Oct. 23, 2012

The University of Minnesota women’s swimming and diving team swept the Big Ten Weekly Awards for the third-straight week Tuesday, as Kierra Smith earned both Swimmer of the Week and Freshman of the Week honors and Sarah McCrady was tabbed Diver of the Week.

Smith’s two honors this week mark three on the season thus far for the freshman standout. In last weekend’s meet against Kansas, Smith won three events including the 100 breaststroke (1:03.08), 200 breaststroke (2:14.54) and was a member of the 200 medley relay (1:44.73). Smith was the only Gopher to notch three victories on the night and earned a NCAA B qualifying time and new meet record in the 200 breast.

McCrady earned her second honor of the season and of her career after placing first in 3 meter diving (322.92) and second in 1 meter diving (278.85) in Minnesota’s win at Kansas. Her score of 322.92 was the highest score for a Gopher this season in 3 meter, while both scores were NCAA Zone Diving qualifying marks.

This is the third week in a row that the Gophers have earned three honors in the Big Ten Weekly Awards.

2012-13 Big Ten Women’s Swimmer/Diver/Freshman of the Week

Oct. 2   
S: Angela Chokran, Jr., MICH
D: Carey Chen, So., MICH
F: Elizabeth Brown, MSU

Oct. 9   
S: Tess Behrens, Jr., MINN
D: Sarah McCrady, Jr., MINN
F: Lauren Votava, MINN

Oct. 16
S: Jessica Plant, So., MINN
Ivy Martin, So., WIS
D: Maggie Keefer, Jr., MINN
F: Kierra Smith, MINN

Oct. 23
S: Kierra Smith, Fr., MINN
D: Sarah McCrady, Jr., MINN
F: Kierra Smith, MINN