The swimming team is looking to make this upcoming season a special one, as there are many high hopes and expectations surrounding all swimmers. Coach Maureen Travers is really excited for the potential this squad has shown, predicting that they could end up being one of the most talented and fastest teams in recent memory. 

There are some high expectations throughout the season, especially when the Metropolitan Championships arrive in February. A more versatile group, especially with those competing in the event of Individual Medley, Travers expects many swimmers to go on to the National Championships at Palo Alto, Texas in March. Even with new NCAA cut times, C.W. Post will stride to be well represented at the NCAAs. 

The lone senior on the team comes into the year with high expectations after establishing herself as one of the best swimmers in school history. Last year, Riley Cassidy (Cambridge, Ontario) set many records, both in individual events as well as team relay events. On Nov. 20, in the 400 medley relay against Army, Cassidy was part of a 400 medley relay pool record (3:57.61). She also qualified for NCAA “B” cut in the 200 Butterfly twice, as well as the 100 Butterfly once. Cassidy was then part of another record, this being a school record in the 200 Free Relay (1:35.05) where the squad was also able to establish a NCAA “A” cut with the record time at the Metropolitan Championships on Feb. 20. In that same day, she also set two individual school records; one in the 200 IM (2:08.80) while also making a NCAA “B” cut and the 100 butterfly record with a time of 56.14. 

For the past two seasons, Cassidy has been named Honorable Mention All-American in various events. She will look to add more records this year, as she will look to focus more on the 200 Fly and 100 Fly. 

The squad will also see the return of three sophomores this year. Kristina Fritsch (Brooklyn, N.Y.)will be looked upon for her top eight sprinting ability. The sophomore from Brooklyn was an ESAC qualifier in multiple events last year and will look to better her times this upcoming year. At the ESAC on Feb. 27, she set a 200 Free personal record with a time of 1:56.80. 

Cornelia Hanes (Stockholm, Sweden) comes off a strong freshman campaign where she was named an All-American Honorable Mention with her performance at the NCAA Championships in March. 11. She won the 50 Free at the Metropolitan Championships, as well as now being apart of the top five in times for three different events in school history. She also comes into the year being a part of four different top five team relay times. This upcoming year, the Swedish sophomore will be looked upon to continue her strong performances in the 50 and 100 Free, 100 Fly, and to be a strong part of various relay teams.

The final returnee from last year's squad is Sandra Kirstein (Hollviken, Sweden). Kirstein was part of the 200 Free Relay that set a school record last year with a time of 1:35.01 at the Metropolitan Championships (Feb. 19). Later that weekend, she was a part of another school record with 400 Free Relay time of 3:33.10 (Feb. 21). Continuing to be a part of the relay squads, Kirstein will also try to improve her individual times in the 50 and 100 Free, as well as the 100 Backstroke when she competes at different meets. 

The swim team will also welcome in a group of newcomers that will look to make immediate impacts. Mairi Morrison (Carnock, United Kingdom) comes to the Pioneer squad after transferring from Brunel in the United Kingdom. While at Brunel, she was a qualifier at NAIA Nationals. She will compete in many sprint Freestyle events.

Four freshmen will also come into this season looking to make big impressions throughout the year. Tamara Garriock (Duncan, Canada) comes to the school with a short course NCAA Nationals expectation and will also compete in the Medley and Free relays. Chelcee Hew (Savage, Minn.) will add versatility and good training skills to the 1000 Free and look to compete in Breaststroke and IM events. Mathilde Hyddmark (Lund, Sweden) will contend for a relay spot as well as participating in short distance Butterfly and Backstroke events. She could also see time at Fly distance events. Finally, Sandra Ann Luiga (Jarfalla, Sweden) could end up being the most well-rounded swimmer on the team. She can look to compete in many events and is looking to have a true spot in the 400 IM.

Travers is once again joined by her brother, Michael, on the coaching staff, his eighth season on the staff. The coaches will also welcome first year assistant Stephanie Palmeri. A 2009 graduate of C.W. Post, Palmeri holds spots in four different top five times in school accolades, as well as being in top five times for three different relay team events.

The Pioneers will start the season on Oct. 16 at the Millersville Relay Carnival. Coach Travers believes this meet will be very competitive and relay strong. When Army hosts the Pioneers on Nov. 19, it will be a true test to see where C.W. Post stands as far as competing at the NCAAs. Also on the schedule will be away meets at Siena, New Jersey, and Fordham. The first home meet for the Pioneers will be Nov. 3 as the Knights from Queens College will come to the Pratt Recreation Center.