KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Kutztown University women's swimming will have plenty of new faces on the 2022-23 roster, turning over a new page for the program this year.
 
Head coach Tim Flannery, entering his 26th season leading the Golden Bears, is excited to be leading a newer group, one that is getting back to normal routine of a collegiate swim season.
 
"My mindset is to be getting back to normal," said Flannery. "We were in a COVID-19 mode with the cancellation of the 20-21 season and then trying to get the team through 21-22 season after having so much time off and Covid-19 still hanging around. It's great to be back to normalcy. We'll still have to dodge illness, but the past two years I just want to forget and hope not to repeat. We're going to make up for lost time. We are light years ahead of where we were last year at the same time."
 
There are just five returning student-athletes from last year's squad, including Gracie McKee (Boyertown, Pa./Boyertown), Keara Bedson (Ballston Spa, N.Y./Ballston Spa), Jaylin Calistro (Temple, N.H./Contoocook Valley Regional), Ainsley Fischer (Newark, Del./Delaware Military Academy) and Jade Ware (Easton, Pa./Wilson Area). This quintet is mixed with talent and experience and Flannery is confident they can lead the Golden Bears to achieve their goals this year.
 
"I feel good about this team," Flannery said. "We've got a lot of new faces in the program and so far, they've done a great job in the pool and with Scott Hobbs in the weight room. We'll have more depth, and we won't be giving up any events in dual meets. I'm excited about the chance to work with this group and build a foundation for the future."
 
McKee is the expected lead returner this season. She broke a 25-year old school record in the 200-yard backstroke, finishing with a 2:03.22 and winning a silver medal at the PSAC's. McKee also holds the school record in the 100-yard butterfly and is second all-time for the 100-yard backstroke. The other four have improved from last year and are looking for bigger and better things this season.
 
"Gracie led us out of the darkness that was the 20-21 season and was a catalyst for the rest of the team," said Flannery. "She elevates her teammates through her work ethic and has become a strong leader in practice and outside the pool. I'm confident in her ability to improve upon her success from last season it's going to be a lot of fun to watch her this season.
 
"The upperclassmen have all been doing well so far. Keara and Jaylin got through the 20-21 year and rebounded well in 21-22. They'll be counted on this season to be better and to provide leadership to our incoming freshman. Jade and Ainsley learned a great deal from last year and are expected to make it back to PSACs."
 
There are a total of 10 underclassmen that are brand new to the program, nine of which are freshmen. A few from this group have already made an early impression on their coaching staff in preseason.
 
"So far, we've had quite a few newcomers stand out," Flannery said. "Annamarie Rodier (Mount Laurel, N.J./Lenape), Natasha Sheehy (Tempe, Australia/MLC School), Frannie Pease-Wingenter (Goodyear, Ariz./Millennium), Paige Heck (Dauphin, Pa./Central Dauphin) and Ana Soto (Hamburg, N.J./Vernon Township) are a solid group of Freestylers that will all make an immediate impact. Emily Francisco (East Greenville, Pa./Upper Perkiomen), Jena LaTorres (Allentown, Pa./William Allen), Bry Burke, Alex Wetzel and Olivia Bing (Newtown, Pa./Council Rock North) will add considerable depth. I think this group is going to get stronger throughout the year."
 
Kutztown opens its 2022-23 season at Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference opponent, Shippensburg, Wednesday, Sept. 28, at 5:30 p.m. KU's home opener is set for homecoming Saturday, Oct. 22, hosting Lock Haven.