NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Vanderbilt swimming team opens its 2022-23 season competing against both LSU and Tulane on Friday at noon at the LSU Natatorium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
“We’re excited to get the season started, we’ve got a really good team this year,” said Commodore head coach Jeremy Organ. “This is earlier than we usually like to begin, but it is a good opportunity to race another SEC school. We have a clean slate going into our first race of the year, so there is an opportunity to set the standard for the season.”
The Dores return 18 letterwinners from last season’s roster including 12 juniors and seniors highlighted by the duo of Eleanor Beers and Gabriela Pierobon Mays, who combine to rank among the top five in five different events heading into the competition. Chantal Jordan moved into the top five on Vandy’s all-time performer list in the 50 freestyle with her performance at the SEC Championships in February as well.
Friday marks the beginning of the second season with the program for Faith Knelson, Kailia Utley, and Mercedes Traba. Collectively the trio holds seven top-10 rankings on Vanderbilt’s all-time performer list with Utley holding the school record in the 200 butterfly after her performance at the SEC Championships. Traba set the school freshman record in the 400 individual medley last winter while Knelson finished with Vandy’s best time in the 100 breaststroke at Arkansas-Little Rock.
Additionally, 11 individuals have joined the program for the fall semester with the group including transfers Megan Ciezczak (Kentucky), Maddie Smith (UCLA), and Natalie Van Noy (Queens) along with eight freshmen.
Friday will be the first competition in six months for the Commodores, who finished last season with an overall record of 5-2 in dual meets.
