ECU Swimming & Diving Signs Five During Early Period
December 11, 2014 | Swimming & Diving
GREENVILLE, N.C. - The East Carolina Swimming and Diving program added four swimmers, three females and one male, along with one female diver during the fall signing period announced head coach Rick Kobe on Thursday.
The women's group is comprised of swimmers Lauren Hensley, Alex Kreager, McKenzie Street along with diver Zoe Feingold. Zach Darden was the lone signee on the men's side.
"We're really excited about our early signing group," Kobe said. "Each one of these student-athletes has the ability to make a big impact immediately. Along with the folks we'll sign in the spring our incoming class will be extremely talented."
Hensley, a native of Chantily, Va., is a three-time National Swim Club Association (NSCA) junior national championship finalist and two-time high school All-American nominee. She competes in the backstroke for the Potomac Marlins.
"Coach [Bill] Marlin spoke highly of her potential and character," Kobe stated. "We expect her to have an immediate impact in the backstroke events for us, and contribute heavily on the medley relays."
Kreager, a senior at Grimsley High School in Greensboro, is a three-time North Carolina 4A High School championship finalist as well as an all-conference performer. As a member of the GCY, she set 10 club records and was a two-time YMCA national finalist.
"Alex has had significant time drops recently and we expect that trend to continue," Kobe said. She has shown great improvement over the last year and we are very excited to have her join our distance group next season."
Street is a high school All-American breaststroke and butterfly swimmer from Norwood, Pa. As a member of the Ridley Area YMCA was a multi-year first team All-Delco and All-Mainline selection.
"McKenzie's current times in both the breaststroke and sprint fly events should be very impactful on our roster next season," Kobe explained. "Her overall versatility will also be a great asset for our team relays. "
A seven-time AAU national championship qualifier, Feingold is a native of Plymouth, Mass. and dives for South Coast Aquatics. She captured first-place in the diving competition at the 2013 Bay State Games and has also earned All-America accolades.
"Zoe is a very talented diver," Kobe stated. "We are looking forward to adding her to the roster next fall. Her work ethic will add a great deal of competition to every practice."
Darden is the lone male to sign with ECU during the early period. A native of Goldsboro, N.C., he is a member of East Carolina Aquatics and competes in the sprint freestyle and butterfly events. He earned All-America status in the 50 free and 100 fly and is a four-time regional championship medalist and three-time state championship medalist.
"He will add depth to our sprint group and has the potential to be one of our best 100 flyers next season," Kobe said.
The Pirates return to dual meet competition on Jan. 17, 2015 against Old Dominion.
