Issue link: https://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1190034
29 e University of Iowa swimming and diving team has a lot ahead of it this season. Stacked competition against Notre Dame, Northwestern, and trips to the Minnesota Invitational and Shamrock Invitational are in store for the Hawkeyes, but something besides the schedule feels tough. "We've been proving our strength and depth in our performances and we want that to continue with the meets ahead," said senior captain Amy Lenderink. "We all see exciting progress with our development as a team and in the Big Ten and I have no doubt that we can challenge our division rivals in dual meets and into conference." e character and atmosphere surrounding the 2019-20 team is unlike years past, and neither is the level of competition. Aer facing top-five competition from Indiana, Michigan, Texas, and California, the Hawkeyes feel more prepared to take on league foes at the Big Ten Championships this spring. "As a team, we are looking to jump a few places from last year's Big Ten competition," said senior captain Sam Dumford. "Last year le us with a lot of hope to grow and improve in championship meets." A big part Iowa Iowa's new hopes is the large and impactful group of freshmen that stepped on deck in August. Both Dumford and Lenderink give praise for the new personalities. "Each year the team's dynamic changes as a senior class graduates and a new freshman class comes in. is year the shi was greater with about 40 percent of the team being freshman," said Dumford. "In my training group — the sprinters — we graduated about half our group and that has made a big difference in the team's camaraderie." ree freshmen — Millie Sansome (three events), Aleksandra Olesiak (two), and Maddie Ziegert (one) — lead the team in six events for the women, and Will Myhre and Mohamed Neuman are tops on the team in one event for the men. eir presence has been felt, with all five posting individual wins in multiple meets this season. "e freshmen have brought a high energy and confidence to the team, and they aren't a group to shy from the high level of collegiate competition," said Lenderink. "It has been encouraging as to see how unified they have become, and their commitment to our program's goals." DECEMBER SCHEDULE Dec. 4-7 at Minnesota Invitational Dec. 8 at Minnesota LCM Time Trials Dec. 13 at Iowa State (W) Dec. 15-22 at USA Diving Winter National Championships