Notre Dame Fighting Irish - Official Athletics Website

Notre Dame Announces Swim & Dive Signing Class

NOTRE DAME, Indiana — The University of Notre Dame Swimming and Diving program announced the 2020-21 signing class, consisting of 18 swimmers and one diver from across the nation.

“At Notre Dame, we have developed a very good sense of the type of student-athlete that would fit our program,” head swimming coach Mike Litzinger attested. “Over the past few years, we have been able to attract the attention of many high-level swimmers and divers that may have otherwise looked in another direction. That attention is due to our ability to identify talent, cultivate relationships and offer an unparalleled academic/athletic opportunity.

“Our team culture, the work ethic of our staff, and the brand of Notre Dame Swimming & Diving have all contributed heavily,” Litzinger added. “This particular class truly reflects those efforts. These young men and women will make a huge impact on our program, both immediate and in the future. I am happy to welcome them and their families to their ‘Home Under the Dome.’ “

DIVING

“I am very happy to announce that Calie Brady has signed an NLI to study and compete for the Fighting Irish women’s swimming and diving program,” head diving coach Mark Bradshaw stated. “We’ve got a really good one in Calie. She is a very strong athlete, one who has only touched the surface of her capabilities. Calie will add to what is expected to be a strong women’s diving group for 2021-22.”

CALIE BRADY

Hometown: Concord, MA

High School: Middlesex

Brady has put together a number of top performances:

  • Placed first in both the 1-meter and 3-meter events at the 2019 AAU Nationals, after winning the 1-meter and finishing second in the 3-meter in 2018.
  • Won the 1-meter 16-18 girls event at the 2019 USA Diving Zone A Championships
  • Placed first in the 1- and 3-meter events at the 2019 Red, White and Blue Nationals.
  • First placed at the 2019 and 2020 Eastern Interscholastic Swimming & Diving Championship
  • Placed in the Top 15 in both events (14th in 1-meter, 13th in 3-meter) at the 2019 USA Diving Junior National Championships.
  • Finished in first place in the Independent School League (2020)
  • At the 2019 CAMO Invitational, finished third in the 1- and 3-meter events.
  • Finished first in the 3-meter and second in the 1-meter for her age group at the 2019 Ireland Nationals, after placing first in both events for her age group in 2018.
  • Placed first in the 1-meter and 3-meter events at the 2019 Kimball Cup after taking third in both events in 2018.

SWIMMING – WOMEN

ANNIE BEHM 

Event: Free, Back, IM

Hometown: Cherry Hill, NJ

High School: Cherry Hill

  • Team captain at Cherry Hill; team MVP as a junior
  • Five-time HS All-American (2019: 100 Back, 2020: 100 Back, 100 Free, 200 Medley Relay, 400 Medley Relay).
  • State champion in the 100 Back (sophomore), 100 Free (junior), 200 Medley Relay (junior) and 400 Free Relay (junior); on the team state championship as a junior.
  • Named first-team All-State as a sophomore and junior, second-team All-State as a freshman.
  • Best times: 50 Back (25.77 / 30. 70 LCM), 100 Back (54.36 / 1:02.56 LCM – Olympic Trials Cut), 200 Back (1:56.62 / 2:13.78 LCM – Olympic Trials Cut), 100 Free (51:01 / 58.87 LCM), 200 Free (1:50.17 / 2:06.50 LCM), 200 IM (2:06.19 / 2:25.04 LCM).
  • Holds school records in the 100 Free, 200 Free, 100 Back, 200 Medley Relay, 200 Free Relay and 400 Free Relay.
  • Two-time USA Swimming Scholastic All-American.
  • Swam for Jersey Wahoos club team; earned National Performance of the Year honors (sophomore and junior).
  • Holds club records in 100 Free SCY 15-16 and open; 100 Back SCY (13-14,15-16 and 17-18, Age Group Records and Open Record & LCM 15-16 and 17-18 Age Group Records and Open Record; 200 Back SCY (13-14,15-16, and 17-18 Age Group Records and Open Record) & LCM (15-16 and 17-18 Age Group Records and Open Record)
  • 2018 Summer Juniors A finalist (200 Back, seventh place)
  • 2018 National Select Camp
  • Achieved cum laude honors (senior), as well as membership in the English National Honors Society and Science National Honors Society.
  • “I chose Notre Dame for the unmatched blend of academic prestige coupled with the outstanding athletics program and team spirit. I felt like Notre Dame would provide the best academic and athletic opportunities to push me to grow. What made Notre Dame stand out for me was the incredible coaching staff and inspiring team dynamic. The determination and team spirit at Notre Dame is unmatched, and it was a leading factor in my decision. The team really feels like one big family, and I cannot wait to be a part of it!” Behm said.
  • Intends to major in biology.
  • Parents are Maureen (Rutgers, Softball) and Ted (Virginia Tech, Club Crew) Behm; has one brother, Jack, and a sister, Emma.

MADELYN CHRISTMAN

Event: Back, Free, IM

Hometown: Carmel, IN

High School: Carmel

  • Lettered in swimming as a sophomore and junior.
  • Earned academic high honors as a freshman at Carmel.
  • Named a high school All-American as a sophomore and junior.
  • Best times: 200 Back (1:54.85), 100 Back (54.44), 200 IM (2:01.77), 100 Free (50.19)
  • Currently swims for Carmel Swim Club.
  • Named to national team sophomore-senior year.
  • Olympic Trials cut in the 200 Back.
  • Finalist at summer and winter junior nationals.
  • Swam for Fishers Area Swimming Tigers, where he broke multiple team records.
  • National team member in eighth grade and as a freshman.
  • High point winner of Indiana Age Group State for 10&U and 13-14.
  • Served at St. Vincent DePaul organization
  • “I chose Notre Dame because of the outstanding academics and athletics. I felt most at home when I visited the campus and felt that I could really succeed at Notre Dame,” Christman said.
  • Intends to major in marketing or political science.
  • Parents are Katie (Xavier University – Volleyball) and Jamie (Xavier University – Swimming) Christman. Siblings are brother William and sister Meghan.

MADISON FEEHERY

Event: Free, Fly

Hometown: Naples, FL

High School: Barron Collier

  • Team MVP as a sophomore and junior.
  • High school All-American (50 Free) and All-American Consideration (100 Fly)
  • All-State (Junior) – 50 Free state champion
  • Two-time regional champion and four-time district champion
  • Named to Collier County Athletic Conference (CCAC) First Team (freshman-junior)
  • Naples Daily News Female Athlete of the Year (Junior)
  • Naples Daily News Female Swimmer of the Year (Junior)
  • Holds school records in the 50 Free, 100 Fly, 100 Breast
  • Girls team state runner up (junior)
  • Team county champions (2018, 2019)
  • Best times: 100 Breast (1:05.49), 200 Breast (2:25. 32), 100 Fly LCM (1:04.05), 50 Free (23.00), 100 Fly (55.42), 100 Free (52.1), 200 Fly (2:08.13)
  • National AP Scholar, National Honor Society, high honor roll
  • Named an Academic All-American
  • Swims for T2 Aquatics; qualified for Junior Nationals and Futures.
  • Named a Scholastic All-American (2019-20).
  • Volunteers with St. Agnes Catholic Church Vacation Bible School, Tiger Shark swim camp, and works for Naples Swim School teaching swim lessons to children; also a member of Spanish National Honor Society (2020)
  • “I chose Notre Dame because of its unmatched combination of outstanding academic opportunities along with incredible athletic programs. Notre Dame also has a powerful alumni network that I believe will help me in achieving my goals beyond the next four years of my life, both with opportunities and connections,” Feehery said.
  • Intends to major in pre-health.
  • Parents are Brooke (Immaculata College) and Bob (La Salle University – Swimming). Has two brothers, Tyler and Carson, and sister Emma swims at the University of North Carolina.
  • Aunt, Alicia Feehery, swam at Notre Dame, while grandfather, John Acuff, played football at the University of Miami.
  • Aunt, Erika Erndl, uncle, Kevin Erndl, and cousin Brendan Feehery also swam at the University of North Carolina.

JESSICA GERIANE

Event: Free, Back

Hometown: North Aurora, IL

High School: Rosary

  • Rosary team captain (junior-senior)
  • 2019 team MVP
  • High school All-American (200 Free Relay, 400 Free Relay, 100 Back, 100 Free)
  • Multiple first-team (200 Free Relay, 400 Free Relay, 100 Back, 200 Medley Relay, 100 Back) and second-team (100 Free, 400 Free Relay) all-state honors
  • Three-time sectional champion in the 100 Back
  • Team placed in top five at sectionals all four years.
  • 2020 Metro Catholic Aquatic Conference Senior Swimmer of the Year
  • Two-time individual conference champion (100 Free, 100 Back)
  • Academic All-Conference Team (2017-2020)
  • Best times: 100 Free (50.09), 100 Back (53.82), 50 Free (23.24), 50 Back (24.86)
  • Holds school record in the 100 Free
  • Holds conference record in the 100 Back
  • Team won state championship in 2017, runner-up in 2018
  • First honor roll (freshman-junior)
  • National Honors Society member
  • National Spanish Exam Honorable Mention
  • Swims for Academy Bullets Swim Club; team record holder in multiple events, Junior National/National Team member, U.S. Open and Phillips 66 Nationals qualifier
  • Two-time Scholastic All-American
  • IL state record holder (50 Back, 200 Medley Relay)
  • Senior State Champion in 100 Back and in multiple relays (various years)
  • Multi-finalist and runner up at NCSA Junior Nationals
  • Engaged in service work through National Honors Society, and participated in service clubs, edited the school yearbook and served on the senior retreat team and as a Eucharistic Minister at Rosary.
  • “I chose the University of Notre Dame because of the great balance of athletics and academics. The team atmosphere and dynamic are incredible, and the coaches are so warm and welcoming. Most importantly, I admire the school’s emphasis on community and love the aspect of service found within that unity. I believe Notre Dame will help me discover who I truly am as a student-athlete and will push me to become the best woman and leader possible. I am confident that this institution will allow me to become a better swimmer and student and will prepare me for what the future holds. I can’t wait to be part of the Irish family!” Geriane said.
  • Parents are Maria (De La Salle University-EAC, Andrew T. Still University) and Andrew (Riverside College, DeVry University) Geriane. Has one sister, Jordan.

MAGGIE GRAVES 

Event: Free

Hometown: Barrington, IL

High School: Barrington

  • Two-time All-American (500 Free)
  • Placed third (2018) and sixth (2019) in the 500 Free at Illinois State.
  • Was the section champion in the 500 Free (2018), second in 2019 and placed third in the 200 IM in 2019.
  • In 2017 and 2018, was the conference 500 Free champion.
  • Best times: 500 Free (4:51.72), 800 Free (8:58.30), 1000 Free (9:55.75), 1500 Free (16:55.75), 1650 Free (16:42.21).
  • Team sectional and conference champions in 2018 and 2019.
  • Swims for Barrington Swim Club; 18 & under Top 100 in the world in the mile swim for 2018, Junior National qualifier.
  • USA Swimming Section Champion in the Mile (2018) and IL Swimming Senior Long Course State Champion in the Mile (2019).
  • Earned the Presidential Volunteer Award at Barrington and was a member of the National Honors Society, and an AP Scholar
  • Three-time USAA Swimming Scholastic All-American.
  • Volunteers often at a home for the elderly and also in Barrington Giving Day to help families in need around Christmas.
  • Member of Student Council as a committee head for two years and treasurer as a senior; also a member of German club.
  • “The first time I stepped onto the Notre Dame campus, I knew I would call it home someday. There is such an amazing balance between academics and athletics that will support me beyond my college years. The coaches and team are so welcoming and I am very excited to join their family. Go Irish!” Graves said.
  • Intends to major in accounting.
  • Parents are Amy (Depaul) and John Graves (Depaul). Has two sisters, Emma (University of Wisconsin) and Ellie (Boston University – Swimming).

ANA HERCEG

Event: Free

Hometown: Pflugerville, TX

High School: Weiss

  • Was a team captain at Weiss.
  • Named a high school All-American as a freshman and sophomore.
  • Earned First Team All-State honors as a freshman, sophomore and junior.
  • Best times: 200 Free (1:46.39), 500 Free (4:52.40), 100 Back (55.39), 200 Back (1:55.91)
  • Holds the school record in the 50 Free, 100 Free, 200 Free, 500 Free, 100 Back, 100 Fly, 200 IM, 400 Free Relay and 200 Medley.
  • Swam for Nitro Swimming club team; holds the club record in several events through different age points. Most recently, holds records for 15-16 group in the 200 Free and 200 Back. Holds all-time records in the short course in the 100 Free, 200 Free, 200 Back.
  • At 2019 Juniors, placed fourth in the 200 Back, fifth in the 200 Free and eighth in the 500 Free.
  • Also a member of the Croatian National/Junior National Team; placed eighth in the 200 Back at the LEN European Junior Championships; swam in six individual events at the World Junior Championships (FINA) in Budapest; competed in the 200 Back at the FINA World Championships in Gwangju, South Korea.
  • Has served as co-president and vice president for GSA (Gender-Sexuality Alliance), and volunteers as an altar server.
  • Has helped created the Day of Silence at Weiss, and volunteers with her church festival and fundraising events. Also referees soccer games.
  • “I loved the atmosphere and the friendliness of the school and the people. I loved the team dynamics as well as the potential that the team had the offer, and I wanted to be a part of that. I really admired the academic excellence that Notre Dame athletes and students achieved, and knew it would be the best place to set me up for the future,” Herceg said.
  • Intends to major in engineering.
  • Parents are Tatjana (University of Rijeka) and Boris (University of Jacksonville, Texas A&M); has two brothers, Luke and Martin. Godparents Mark and Hope Ruiz attended Notre Dame. Mother and aunt were swimmers, and aunt made it to the Olympics.

SOPHIA KARRAS

Event: Free

Hometown: Long Island, NY

High School: Herricks

  • Captain of Herricks team; named team MCP as a freshman
  • Named all-state, all-district and all-conference in all eligible years of high school.
  • In 2019, was the division champion in the 200 Free and 500 Free.
  • Best times: 200 Free SCY (1.50.99), 200 Free LCM (2.06.40), 500 Free SCY (4.48.16), 400 Free LCM (4.18.18), 1000 Free SCY (9.48.00), 800 Free LCM (8.48.12), 1650 Free SCY (16.20.20), 1500 Free LCM (16.39.40).
  • Holds the Herricks High School records in the 200 Free and 500 Free.
  • Won silver medal at the state championships in the 500 Free.
  • Posted Olympic Trial cut in the 1500 Free
  • 2021 USA Junior National Team member
  • 2019 Junior National Champion in the 1500 Free; 2019 Champion Women’s Team at Junior Nationals, 2018 National Age Group Award in 1500 Free and 800 Free Relay.
  • Swam for Long Island Aquatic Club.
  • Earned the 2017 Senator Elaine Phillips Certificate of Merit Award in Swimming at Herricks.
  • USA Swimming Scholastic All-American in 2018-19 and 2019-20
  • Received the 2016 AHEPA Medal of Scholastic Excellence in Greek Language and Hellenic Culture.
  • Volunteers with a local homeless shelter, as well as Ryan’s Case for Smiles, a group that makes pillow cases doe young cancer patients.
  • “I chose Notre Dame because it gave me the feeling of a very close-knit family environment. The history and sense of community and belonging is something that reasoned with me when I spent a weekend on campus. Notre Dame gave me that extra special feeling that I belonged here,” Karras said.
  • Parents are Cherelyn and Evan Karras (both St. John’s University); has one sister, Nicoletta.

REESE LUGBILL

Event: Breast, IM

Hometown: Mason, OH

High School: William Mason

  • Team captain as a junior and senior; team MVP as a junior.
  • NISCA All-American on nine instances.
  • Named three-time First Team All Cincinnati; has received first-team all-conference seven times and second team twice.
  • Best times: 200 Breast SCY (2:13.95), 200 IM SCY (2:01.91), 100 Breast SCY (1:02.60), 400 IM SCY (4:21.46), 200 IM LCM (2:22.63), 200 Breast LCM (2:32.99 – OT), 400 IM LCM (5:03.36), 100 Breast LCM (1:12.07).
  • Two-time team state champions
  • Holds school records in 50 Breast, 100 Breast, 200 IM, 200 Medley Relay.
  • Won rookie of the year (freshman) and most improved (sophomore), adding the 110% award as aa junior.
  • Swam for Mason Manta Rays club team; notched an Olympic Trial Cut in the 200 Breast (2:32.99); ranks in the Top 100 in the world in the 200 Breast.
  • Three-time USA Swimming Scholastic All-American
  • Has received William Mason’s Principles Award three times.
  • Taught children’s swim clinics, volunteers with Matthew 25 sorting donations and Pink Ribbon Girls, raising money for breast cancer efforts.
  • “I chose Notre Dame, because I could immediately tell how special it was. The blend of academics and athletics is amazing. The coaches care for you as a person outside of the pool, which was important to me. Plus, the Notre Dame community has such a great culture and is so welcoming,” Lugbill said.
  • Intends to major in finance.
  • Parents are Carey and Mark Lugbill (both Anderson University); has a twin sister, Ashley, who has signed with SMU for swimming. Uncle, Josh Payne, ran Track & Cross Country at Anderson.

MADELINE MENKHAUS 

Event: Fly, IM

Hometown: Charlotte, NC

High School: Charlotte Catholic

  • Team captain as a senior, team MVP as a sophomore and junior.
  • Was the 3A State Champion five times as an individual; team won three state championships.
  • All-American in six events
  • Three-time honoree for All-State, All-Region and All-League/Conference recognition.
  • Three-time state team member.
  • Best times: 100 Fly SCY (54.42), 200 IM SCY (2:02.79), 200 Fly SCY (1:59.56), 100 Fly LCM (1:01.11), 200 Fly LCM (2:14.40 – Olympic Trial Cut), 200 IM LCM (2:23.70).
  • Scholastic All-American (freshman-junior) and achieved first honors all four years.
  • Swam for SwimMAC Carolina; team was four-time national champion, holds national age group record 13-14 400 Medley Relay, Four-time junior national finalist, 2017 Zone National Select Camp.
  • Member of National Honors Society, Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta National Math Honor Society.
  • Volunteers with St. Matthew Catholic, ALS Association, National Wildlife Federation and as a swimmer swim league coach
  • “Notre Dame has everything I hoped for in my college experience- a rich history of excellence in the classroom and athletics, an awesome team of swimmers and coaches on the rise, and a school filled with traditions I look forward to being part of during the next four years,” Menkhaus said.
  • Parents are Stephanie and Peter Menkhaus (both Clemson University); has one brother, Patrick, and a sister, Julia, who swims at the University of Virginia. Uncle, Scott Jaffe, swam at UC Berkeley and was a bronze medalist at the 1992 Olympics in the 4×200 Free Relay. Uncle, Ken Menkhaus, played tennis at Xavier University.

MARY CATE PRUITT 

Event: Free

Hometown: Granger, IN

High School: Saint Joseph

  • Team captain as a senior; team MVP as a sophomore and junior.
  • High school All-American as a freshman, sophomore and junior.
  • First-team all-state as a sophomore and junior, second team as a freshman.
  • Two-time state champion, the first-ever girls swimming state champion in Saint Joseph history.
  • Named first-team all-conference all three years.
  • Best times: 200 Free (1:48.28), 500 Free (4:47.00), 1650 Free (16:48.05), 200 Fly (1:59.96), 200 Back (2:02.70), 200 IM (2:04.95).
  • Holds school record in the 200 Free, 500 Free, 200 Free Relay and 400 Free Relay.
  • Swam for Irish Aquatics club team; is a multiple-time state champion and team record holder.
  • Achieved high honors and the National Scholastic Silver Key.
  • Volunteers with Best Buddies, homeless shelters, Unity Gardens, National Honors Society and at the food bank. Also worked on a project to spread awareness about lead poisoning in low-income areas.
  • “I chose Notre Dame because no other school matches the combination of academics and athletics. The honor of being a part of Notre Dame is something that is so exciting for me,” Pruitt said.
  • Intends to major in political science.
  • Parents are Kristin (’92) and David Pruitt (’92) (both University of Notre Dame); has two brothers, Matthew and Brendan.
  • Has several other relatives that graduated from Notre Dame, including: aunt, Kelly Hicks (’92), uncle, David Hicks (’92), aunt, Eileen Pruitt (’99), grandfather, William Lynch (’66) and great uncle, Peter Lynch (’78).
  • Uncle, Kevin Lynch, played golf at Northwestern, while uncle, Christopher Lynch, played soccer at Boston College.

SWIMMING – MEN

OWEN GRIMALDI

Event: Free

Hometown: Thousand Oaks, CA

High School: Thousand Oaks

  • Thousand Oaks team MVP as a freshman and sophomore (junior season cancelled)
  • Two-year high school All-American (sophomore and junior)
  • Best times: 200 Free (1:38.64), 500 Free (4:29.93) 100 Free (46.72)
  • School record-holder for 200 Free and 500 Free
  • Swam for Buenaventura Swim Club
  • Junior Nationals and US Open qualifier
  • “Above every other school, Notre Dame provided what I sought most out of a university: family and tradition. The close-knit community of students and alumni made me feel at home as soon as I stepped on campus for the first time, creating a feeling I will never forget. Being a top 20 research institution, Notre Dame also provides countless opportunities for both growth and connections in my major but also networking chances that will set me up for life,” Grimaldi said.
  • Intends to major in computer science.
  • Brother, Zach, swam for the University of Pittsburgh. Parents are Yvette and Matthew, who both attended the University of Pittsburgh.

CHRIS GUILIANO

Event: Free, IM

Hometown: Douglassville, PA

High School: Daniel Boone

  • Is a three-time high school All-American, and was named first-team all-state (2019-20).
  • Received Berks County Player of the Year honors (2018-19)
  • Named first-team all-district, also setting records in the 100 and 200 Free.
  • Was a team captain (senior) at Daniel Boone and three-time MVP (freshman-junior).
  • Best times: 50 Free (20.15), 100 Free (44.29), 200 Free (1:35.81), 100 Back (49.08), 200 IM (1:50.24)
  • Has set school records in all of the above events; was also a part of Boone’s first state relay.
  • Lettered in swimming each year of high school.
  • Achieved Honor Roll every quarter at Daniel Boone.
  • Swam for TOPS Swimming club team; named the Team MVP in 2018 and 2019.
  • Was a member of Key Club, through which he participated in community service.
  • “I chose Notre Dame because of the family atmosphere provided by the student-athletes, coaches and staff. It was awesome to learn about the rich history, premier academics and athletics, alongside lifetime opportunities from Notre Dame. I believe it was a perfect fit for my family and me. I grew up dreaming to be a part of this university,” Guiliano said.
  • Intends to major in finance.
  • Parents are Joe and Cecelia Guiliano. Has one brother, Joseph, who swims at Albright College. Uncle, Ralph, played football at Wagner University.

ANDREW GUZIEC 

Event: Free

Hometown: Frisco, TX

High School: Memorial

  • Garnered multiple academic and extracurricular awards at Memorial, including: 2020 National Commended Merit Finalist, 2020 National AP Scholar with Distinction, 2020 Semi-finalist National Trumpet Competition (finals cancelled because of COVID)
  • Was named 2020 UIL Academic All-State and 2020 USA Swimming Scholastic All-America
  • Best times: 200 Free (1:40.37), 200 Breast (2:03.95), 500 Freestyle (4:30.05), 1650 Free (15:37.63)
  • Holds Memorial school records in multiple events: 200 Free, 500 Free, 200 Medley Relay, 400 Free Relay, 100 Free, 100 Breast, 100 Fly, 200 IM, 200 Free Relay
  • Lettered in swimming all four years at Memorial.
  • Was team MVP at Memorial as a sophomore and junior.
  • Named a NISCA All-America (500 freestyle).
  • Notched multiple All-State honors: 2020 All-State First Team (200 free/500 free/400 free relay) and All-State 2nd Team (200 medley relay), 2019 All-State 2nd Team (200 free/500 free) and All-State Honorable Mention (200 medley relay).
  • Was named All-District on multiple occasions: 2020 District Champion (200 free/500 free) and All-District First Team (200 medley relay and 400 free relay), 2019 District Champion (500 free) and All-District First Team (200 free/200 free relay/400 free relay), 2018 All-District First Team (200 free/500 free/400 free relay).
  • Added to an illustrious career with all-region honors: 2020 Regional Champion (200 free) and All-Region First Team (500 free/200 medley relay/400 free relay), 2019 All-Region First Team (200 free/500 free/200 medley relay/200 free relay), 2018 All-Region First Team (200 free/500 free/400 free relay).
  • Swam for Lakeside Aquatic Club (LAC).
  • Was a USA Swimming Scholastic All-American (2019-2020) and Winter Junior National Qualifier in 2019 and 2020.
  • “I chose Notre Dame for many reasons. ND was high on my list from the get-go because of its rich history in academic excellence. Student life was also a priority for me, and as one of the nation’s best universities for student-athletes, ND quickly became my dream school. I’m a sports junkie, and as a school with talented and entertaining sports teams across the board, ND continued to draw me in. I was also pulled by the beautiful campus and amazing region of the country that ND resides in. I committed to Notre Dame because of the up-and-coming program that is already at an extremely high level (projected to place 14th at NCAAs last year). I also recognized the extremely talented long distance freestylers and distance swimming coaches that I’d get to interact with every day. I want to compete for ACC and NCAA championships, and ND gave me the best place to pursue that with state-of-the-art coaching, support, athletes and experience. Go Irish!” Guziec said.
  • Mother, Michelle, was a member of the drill team at the University of Texas (Austin), and father, Doug, played baseball at SMU. Brother, Carson, swims, while sister, Peyton, is a diver. Aunt, Andrea, played basketball at SMU.

PARKER MACY

Event: Breast, IM

Hometown: Irvine, CA

High School: Irvine

  • Best times: 100 Breast (56.69), 200 Breast (2:00.47), 200 IM (1:50.58), 400 IM (3:54.77)
  • Finished sixth in the 200 IM and ninth in the 100 Breast at the 2019 CIF Southern Section Division I Championship with all-american consideration times in both.
  • Swam a 2:17.55 in the 200 Breast for an Olympic Trial cut.
  • Swam at the 2019 US Open in the 200 Breast and 400 IM.
  • Notched six personal records at College Station Sectionals; also swam at the Phillips 66 Nationals.
  • Swam for Irvine Novaquatics.
  • Intends to major in business and/or biochemistry
  • Parents are Joanna and Ryan, has one brother, Logan.

MAX MYERS

Event: Free

Hometown: Edmond, OK

High School: Edmond Memorial

  • Was a three-time USA Swimming Scholastic All-American (sophomore-senior year).
  • Three-year team captain at Memorial.
  • Three-time team MVP (sophomore-senior).
  • Best times: 50 Free (20.50), 100 Free (44.59), 200 Free (1:39.00), 100 Fly (49.52).
  • Holds the school record in the 50 Free, 100 Free and 100 Fly.
  • Was the 6A state runner up in the 50 and 100 Free as a sophomore and junior.
  • Was the Central Oklahoma Athletic Conference (COAC) Swimmer of the Year as a sophomore, and was named All-City first team three years in a row (sophomore-senior).
  • Named to Memorial HS honor roll and superintendent honor roll all four years. Also served on superintendent advisory council as a sophomore and junior, and was elected to Student Council as a representative (freshman and sophomore) and vice president (junior).
  • Swims for American Energy Swim Club, where he was Elite Team Captain as a junior and senior.
  • Holds club team record in the 50 yard and 50 meter Free, and in the 100 yard Free.
  • Has done considerable service work through Student Council to benefit several organizations. Also led club team in service project partnering with the Blue Star Mothers of America sending Christmas boxes to soldiers stationed Kuwait. After gathering items from his team, he and his family sorted materials to provide to the Blue Star Mothers.
  • Has also served as a Summer League swim coach for a local neighborhood swim team.
  • “I chose Notre Dame because of the school’s outstanding reputation. The team seems like a great fit and the coaches were helpful all through the recruitment process.  I can’t wait to be a part of this amazing program,” Myers said.
  • Intends to major in business.
  • Parents are Janie and Max Myers, who both attended the University of Kansas, and has one brother, Alex.

BRYCE ORTANES 

Event: Free, Back

Hometown: Englewood, CO

High School: Cherry Creek

  • Named a USA Scholastic All-American (twice) and to the high Honor Roll multiple times.
  • “The academics are unparalleled and the athletics are some of the top in the nation. I also loved the culture around campus and the friendliness of the student population,” Ortanes said.
  • Was a team captain at Cherry Creek as a junior and senior.
  • Earned high school All-American honors in the 400 Free (freshman and sophomore) and 200 Medley (sophomore).
  • Named first-team all-state in the 200 Medley and 400 Freestyle as a sophomore.
  • Best times: 50 Free (20.38), 100 Free (45.86), 50 Back (22.56), 100 Back (48.76), 200 Back (1:47.37), 100 Fly (49.23).
  • Team was 5A state champions, and event state champions in the 200 Medley and 400 Free Relays.
  • Swam for Aquawolves club, and holds club record in 50 Free, 50 Back, 50 Fly, 100 Back and 200 Back.
  • Placed fifth in 200 Medley Relay at junior nationals, and placed 12th (50 Free) and 13th (100 Back) as an individual at junior nationals.
  • Worked with SAAC to put on a Thanksgiving dinner for 40 families in need, and worked with a Christmas gift drive for families in need.
  • Intends to major in aerospace engineering.
  • Parents are Lynne (attended Westmont College) and Dennis (attended Cal State Long Beach) Ortanes. Has one brother, Parker.

HUGO THOMAS

Event: Free, Back, Breast, Fly

Hometown: Atherton, CA

High School: Sacred Heart Prep

  • Was named second-team All-League (West Bay Athletic League).
  • Holds school record in the 200 Medley Relay (swam backstroke leg).
  • Best times: 50 Free (22.55), 100 Free (48.94), 200 Free (1:43.62), 500 Free (4:36.52), 1000 Free (9:33.05), 1650 Free (15:44.99), 50 Back (24.00), 100 Back (51.36), 200 Back (1:49.93), 50 Breast (30.59), 100 Breast (1:06.43), 200 Breast (2:23.44), 50 Fly (26.48), 100 Fly (55:00), 200 Fly (1:59.13), 200 IM (1:58.64), 400 IM (4:08.64)
  • Swam for the Équipe de Natation du Stade Français Olympique de Courbevoie.
  • Also swims for Alto Swim Club; named Most Improved (2017-18 season)
  • “I chose Notre Dame because of how highly it values both academic and athletic excellence. It is clear to me that Notre Dame is a place where those two go hand in hand, as they have through my high school career. In my college search, it became apparent that Notre Dame had the most supportive, spirited community of the colleges I was interested in. I also spoke with current athletes, and they told me all about how supported they felt in their pursuit of both academic and athletic success. What’s more, I have attended Catholic schools my whole life, and Notre Dame’s student life very much revolves around practicing Catholicism. I’m excited to further build my faith in God during my time there,” Thomas said.
  • Intends to major in finance.
  • Parents are Lisa (attended University of Nottingham) and Remi Thomas (attended University of Warwick). Has one sister, Chiara.

NICK TOMMASONE 

Event: Free

Hometown: Hinsdale, IL

High School: Benet Academy

  • Team captain (2020-21)
  • Named a high school all-american (2020), all-state (2019-20) and all-region (2018-20).
  • Best times: 50 Free (20.95), 100 Free (45.31), 200 Free (1:38.64), 500 Free (4:29.18).
  • Is the Benet school record holder in the 50 Free, 100 Free, 200 Medley Relay and 200 Free Relay.
  • Earned academic first honors (2018-20).
  • Swims for Hinsdale Swim Club, where he is a 12-time team record holder.
  • Finished eighth at junior nationals in the 200 Free Relay.
  • Hinsdale was the second-place team at the 2020 Illinois Senior State Championship.
  • Was the runner-up for the High Point Scorer award at the 2020 Senior State Championship.
  • Has participated in service at Feed My Starving Children each of the last five years.
  • “I chose Notre Dame because of the continual excellence in both the academic and athletic programs. When I visited campus, I knew it was the perfect fit for me, with a great student body and friendly atmosphere,” Tommasone said.
  • Intends to major in business.
  • Parents are Marti (University of Arizona) and Gino Tommasone. Has one sister, Mia.