BYU Women's Swim Team Announces Recruits
PROVO -- Looking to build on past successes, the BYU women's swim team is on its way, having received six letters of intent from talented swimmers for the 2000-2001 season.
At the forefront of the recruiting class is Tamber Covington, a native of El Dorado Hills, Calif. Covington brings a variety of strengths to the Cougars, as she competes in not only the breaststroke and IM, but also middle distance freestyle events. Covington was a first-team All-American selection and Olympic trials qualifier, and holds the California state record in the 100 breaststroke.
"Tamber is a very talented swimmer who will come to BYU with outstanding credentials," BYU women's coach Stan Crump said. "Although her primary event is breaststroke, she is very versatile and is nationally competitive in many other events. Tamber is the type of swimmer who has the potential to come in and score at NCAA's her first season."
Another California recruit is Monica Ferrell, who hails from Glendora. Ferrell swims the butterfly, backstroke and freestyle, and was an All-America consideration. Ferrell was a California CIF section finalist in the 100 fly and is a record holder at Glendora High School.
"I am very pleased that Monica has decided to swim at BYU," Crump said. "She has potential to be one of the better fliers that BYU has had."
BYU also landed two top Utah recruits, Nikki Tadlock and Amy McClellan. Tadlock, a Logan resident, swims the breaststroke, IM and sprint free. Tadlock hasn't lost a race yet in Utah 4A competition, has won three consecutive state titles in the 100 breast and was an All-America consideration as well. Tadlock was also the Utah State Female Breaststroker of the Year in both 1997 and 1998.
"I am very excited about having Nikki with us next year," Crump said. "She has prepared herself very well to move to the next step in her career as a collegiate swimmer at BYU. Nikki has a lot of natural ability and a beautiful stroke and has potential to be very competitive on the national level."
McClellan, a Magna native, is a Utah state champion in the 100 backstroke and competes in the freestyle events as well. McClellan was an All-America consideration and was an All-American water polo player. McClellan's uncle, Randy Belliston, was a standout freshman last season for the BYU men's swim team, and is currently serving an LDS mission.
"Amy is a talented swimmer who comes from one of the most historically productive swim areas in the state of Utah. With some further training and strength work, Amy will be a very good backstroker here at BYU," Crump said.
Finally, BYU received commitments from Kristi Egan, a McMinneville, Ore. native, and Laura Key Predium, who hails from Destrehan, La. Egan competes in the butterfly, freestyle and breaststroke. Egan was a U.S. Junior National Qualifier and Oregon state high school finalist. Egan is coming back from shoulder surgery and should be ready to go for the Cougars next season.
"Kristi is a delightful young lady, very self-motivated and determined. When her conditioning and rehab are complete, Kristi will make her mark in BYU swimming," Crump said.
Predium is a breaststroker and freestyle swimmer who is a high school record holder and state high school finalist. Predium was also an All-America consideration. Predium is noted for her competitive instincts and physical talent.
"She has all the tools to become a very good sprinter, and with some experience, she will be a nationally competitive sprinter," Crump said.
