The 2023-2024 men’s and women’s swim season has kicked off and most recently competed on Oct.13 at the Rodionoff Invitational hosted by Pepperdine in Malibu. 

Christopher Haygood, a senior captain on the men’s team said, “Coming out of the meet, I would say our team feels pretty energized for the season.” Haygood added, “Most of the team felt very happy with how they swam and are very hyped.” 

After a long season last year, the teams got back to work during the offseason this summer. Lindsey Fruhwirth, a senior captain on the women’s team said, “During the offseason we were able to slow things down and work on the basics of our stroke and technique.” “We had a lot of strong races from people, and even some that ended with personal best times,” Fruhwirth added. 

One of these personal bests came from freshman swimmer Rachel Maki, who impressed both captains. Maki was able to win the 1000 Free, which was the seventh fastest time in school history, and second in the 500 Free. This led to her winning the Pacific Coast Swim Conference (PCSC) Female Freshman Swimmer of the Week. 

Maki said, “I was super honored to have been selected Freshman of the Week. I'm really thankful for all the hard work my coaches have put in as well as all my teammates for supporting me.”

Fruhwirth said, “ [Maki] has shown really quickly that she has great speed and is able to race. She is aggressive both in practice and at competition, yet when you talk to her she is nothing but kind and humble.”

Haygood added, “[Maki] put all of her energy into her races this past weekend at the Rodionoff Invite and won her race in the 1000 freestyle with ease.”

Another swimmer that was able to take home a Men’s PCSC Swimmer of the Week was junior Jayden Hernandez. Hernandez was able to take home this nomination after winning all of his relays and the sixth fastest time in NCAA DII at the PCSC Relay Invitational on Sept. 30.  

Hernandez said, “It means a lot to be Swimmer of the Week, especially being the first one.” Hernandez added, “It's a confidence booster as well which is very nice.” 

During the Rodionoff meet, all swimmers participated in pink swim caps to show their support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Fruhwirth said, “There are so many people out there that are affected by breast cancer so being able to support all those people is a true blessing.” 

Both the men’s and women's team had a dual meet at The Master’s University in Santa Clarita on Oct. 21. 

Haygood said, “We each have our own races that we swim, we know what we have to do to get our hand on the wall before the other team.” Haygood added, “ Now we just have to execute our races how we have been practicing.” 

“Master's has some fast swimmers, but I believe with good strategies made by our coaches, our training, and positive and confident attitudes, we can succeed and make a statement,” said Fruhwirth. 

To follow the rest of the season, visit cuigoldeneagles.com or visit their Instagram page @cuiswimdive. 

 

 

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