BOCA RATON, Fla. – (July 25, 2019) – Florida Atlantic University swimming & diving coach Lara Preacco has announced the signing of 19 student-athletes, each eligible for the 2019-20 season. The men’s team welcomes nine newcomers, while the women add 10. Preacco’s sixth signing class showcases representatives from six different countries and six states.
“We are welcoming some fast talent this year on both the men’s and women’s side,” said Preacco. “These future Owls have continued to improve as they get ready to join us this fall. They will immediately add speed and strength to our roster and relays. This will help our team stay on course toward our pursuit to win a conference championship, as well as continue to break school records and send student-athletes to the NCAA Championship. We are extremely excited and can’t wait to get started. Go Owls!”
Men’s Team Signees
Adan Diaz
Events: Breaststroke
Hometown: Pachuca, Mexico
High School: Westlake Prep
Previous School: Nova Southeastern
Major: Finance and Management
At Nova Southeastern, Diaz received All-Conference Second Team as a freshman and recorded six personal best times with seven NCAA B-Cut times. Diaz earned NCAA All-American honors in the 400 medley relay and 200 breaststroke, where he took 11th place (1:59.90) at the 2018 NCAA Division II Championships. Additionally, Diaz earned silver in the 200 breaststroke at the 2018 Sunshine State Conference Championships (1:59.12).
Why FAU?
“I always wanted to compete at the highest level of NCAA. FAU has an excellent swimming & diving program, as well as impressive academics. I picked FAU because it’s ranked in the 2019 edition of Best National Universities. The school is also located in one of the most beautiful places in Florida and I believe the university’s welcoming environment and accommodations help it stand out from others.”
Kyle Douglas
Events: Backstroke, IM
Hometown: Pointe-Claire, QC, Canada
High School: St. Thomas
Expected Major: Multimedia Studies (Journalism)
Fun Fact: Can crack knuckles 16 times in under a minute and is usually not scared of anything but clowns
Douglas comes to FAU from Québec, where he swam club for coaches Phil Garverick and Martin Gingras. He was recognized with the Victor Davis Award by his club teammates and Most Improved Swimmer honors.
Why FAU?
“I chose FAU for the amazing campus, team and location! FAU has a beautiful campus with amazing buildings for academics and the pool was one of the nicest ones I’ve seen in my athletic career. The swimming & diving team made me feel comfortable when I was on my recruiting trip and I felt at home with only spending a couple days in Boca Raton. It was an unusual feeling for me because I don’t feel comfortable in places that aren’t my permanent residence in Montreal. Both the academics and athletics are top tier and will only benefit me in my future.”
Andrew Garcia
Events: Sprint Freestyle
Hometown: Miami
High School: Alonzo and Tracy Mourning
Expected Major: Sports Science/Finance
Fun Fact: Has finished Pokémon Emerald in 45 minutes
Garcia received second and third-place finishes at the FHSAA State Championships. The Miami native was recognized with All-Dade honors and is the school record holder in the 50 and 100 freestyle.
Why FAU?
“I chose FAU because of the beautiful campus, amazing team atmosphere, great year-round weather and the fact that it’s close to home.”
Ahmed Hussein
Events: Mid-Distance Freestyle, Butterfly
Hometown: Cairo, Egypt
High School: International School of Elite Education
Expected Major: Computer Engineering
Fun Fact: Hopes to achieve all athletic goals and become one of the best international swimmers
Hussein lived out a successful career in his home country, receiving a gold medal in the 100 butterfly at the 2018 Youth African Games. He currently holds the 200 freestyle record in Africa in the 15-year-old age group and was awarded as the Best Swimmer in Africa in the 14-year-old age group.
Why FAU?
Hussein represents Egypt’s best swimmer in his age group and has always dreamed of attending a Division I university in the U.S. FAU was a school on the top of Hussein’s list, not only because it is strong in athletics, but it has a great education system. Hussein notes how Florida is an outstanding state to live in, while he is pursuing his education. He is looking forward to FAU and meeting all of his teammates.
Carter Januzelli
Events: Breaststroke, IM
Hometown: Peachtree Corners, Ga.
High School: Norcross
Expected Major: Business
Fun Fact: Fascinated by all things animals
Januzelli was part of the 2019 7A GHSA State Championship team in the 200 freestyle relay. He is the Norcross High School record holder in the 200 IM, 200 medley relay and 200 freestyle relay. Aside from lettering academically and athletically all four years in high school, Januzelli received All-American consideration in the 200 medley and 200 freestyle relays.
Why FAU?
“I chose FAU because of the beautiful location, amazing campus and incredible people.”
James Kostrzewa
Events: Sprint Freestyle
Hometown: Milwaukee
High School: Franklin
Expected Major: Marine Biology
Fun Fact: Eats Taco Bell at least four times a week
The Milwaukee native holds the Franklin High School record in the 50 and 100 freestyle, as well as the 200 and 400 freestyle relays. His times in the 50 free (20.82) and 100 free (45.39) made the mark for All-State and All-American consideration. Kostrzewa was named the Most Valuable Swimmer at Franklin two years in a row and was also a Milwaukee Journal Male Swimmer of the Year nominee.
Why FAU?
“I loved the team, coaches and overall environment on campus. I felt like it was the perfect fit for me.”
Quinn Lacoursiere
Events: Sprint Freestyle, Breaststroke
Hometown: Boynton Beach, Fla.
High School: American Heritage – Delray
Pervious School: Whittier College
Major: Public Safety Management
Fun Fact: Big time golfer
Lacoursiere spent the first two years of his collegiate career at Whittier College in Southern California where he competed in water polo and swimming. His water polo team was a two-year semifinalist at the NCAA Division III Championships. He was also a two-year conference finalist in the 100 breaststroke and Rookie of the Year. At American Heritage, Lacoursiere was a state finalist and member of the Honor Roll.
Why FAU?
“I love South Florida. It is my home and I would love the opportunity to continue my education and swim with a strong Division I team.”
Clay Riemenschneider
Events: Distance Freestyle
Hometown: Fort Myers, Fla.
High School: Fort Myers
Previous School: Florida State
Major: Biology (Pre-Dental)
Fun Fact: Did not start swimming until eighth grade
Riemenschneider comes to Boca Raton after spending the first two years of his collegiate career at Florida State. The biology major was a four-time Dean’s List recipient, ACC Academic Honor Roll member and played a role in the team’s CSCAA Scholar All-America Team honors. At Fort Myers High School, Riemenschneider was an All-Conference Champion, state finalist, Scholastic All-American and a News-Press Swimmer of the Year finalist.
Why FAU?
Riemenschneider took note of the positivity, happiness and improvement of swimmers at FAU. He recognized how the groups are doing a great job emphasizing swimmers’ strengths, as well as the team and location of the university better suiting his lifestyle. Additionally, he mentioned how the coaches and swimmers will be able to help him succeed and achieve his goals.
Garrett Stanley
Events: Backstroke, IM
Hometown: Cape Coral, Fla.
High School: Bishop Verot Catholic
Expected Major: Civic Engineering
Fun Fact: Dogs are named after Star Wars characters
Stanley was recognized as a two-time News-Press First Team All-Area selection. He was a state finalist at Bishop Verot Catholic High School and is the current school record holder in the 100 backstroke and 200 medley relay.
Why FAU?
“I chose FAU because it was close to home and I really liked the swim team and coaches. It seemed like a great fit.”
Women’s Team Signees
Mackenzie Brown
Events: Sprint Freestyle, Backstroke
Hometown: Prattville, Ala.
High School: Prattville
Previous School: Georgia Southern
Major: Sociology
Fun Fact: Notorious for pronouncing everything wrong
Brown was the Freshman of the Year on the swimming & diving team at Georgia Southern following the 2017-18 season. The Prattville, Alabama native was an individual finalist at the 2018 and 2019 CCSA Championship, as well as a four-time Dean’s List recipient. Brown was also a state finalist in each of her three events in high school.
Why FAU?
“FAU immediately felt like a home where I was welcomed and felt valued. I knew both my academic and athletic goals could be reached here.”
Maya Cusumano
Events: Diving
Hometown: Celebration, Fla.
High School: Celebration
Expected Major: Exercise Science & Health Promotion
Fun Fact: Really likes to clean and organize things
Cusumano broke the Celebration High School record in her diving events. Additionally, she was a top-12 state competitor and broke the school record for weightlifting in her weight class.
Why FAU?
“When I visited the campus, I loved it! The palm trees lined the boulevards and when looking online at my major, I felt that I could be very successful. Plus, it’s just close enough to home.”
Kirsten Hobson
Events: Freestyle, Backstroke
Hometown: Johannesburg, South Africa (went to school in Sarasota, Fla.)
High School: Riverview
Expected Major: Biology
Fun Fact: South African and can speak Afrikaans
Hobson was a South Carolina State Champion in the 200 freestyle, as well as a runner up at the FHSAA State Championship. She was part of the 14-time YMCA National winning team, as well as a contributor to the 2019 women’s YMCA Championship team. Her athletic success is backed up with a 4.5 unweighted GPA, and was also a member of the National Honor Society.
Why FAU?
“I chose FAU because not only is Boca Raton a quick drive from Sarasota, but it’s also located in a beautiful area with magnificent scenery. The coaches and staff created a welcoming environment, which was reflected in the athletes. The swimmers also have a great bond, which is very important to me. I had no doubt in my mind that FAU was the school for me.”
Molly Jordan
Events: Butterfly, IM
Hometown: Bel Air, Md.
High School: C. Milton Wright
Expected Major: Business
Fun Fact: Wants to be a DJ so bad, loves to blast music and has taught herself how to dance through YouTube
Jordan was an All-County, Regional and State Champion. She was a member of the Spanish National Honor Society and student government, as well as an Honor Roll recipient.
Why FAU?
“I chose FAU because when I visited, it felt like home. The team and coaches made me feel welcomed right when I got there and the school itself was perfect for me. I loved the location and, of course, the beach! I’m excited for the next four years at FAU and can’t wait for my journey in academics and swimming.”
Emily Loefgren
Events: IM, Breaststroke
Hometown: Bradenton, Fla.
High School: Lakewood Ranch
Expected Major: Marine Biology
Fun Fact: Loves to paint, whether it’s on someone’s back or a piece of paper
Loefgren swam club for the Sarasota YMCA Sharks. She has earned a spot as a FHSAA 4A state finalist multiple times and is a two-time Florida Swimming SCY Championships finalist.
Why FAU?
“I chose FAU because I loved everything about the school. On my first visit, I fell in love with the campus, team and coaches. I loved the way everyone would be there for each other to push one another. I could not wait to start at FAU.”
Grace Molinaro
Events: Butterfly, Backstroke
Hometown: Clearwater, Fla.
High School: Clearwater
Expected Major: Psychology
Fun Fact: First baby born in the “new millennium” in her home country (first baby born in 2001)
Molinaro was a state qualifier all four years at Clearwater High School. In the 100 butterfly, she was the state runner-up, three-time district champion and conference champion. Molinaro holds the school records in two relay events and two individual events and was the recipient of Clearwater High’s Most Outstanding Athlete award.
Why FAU?
“I chose FAU because I fell in love with how coastal Boca is and the entire feel of the campus and team when I came to visit. I really couldn’t see myself going anywhere else.”
Alicia Mora
Events: 1- and 3-meter
Hometown: Madrid, Spain
High School: Ramón Fumadó
Expected Major: Business Management
Fun Fact: Enjoys meeting new people and helping others
Mora brings grace and elegance to the boards, as she has been the Spanish Champion over the past four years. Her goal is to represent her country at the Olympics.
Why FAU?
“FAU has one of the best universities for business, the pool looks great and Coach Ryan transmitted so much confidence in me.”
Keelysta Radloff
Events: Freestyle, Butterfly
Hometown: Lakewood Ranch, Fla.
High School: Lakewood Ranch
Expected Major: Business
Fun Fact: Used to show ex-race horses and won many competitions when she was younger (still rides horses today)
Radloff was a FHSAA State qualifier all four years in high school as an individual and a part of a relay team. She received MVP on her swim team following her junior year, as well as the Highest Point Scoring award after her senior campaign. Radloff was also a two-time HT Preps All-Star Team member.
Why FAU?
“I chose FAU because I fell in love with the campus at first sight and after my official visit, I clicked with the team very easily and felt comfortable. I also saw that FAU had my major and most people who were student-athletes at FAU ended up being successful after college.”
Payton Remick
Events: Butterfly, Freestyle
Hometown: Atlanta
High School: Lassiter
Expected Major: Chemistry
Fun Fact: Went skydiving for the first time over Oahu, Hawaii recently
Remick was a four-year high school state qualifier, varsity letterman and academic letter recipient. The Atlanta native was a two-year All-County Team member, as well as a GA Zone Team member.
Why FAU?
“I chose FAU because it has everything that I am looking for. The swim team and coaches are outstanding, and the school will allow me to receive a top-level education. Plus, I am excited to be a part of a diverse student body and experience one of the most beautiful campuses in the country.”
Dominique Sauger
Events: Mid-Distance Freestyle, Backstroke
Hometown: Fairfax, Virginia
High School: Oakton
Expected Major: Political Science
Fun Fact: Really into history, especially art history
Sauger received a Varsity letter all four years in high school. She was an All-Conference selection, National Honor Society member and Virginia High School League Award of Excellence recipient. Sauger was also a four-time Student Athlete Honor Roll member.
Why FAU?
“I decided to go to FAU because I fell in love with Boca and the team was inviting. I think this school will help me broaden my horizons and become successful.”
For complete coverage of FAU swimming and diving during the offseason, follow the team on Twitter (@FAUSwimDive), Instagram (@FAUSwimDive) and Facebook.
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Florida Atlantic University Athletics:
FAU Athletics is comprised of 21 intercollegiate teams involving 450 student-athletes that compete in baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, indoor and outdoor track, volleyball, beach volleyball, cheer and dance. The Owls are a NCAA Division I-A (FBS) institution and compete in Conference USA and the Coastal Collegiate Sports Association (CCSA) (beach volleyball, men’s swimming). The Owls have been playing football since 2001 and are a perfect 3-0 in bowl games, the most recent being a 50-3 victory over Akron in the 2017 Cheribundi Tart Cherry Boca Raton Bowl. The dance team finished its 2014 season No. 8, nationally. FAU cheer won a national championship in 2016.
About Florida Atlantic University:
Florida Atlantic University, established in 1961, officially opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University, with an annual economic impact of $6.3 billion, serves more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students at sites throughout its six county service region in southeast Florida. FAU’s world-class teaching and research faculty serves students through 10 colleges: the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, the College of Business, the College for Design and Social Inquiry, the College of Education, the College of Engineering and Computer Science, the Graduate College, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing and the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. FAU is ranked as a High Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The University is placing special focus on the rapid development of critical areas that form the basis of its strategic plan: Healthy aging, biotech, coastal and marine issues, neuroscience, regenerative medicine, informatics, lifespan and the environment. These areas provide opportunities for faculty and students to build upon FAU’s existing strengths in research and scholarship. For more information, visit www.fau.edu.
