University of Houston Athletics
Swimming and Diving Announces Signing Class
11/23/2011 12:00:00 AM | Swimming & Diving
Nov. 23, 2011
HOUSTON - University of Houston head swimming coach Augie Busch announced Wednesday a class of six student-athletes signing letters of intent to swim for the Cougars in 2012.
"I can't tell you how excited I am to welcome these student-athletes to the UH swimming and diving family," Busch said. "The thing that has made the most significant impression on me through their recruitment is that they all have inherent leadership abilities and team-first attitudes. These are qualities that will instantly enhance the culture that we're working to establish here at Houston."
The six signees are:
Mackenzie Alspaugh // Austin, Texas // Rouse High School
Holly Criscuolo // Alexandria, Virg. // Battlefield High School
Taylor Derevyanik // Southlake, Texas // Southlake Carroll High School
Michelle Detka // Phoenix, Ariz. // Verrado High School
Maggie McCord // Tucson, Ariz. // Canyon Del Oro High School
Maya Owens // Converse, Texas // Converse Judson High School
"Include the fact that they're all great students who place the highest priority on academics, and you have a group of student-athletes who will add a great deal of value to our team, athletic department, and university."
This was the first signing class Busch has had time to assemble since being named head coach on May 18. The class includes three signees from Texas, two from Arizona and one from Virginia.
MEET THE COUGARS
Mackenzie Alspaugh
Austin, Texas // Rouse High School // Butterfly, Back
"Mackenzie is just scratching the surface with her swimming. I feel she's someone who is on the cusp of really emerging in the state of Texas as one of the premier swimmers in her events. She had a terrific summer and has developed a tenacious attitude toward maximizing her potential and seeing how far she can go in the sport. She's a very talented swimmer whose versatility will help our team in so many ways. We're thrilled to have Mackenzie on our team."
Holly Criscuolo
Alexandria, Va. // Battlefield High School // Butterfly
"I'm really excited about Holly's future. She's shown remarkable improvement in a short period of time, which suggests that very good things are on the near horizon. I know her club coach well and speaks very highly of her athletic ability, attitude, and leadership qualities. We'll look to her early to make large contributions in the pool and positive impacts on our team environment."
Michelle Detka
Phoenix, Ariz. // Verrado High School // Butterfly
"I can't wait for the chance to coach Michelle. She's a speedster whom over time will figure out how to hold her inherent speed over longer distances. Considering the fact that she's never done a morning workout, there's a strong chance she will really blossom in college. It's been great getting to know her better through this recruiting process and I just couldn't have imagined her not being with me during these next 4 years. Our team culture is immediately better when you add a personality and attitude like Michelle's."
Taylor Derevyanik
Southlake, Texas // Southlake Carroll High School // Butterfly, back, sprint free
"I can't wait to have Taylor on our team. I got to see her swim a lot over the summer and she absolutely stood out to me among Texas high school swimmers. I noticed quickly her kicking ability, particularly underwater, and her ability to swim different strokes very well. She has the type of skill set that is necessary to achieve great things at the college level. Throw in the fact that she's a very sweet person with a terrific personality, and Taylor will be a great fit in this program."
Maggie McCord
Tucson, Ariz. // Canyon Del Oro High Schoo // Sprint Free
"I'm thrilled for the chance to work with Maggie. I've gotten to know her well over the past several months. She's a phenomenal talent with a positive, unselfish attitude. She will play an integral part in taking this team to the next level. Kim Eeson will leave some large shoes to fill but Maggie will come in and we won't skip a beat in our relays. She will make an incredible impact in so many ways in our program."
Maya Owens
Converse, Texas // Converse Judson High School // Butterfly, Free
"It's going to be very fun to watch where Maya's career goes. Some people are just easy in the water, and that definitely classifies Maya. She will develop into a great 200 butterflyer for us, and her freestyle gives us added depth where we need it in those events. We were definitely `late in the game' as far as her recruitment goes, but after my trip to San Antonio to meet her(and father) and watch her train, I'm beyond excited to have the chance to coach her."
Players Mentioned
