From the time the members of the Florida women’s swimming and diving teams competed in their first meet of the season, they’ve had one goal: win a national championship.
For 14 of them, the time to reach that goal is now.
Twelve swimmers and two divers will begin competition today and represent their teammates at the 2010 Women’s NCAA Swimming Championships, hosted by Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind. The three-day event will conclude Saturday.
Though the team failed to win the Southeastern Conference this year, it still has a shot at the national title.
“Each meet is one in itself,” UF coach Gregg Troy said. “We refocused on what we had to change.”
Of the 12 swimmers, nine are freshmen or sophomores.
The other three are seniors — Gemma Spofforth, Liz Kemp and Stephanie Napier — who have competed at the NCAAs for three years.
The three-time defending national champion in the 200-yard backstroke and a two-time defending champion in the 100-yard backstroke, Spofforth became the only swimmer in SEC history to win both races in three-straight years. For all her accomplishments, Spofforth might be the most nervous as she begins her last meet.
She’s dedicating the meet to her mother, who died of cancer in 2007.
“I had a little bit of a mental breakdown on Monday,” Spofforth said. “I have huge support around here and back home.”
Divers Kara Salamone and Monica Dodson will also compete after qualifying at the NCAA Zone B Diving Championships on March 14.
