NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Vanderbilt swimming head coach Jeremy Organ announced the addition of four individuals Thursday, completing the program’s 2022-23 recruiting class.
Set to join the Commodores at the start of the fall semester are transfers Megan Ciezczak (Kentucky), Maddie Smith (UCLA) and Natalie Van Noy (Queens) as well as freshman Hannah Weissman.
“I’m very excited about the addition of these individuals to our recruiting class for the upcoming season,” Organ said. “This is a group that is definitely going to make an immediate impact on our team and be really instrumental as we continue to strive to move up the SEC ladder. I’m looking forward to seeing this group compete as we move forward in that quest.”
Megan Ciezczak
Hometown: Naperville, Illinois
High School: Neuqua Valley High School
Club: Fox Valley Swim Team
Best Events (Times): 50 free (22.75), 100 free (50.42), 200 free (1:53.34)
Additional Accolades: Qualified for Junior Nationals, helped NVHS win back-to-back state championships, part of 200 and 400 free relay teams that set state records, served as team captain for both school and club teams
Why Vandy?: “I chose Vanderbilt University because of the combination of amazing academics and athletics. Talking to the coaches and getting to know more about them, the team and the school, it felt right. It has everything I want in a university and more. At Vanderbilt I can see myself succeeding in every aspect of my life.”
Maddie Smith
Hometown: Lafayette, California
High School: Campolindo High School
Club: Orinda Aquatics
Best Events (Times): 100 fly (54.67), 200 fly (2:03.42),200 IM (2:01.50)
Additional Accolades: National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association All-American, USA Swimming Scholastic All-American, California Interscholastic Federation Scholar-Athlete, high school team captain
Why Vandy?: “I chose Vanderbilt for its prestigious academics and high-level swimming in such a dominant conference. The coaching staff is incredibly supportive and the girls have cultivated such an incredible team culture. The campus is gorgeous. I am looking forward to exploring Nashville. Anchor Down.”
Natalie Van Noy
Hometown: Brentwood, Tennessee
High School: Ravenwood High School
Club: Excel Aquatics
Best Events (Times): 50 free (23.28), 100 free (51.22), 100 fly (54.59)
Additional Accolades: Three-time finalist at the state championships her final two seasons in high school
Why Vandy?: “The moment I stepped on Vanderbilt’s campus, it immediately felt like home. I chose Vanderbilt because of their emphasis on academics as well as athletics as they provide unique resources for their student-athletes to be successful in and out of the pool. Their team has created such a welcoming and motivating atmosphere in which they support one another to achieve their individual and team goals, which I fell in love with. In addition, coach Jeremy and Chelsea (Bailey) were so easy to connect with during the recruitment process and sat down with me to discuss how they can best aid my journey throughout graduate school and my last year of swimming. Vanderbilt’s swimming program has grown extensively over the past few years and I am so excited to contribute to their legacy as well as build relationships with my new teammates. Anchor Down!”
Hannah Weissman
Hometown: Maple Valley, Washington
High School: Tahoma High School
Club: Seattle Metropolitan Aquatic Club
Best Events (Times): 50 free (23.48), 100 free (50.87), 100 back (55.35)
Additional Accolades: USA Swimming Scholastic All-American, named conference MVP on three occasions, four-time first-team all-league selection, Tahoma High School Athlete of the Year
Why Vandy?: “I choose Vanderbilt because its top-tier academic programs will best prepare me for life after college. The girls on the team are academically impressive student-athletes who were so energetic and welcoming. I know they, along with the coaches, will encourage me to be the best swimmer, student and person I can be.”
The quartet join seven other individuals who signed with the Commodores earlier in the year, a group that includes Ryen Bosuro (Mansfield, Texas; Lake Ridge High School), Taylor Carey (Los Angeles; Mayfield Senior School), Meredith DiPasquale (Franklin, Tennessee; Brentwood Academy), Kendall Hall (Austin, Texas; Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School), Caroline Mercer (Louisville, Kentucky; Collegiate School), Jenna Ravarino (Concord, California; Carondelet High School) and Ellie Taliaferro (Chattanooga, Tennessee; Girls Preparatory School).
