey Stuart will play a key role for the Wolfpack this season in backstroke, where he won the Colorado 5A State Championships in the 100 backstroke and holds a personal-best time of 46.91 in the event.
- Jacob Siar, a transfer from Auburn University, will aid the depth of the backstroke events. The junior scored points at the 2014 SEC Championships in the 100 back.
Women's Key Returners
- The Wolfpack women's team returns three of its top five times in the 100 and 200 back, including the top time in each event.
- Alexia Zevnik returns for her sophomore campaign following a freshman season that saw her qualify for the NCAA Championships in the 100 back and record the top time in program history. Zevnik also finished with the second-best time last season in the 200 backstroke.
- The women's team also will return senior Hannah Freyman, who finished the season with the top time in program history in the 200 backstroke.
Women's Key Newcomers
- Yurie Nakano, a transfer from Indian River State College, will aid the squad in the 100 back. The junior helped bring the 2013 & 2014 NJCCA National Championship to Indian River State College and captured the 2014 National Championship in the 100 backstroke.
- A native of Charlotte, N.C., freshman Lauren Rhodes looks to be the top newcomer in the 200 back, as she holds a personal-best time of 2:00.92 in the event.
Up Next
The Wolfpack will open its 2014-15 regular season at the All-North Carolina Invitational, which will be held in Greensboro, N.C., Oct. 3-4.
