Feb. 11, 2011
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Sixteen years after joining the BIG EAST Conference, the Notre Dame women’s program aims to secure its 15th consecutive league title at the 2011 BIG EAST Conference Swimming and Diving Championships in Louisville, Ky. A win for the Irish would extend the league’s longest championship winning streak by any team in any conference-sponsored sport.
Each of the sessions can be viewed live and on-demand at UND.com. Preliminary and final results along with daily recaps will also be available at UND.com.
Hosted by the University of Louisville with action taking place at the Wright Natatorium, the two-week event begins with diving (Feb. 11) and spans until the final day of the swimming portion (Feb. 19). The swimming segment of this year’s event will start on Feb. 16.
Notre Dame (5-7) is receiving votes in the latest College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) ranking.
Notre Dame has enjoyed its fair share of success at the league meet since joining the league. Last season, senior Samantha Maxwell became the fourth Irish student-athlete to be recognized as the championship’s Most Outstanding Swimmer after winning titles in the 100 and 200 breaststroke and 200 and 400 medley relays.
Maxwell joined the ranks of previous winners Linda Gallo (1998), Carrie Nixon (2000), and Katie Carroll (2004, 2007), all of whom were complemented by Natalie Stitt (2009) and Meghan Perry-Eaton (2003-05) as the meet’s Most Outstanding Diver.
Also returning to BIG EAST scene is sophomore Kim Holden, who became a four-time BIG EAST champion (100 and 200 backstroke, 200 and 400 medley relays) in her league debut.
As the defending champion off the 3-meter board, Jenny Chiang will lead the Irish charge at the diving portion. Her title in 2010 was among the eight events won by the Irish. Six-time BIG EAST Diving Coach of the Year Caiming Xie will also count on Heidi Grossman and Kimmie Lisiak to aid the Irish off the boards.
In all, Notre Dame has won 114 titles at the BIG EAST Championships since joining the conference in 1996. Notre Dame finished third in the league meet that first year and has since proceeded to win each ensuing title.
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