Nov. 30, 2006

by Sam Miller, Illinois Athletic Media Relations

Why did you choose to come to U of I?

Freshman Kyla Bachtell, Diving: After I came on my recruiting trip, I realized that the camaraderie of the team at U of I was better than any other school I had visited. The school has such a high academic record, and because I'm not really sure what I want to do, I wanted a school that had many different respected programs to offer so I could switch if I needed to. It is not too far from my house and I hoped to go to a big school with a lot of team spirit.

Junior Mallory Craft, Back/Fly: The team was so bonded together. I just felt a laid back and down-to-Earth vibe that made me comfortable being myself when I was on my recruiting trip.

Freshman Kristen Kloeckener, Free: I came to U of I because it was one of the top academic schools that had the area of study I was interested in and because I really enjoyed the team atmosphere on my official visit. All the girls were really sweet and welcoming. I think this team could do some amazing things in the Big Ten this year!

Sophomore Mallory Meyer, Free: It had everything I wanted in a school - great academics, close but not too close to home, "college town" atmosphere, Big Ten athletics, a great team of girls and coaches. The school in general is a great balance of work & fun.

Emily Mycyk

Freshman Emily Mycyk, Breast/Fly: Great school, great coach, good scholarship (in that order)

Freshman Annie Nowak, Free/Breast/IM: I chose to go here because it is a phenomenal school that allows me to get a great education. I also fell in love with the team when I came on my recruiting trip last year.

Senior Becca Poetz, Free: I chose to come to the U of I to swim primarily because of the girls on the team. I met them on my recruiting visit, and I really liked all of them. Compared to the other teams I visited, these girls were genuinely nice and great friends. They always had such a great time with one another, and seemed to care about their teammates. And I was right. That is exactly how our swim team is here at the U of I. We are all such close friends and do almost everything with one another. I can't think of another team on campus that is as bonded as our team.

Senior Jessica Rothenberg, IM/Breast/Fly: I came to U of I because nobody else from my graduating class applied here or went here. I also came to U of I because it had good academics as well as athletics. It was the full package! Most people back at home did not think that I would make it all four years being so far away from my family. I wanted to show them as well as prove to myself that I could be independent.

Senior Leigh Ann Tracy, IM/Breast/Free: On my recruiting visit I immediately fell in love with the team. The girls were so nice and so much fun, and I felt like I would fit right in. I loved the school and the athletic program in general as well. I was just very impressed. After my trip here, I cancelled all my other trips and signed the next day.