Swimming Excited for Strong Class of Newcomers

meet the newcomers swimming graphic with a blue background and meet the newcomers text and ospreyswim text

8/12/2022 12:00:00 PM | General, Women's Swimming

2022-23 Roster

14 Ospreys Join the UNF Swimming Program

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - North Florida swimming is excited to announce a large class of 14 newcomers to the 2022-23 roster, with the group hailing from four different states.

"This season we welcome a large new group to the program," head coach Ian Coffey said. "Everyone could be a scorer at the conference championships this season and each can swim a lot of different events, adding value to our roster."

Hannah Gnatt
Events: Free/IM
Ht: 5-7
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Chicago, Ill.
Previous School: Mother McAuley
Major: Marketing

Prior to UNF

Transferred from Davenport University where she competed for one season.
Six-year varsity letterwinner in high school, earning MVP honors.

Top times:

500 free: 5:07.68
1000 free: 10:33.63
1650 free: 17.45.71

Personal

Intends to major in marketing
Daughter of Krista and Joseph Gnatt
Has one sibling, Aidan

Why UNF?
"It's in a great location and I was able to receive a great opportunity. All the people were super nice as well."

Michelle Whelton
Events: Fly/IM/Free
Ht: 5-7
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Venice, Fla.
Previous School: State College of Florida
Major: Business

Prior to UNF

Four-year varsity letterwinner in high school
Swam freestyle and butterfly
Was a member of the all-area team in 2018

Top times:

200 butterfly (2:04)
200 freestyle (1:54)
100 butterfly (58.6)
Competed at YMCA Nationals

Personal

Born in Trier, Germany
Intends to major in business
Daughter of Magda and Joe Whelton
Has one brother, Matteo, who plays basketball at Emory University
Father, Joe, played basketball at the University of Connecticut and coached professional basketball in Europe
Mother, Magda, played basketball on the Swiss National Team
Graduated in the top 15 percent of her class in high school

Why UNF?
"I chose UNF because of how welcoming the team and staff were as soon as I stepped on campus. UNF has one of the most beautiful campuses and pools."

Sara Maschmeier
Events: Back
Ht: 5-9
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Suwanee, Ga.
Previous School: Lambert HS
Major: Business Management

Prior to UNF

Four-year varsity letterwinner at Lambert HS
Won a state title in 2021 and three county championships
Competed in backstroke and butterfly

Personal

Daughter of Stephanie and Shawn Maschmeier
Has one sibling, Seth, who swims at Auburn University
Intends to major in business management

Why UNF?
"I love the atmosphere and the beautiful campus."

Aydan Horrigan
Events: Backstroke/Individual Medley
Ht: 5-3
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Niceville, Fla.
Previous School: Niceville HS
Major: Exercise Science & Kinesiology

Prior to UNF

Four-year varsity letterwinner
Competed in IM and backstroke events
Three-time state champion and two-time NCSA Spring Jr. Nationals honoree
Also accumulated awards including:
USA Today High School Sports Awards - Florida Panhandle Honoree
NHS State Team - 2019, 2020, 2021
FHSAA 3A State Finalist - 2020, 2021
FHSAA 3A State Runner-Up 200 medley relay (2021)
2021 NHS Coaches Award
2022 Coast Aquatics Coaches Award
Coast Aquatics NCSA Jr. National Team (2021, 2022)

Best times:

400 IM: 4:32.09 - 2022 SC Southeastern Championships
400 IM: 5:08.88 - 2022 SE Richard Quick Invite
200 Back: 2:05.40 - 2021 GPAC Winter Invitational
200 IM: 2:09.72 - 2021 FHSAA 3A State Championships

Personal

Daughter of Lynn and Sean Horrigan
Has one sibling, Meghan
Intends to major in exercise science and kinesiology
Born in San Angelo, Texas
National Honor Society student
Earned the Annie T. Mitchell Honors Award for four seasons
Summa Cum Laude, Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society and NWFSC Presidents List student

Why UNF?
"I chose UNF because of the amazing coaches, the brand new facilities and the overall feeling that the team is a family. UNF also has an amazing exercise science program that is extremely successful in getting students into physical therapy schools. These reasons really made the decision to come to UNF incredibly easy!"

Allea Jensen
Events: Free
Ht: 5-9
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Belleair, Fla.
Previous School: Largo HS
Major: Health Science

Prior to UNF

Four-year varsity letterwinner at Largo HS
Swam in freestyle and backstroke
Largo HS MVP for four years and was the team captain in her senior year
200 free record holder
Won 3A state title

Top times:

50 yard free (24.8)
100 yard free (53.8)
200 yard free (1:55.7)
100 yard back (1:00.5)

Personal

Daughter of Laura and Peter Jensen
Has four siblings, Evan, Westin, Emily and PJ
Evan played golf at the University of Florida
Born in Clearwater, Fla.
Geometry honors student of the year in high school

Why UNF?
"I chose UNF because as soon as I stepped on campus I knew it was the right fit. The team was so welcoming and I felt at home."

Kate Eaton
Events: Free/Back
Ht: 5-10
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Cumming, Ga.
Previous School: Forsyth Central HS
Major: Pre-Nursing

Prior to UNF
Four-year varsity letterwinner in high school
Competed in freestyle and backstroke
Four-time MVP and all-county honoree

Top times:

50 free - Speedo Sectionals (24.46)
100 free - GHSA State (53.08)
200 free - Speedo Sectionals (1:56.21)
100 back - GA Metro Divisional (59.15)

Personal

Born in Atlanta, Ga.
Daughter of Danice and Andrew
Has one brother, Thomas, who swims at Cincinnati
Father and mother both swam at Kenyon College in Ohio
Intends to major in pre-nursing

Why UNF?
"I chose UNF because of the awesome new pool and the great team environment. I immediately clicked with the coaches and the team. I am confident that this school is a perfect fit for me, both academically and athletically."

Amelia Hildebrand
Events: Breaststroke/Freestyle
Ht: 5-3
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Lawrenceville, Ga.
Previous School: Duluth HS
Major: Pre-Health Kinesiology

Prior to UNF

Four-year varsity letterwinner
2021 Gwinnett County Champion - 100 breast
2019-20 Duluth Girls High Point Award
2018-19 Duluth Newcomer Award
2020-21 Duluth Girls MVP
2021-22 Duluth Wildcat Award
2018-22 Gwinnett County All-Star Team
2020-22 Georgia All-Star

Top Times

100 breast | 1:05.69 (2022 GA GHSA 6-7A State Meet)
100 free | 52.41 (2022 GA GHSA 6-7A State Meet)
200 free | 1:56.14 (2022 GA Gwinnett HS Swim Meet)
200 breast | 2:26.50 (2021 SC TG Great Pumpkin Invite)

Personal

Intends to major in pre-health kinesiology
Has a patient care technician certificate
Dual enrollment student
Honor graduate
AP student in high school
Daughter of Velvet and William
Has one sibling, Kailyn

Why UNF?
"UNF has amazing programs at the Brooks College of Health and a great support system for student-athletes. The team is very welcoming and ready to get to work."

Kate Hill
Events: Back/Breast
Ht: 5-5
Class: Freshman
Hometown: New Smyrna Beach, Fla.
Previous School: Lake Brantley HS
Major: Nursing

Prior to UNF

Four-year varsity letterwinner in swimming at Lake Brantley HS, competing largely in IM, breaststroke and backstroke events.
Helped lead her team to a conference title in 2021

Top times:
100 back: 58.3 - 2021 state championships
100 breast: 1:06.57

Personal

Magna cum laude graduate in high school as a National Honor Society student
Has one sibling, Gavin
Daughter of Karen and Charles
Intends to major in nursing

Why UNF?
"For UNF's nursing program and to join the swimming team."

Ellie Hixenbaugh
Events: Breast/IM
Ht: 5-9
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Louisville, Ky.
Previous School: Ballard HS
Major: Mechanical Engineering

Prior to UNF

Swam as a four-year varsity letterwinner at Ballard HS in Louisville, Ky., competing primarily in breaststroke.
Four-year MVP of the Ballard Swim Team
Competed at the Speedo Sectionals and Speedo Southern Premier

Top Times:

2022 13 and over Kentucky SCY Championships: 2:23.02
2022 KHSAA State Championships, 100 breast: 1:06.30
2022 13 and over Kentucky SCY Championships, 200 IM: 2:15.01

Personal

AP Scholar with distinction in high school
KHSAA Academic All-State
Principal's List and National Honor Society student
Intends to major in mechanical engineering
Daughter of Terri and Steve Hixenbaugh
Has three sisters, Audrey, Erin and Emma
All three sisters swam collegiately. Emma competed at FGCU, Audrey at Bellarmine and Erin at Tampa.

Why UNF?
"I chose UNF because of the opportunity to be a part of the women's swimming team. UNF also provides the major I am interested in and is in the perfect location for me. I feel that UNF is the best place for me to receive the education I need for my future and is a great community to grow in."

Claire Kerber
Events: Butterfly/Freestyle
Ht: 5-2
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Milton, Ga.
Previous School: Cambridge HS
Major: Business

Prior to UNF

Four-year varsity letterwinner at Cambridge HS, swimming butterfly primarily
Won the 6A State Championship in 2021
GHSA First Team All-State swimmer in 2020, 2021 and 2022
Holds the high school record in 100 fly, 200 medley and 400 free relay
National HS All-American in the 200 yard medley relay in 2020, 2021 and 2022
High School Swimming Coaches award honoree in 2019 and 2022
Heart of the Bear Award - 2020
GHSA 6A Silver Medalist in the 100 fly in 2022
GHSA 6A State Champion in the 400 free relay in 2020
GHSA 6A State Champion in the 200 medley relay in 2020 and 2021

Top Times:

SCY 50 Fly: 25.64 - 2021 Sr. SC State Championship
SCY 100 Fly: 56.33 - 2021 Sr. SC State Championship
SCY 200 Fly: 2:06.34 - 2021 Sr. SC State Championship
SCY 100 Free: 54.53 - 2022 Metro Divisionals
SCY 200 Free: 1:55.75 - 2021 Sr. SC State Championship
LCM 100 Fly: 1:04.01 - 2021 LC Senior State

Personal

Four-year honor roll student in high school
Intends to major in business
Has two sisters, Kate and Anna
Daughter of Celeste and Brian

Why UNF?
"I chose UNF because I immediately connected with the team. Also, the campus and academics fit into everything I was looking for in my college experience."

Kylie Loving
Events: Breaststroke
Ht: 5-7
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Orange Park, Fla.
Previous School: Oakleaf HS
Major: Biomedical Sciences

Prior to UNF

Four-year varsity letterwinner in high school, competitions in breaststroke and freestyle events.
State finalist in FHSAA High School State series from 2018-21, as well as a USA Swimming Futures qualifier from 2019-22
USA Swimming Zones and Sectional qualifier
All-county first team in the 100 breast and medley/freestyle relays from 2018-21
Four-year varsity letterwinner at Oakleaf HS
Currently holds the record at Oakleaf HS in the 100 breast, 200 IM, 200 medley relay, 200 free relay and 400 free relay
Earned the High School Swimmer of the Yer and MVP honors in 2018-21
Clay County Athlete of the Month in 2021
Florida Swimming Spring Senior Championships
NASA TYR Elite Showcase

Top times:

50 breaststroke: 30.78 | FL Swimming Spring Senior Championships
100 breaststroke: 1:05.80 | 2021 FHSAA Class 4A State Championships
200 breaststroke: 2:25.21 | Florida Swimming Spring Senior Championships
100 freestyle: 55.58 | GSC Holiday Classic
200 IM: 2:14.90 | Bolles School Sharks TYR Holiday Classic

Personal

Earned the Cambridge AICE Diploma with merit in high school
AP scholar and graduated in the top nine percent of the class
Maintained a 4.4 cumulative weighted GPA and earned student of the month honors as a senior.
Intends to major in biomedical sciences
Daughter of Melissa and Johnny Baker
Has four siblings, Gabby, Peyton , Johnny and Arya
Born in Wayne, Michigan

Why UNF?
"I chose UNF because of the opportunity to excel as a student-athlete. I knew the moment I stepped onto campus that I belonged here and I was excited with how well I clicked with the team and coaching staff. I was also excited for the brand new facility that was just built."

Faith Mutschler
Events: Freestyle
Ht: 5-8
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Wellington, Fla.
Previous School: Palm Beach Central
Major: Criminal Justice

Prior to UNF

Four-year varsity letterwinner at Palm Beach Central, swimming largely freestyle events.
2018 Rookie of the Year and MVP from 2019-21
FHSAA 4A District Champion in the 200 free
2021 Tri-County Swimming Champion in the 200 free and 500 free
2021 FSHAA 4A District and Regional Champion in the 200 and 500 free
2021 Palm Beach Post All-County Girls Swimming Team
2019 and 2021 FHSAA 4A State Finalist in the 200 and 500 free
2022 US Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award

Top Times:

1,650 Free (SCY): 17:12.18 - 2021 FGC Senior Championship
500 Free (SCY): 4:58.22 - 2021 FGC Senior Championship
200 Free (SCY): 1:52.65 - 2021 FGC Senior Championship
100 Free (SCY): 53.64 FGC Senior Championship
Also competed in water polo in high school

Personal

Intends to major in criminal justice
Born in Redbank, N.J.
Sister, Sydney, swam at UNF
Daughter of Dale and Todd
Laos has one brother, Ian
AVID Scholar Program, athletic honor society, RHO Kappa History Honor Society and Cambridge AICE Diploma student-athlete

Why UNF?
"Growing up as a swimmer I knew that I wanted to continue doing the sport I love at the college level. When exploring my options, UNF presented me with the best options for my social, academic and future endeavors. I am so excited and grateful to be a part of the UNF team."

Kelsey Swartout
Events: Butterfly/Freestyle
Ht: 5-6
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Fort Myers, Fla.
Previous School: Estero HS
Major: Elementary Education

Prior to UNF
Four-year varsity letterwinner at Estero HS
Competed in freestyle, butterfly, IM and breaststroke in high school

Top Times:

500 free | (SCY) 2019 Florida Swimming Spring S, 5:02.93
1,650 free | (SCY) 2019 Florida Spring Age group, 17:41.10
200 breast | (SCY) 2019 Florida YCF Winter Classic, 2:27.89
100 fly | (SCY) 2021 FHSAA 2A Championships, 59.94
200 fly | (SCY) 2022 Florida Swimming Spring S, 2:09.42
400 free | (LCM) 2019 GCST Summer Open, 4:36.06
800 free | (LCM) 2019 FL Swimming Summer Senior, 9:24.74
1,500 free | (LCM) 2018 Southern Zone South Sectionals, 17:48.87
100 fly | (LCM) 2021 Florida Summer Senior Champs, 1:07.62
200 fly | (LCM) 2019 Florida Swimming Summer Senior, 2:24.28
200 IM | (LCM) 2021 Florida Summer Senior Champs, 2:34.62
Swam in the Junior National Open Water in Arizona and Miami
Qualified for states in all four years of high school

Personal

Intends to major in elementary education
Daughter of Tisha and Jeff Swartout
Has three siblings, Gunner, Alena and Isaac
AICE diploma recipient

Why UNF?
"I chose UNF because of how welcoming the team was and because the campus felt like home."

Victoria Torres
Events: Freestyle/Breaststroke
Ht: 5-6
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Pembroke Pines, Fla.
Previous School: Pembroke Pines Charter HS
Major: Health Administration

Prior to UNF

Swam at the varsity level for six years
2019-22 MVP for varsity women's swimming
Three-time state qualifier
2021 fourth place state medalist in the 100-yard breaststroke at 3A FHSAA State Championships
2018, 2019, 2021 FSHAA 3A Region 4 champion in the 100-yard breaststroke
2018, 2019, 2021 FHSAA 3A District 11 champion in the 100-yard breaststroke
2019, 2021 FHSAA 3A District 11 champion in the 100-yard freestyle
2021 BCAA (Broward County Athletic Association Swimming and Diving Championships) Champion in the 100-yard breaststroke
2021 BCAA Scholar-Athlete

Top times:

100 freestyle | 52.45 (2022 FGC Senior Championships)
100 breaststroke | 1:05.44 (2022 FHSAA Florida 3A State Championship)
50 freestyle | 24.31 (2022 FGC Senior Championship)
200 breaststroke | 2:22.27 (2022 FGC Senior Championships)
Competed at the 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 Southern Zone South Sectionals
Swam in the 2018, 2019 and 2021 FHSAA Florida 3A State Championship
Took part in the 2022 Futures Championships

Personal

Intends to major in health administration
Daughter of Pamela and Victor Torres
Has one sibling, Ventura
Member of the Science National Honor Society
Health Occupations Students of America member
Winner of the School Literary Fair in the Villanelle Poem Category in 2021
Four-year honor roll student
Underclassmen award in Spanish 3 during 2019-20
Pre-calculus honors 2020-21
Graduate in the top 14 percent of high school class
AP Scholar Award
Had a poem published in the Cathartic Literary Magazine
Broward County Athletic Association Scholar-Athlete Award

Why UNF?
"The University of North Florida has a nationally ranked health administration program along with many opportunities that will help me succeed as a student-athlete. The size of the school and location in a major city was exactly what I was looking for in a school. UNF is very genuine with how it allocates its resources to help their students succeed. I also love how walkable and lush the campus is."