Nov. 18, 2008

KINGSTON, R.I. - Rhode Island women's swimming head coach Mick Westkott announced Tuesday that high school seniors Susan Nugent and Stacey Stepniak had signed National Letters of Intent to compete at URI next season.

"We are very excited to have both of these girls come to Rhode Island," Westkott said. "We feel both of them will be able to make an immediate impact on our program."

Nugent (New Hyde Park, N.Y.) comes to URI as a junior nationals qualifier, having competed in the 500-, 1,000-and 1,650-yard freestyle events at the 2008 NCSA Junior Nationals this past March.

"Susan is a very versatile swimmer and we hope to have her compete in several different events ranging from ranging from distance to the butterfly," Westkott said.

In addition, Nugent has earned All-County and All-Conference honors in each of her first three years at New Hyde Park Memorial High School.

Stepniak (Dallas, Pa.) will join the squad after advancing to both the district and state meets of in each of her first three seasons as a prep student-athlete.

"Stacey will come in as a sprint freestyler," Westkott said. "She has a huge upside because she has been a multiple sport participant for her entire high school career."

Stephniak is a two-time conference Swimmer of the Year recipient.

Nugent and Stepniak also compete in club swimming. Nugent competes for the Long Island Express in New York, while Stepniak is a member of the Mountaineer Aquatic Club in Pennsylvania.

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HEAD COACH: MICK WESTKOTT

• 401-874-2005

• swim@etal.uri.edu

DIVING COACH: LINDSAY MOORE

• 401-874-5238

• lindzdiver@aol.com

ASST. COACH: COLIN SHANNAHAN

• 401-874-5238

• colin.shannahan@gmail.com

SWIMMING & DIVING LINKS

• Atlantic 10 Swimming & Diving

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• CollegeSwimming.com

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