The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
No. 5 Women’s Swimming and Diving inks eight to 2020 class
11.19.2019 | Women's Swimming and Diving
The signing class of one diver and seven swimmers features four top-20 recruits.
AUSTIN, Texas – Head swimming coach Carol Capitani, head diving coach Matt Scoggin and the No. 5 Texas Women's Swimming and Diving team announce the signing of eight student-athletes to the 2020 class, which includes three in Swim Swam's top twenty rankings and one of the best young divers in the country.
"I am thrilled to have this class of young women finally make their commitment official," said head swimming coach Carol Capitani. "Not only is this a talented and excited bunch of athletes, they are the kind of people who will leave their mark at the University of Texas and will make our program better. We can't be more excited to welcome them on the Forty Acres in the fall. Hook 'em!"
Bridget O'Neil | Southlake, Texas | Carroll Senior High | GC Divers
PRIOR TO TEXAS
Two-time World Junior Championships team member in Kazan, Russia in 2016 and Kiev, Ukraine in 2018…won bronze at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina…competed at the 2017 Jr. Pan American Games in Victoria, Canada…won bronze at the 2018 and 2019 USA Diving Senior National Championships…won a pair of silver medals at the 2018 USA Diving Junior National Championships…silver medalist at the 2017 USA Diving Junior National Championships…2018-19 Texas 6A State silver medal winner and member of State Championship team…2017-18 Texas 6A State silver medal winner…2016-17 Texas 6A State Champion…member of the National Honor Society.
"Bridget will immediately positively impact our swimming & diving team," head diving coach Matt Scoggin said of O'Neil. "She's developed a skill set that will allow her to be a competitive force as a Longhorn. In addition, Bridget will thrive in the classroom. We are very fortunate to have signed Bridget and it will be exciting to watch her achieve her academic and athletic goals."
PERSONAL
Daughter of Dan and Jennifer O'Neil…Dan played football at Santa Clara University…has one sister, Lindsey… great-uncle John O'Neil won Olympic gold medals for Team USA in rugby in 1920 and 1924
WHY TEXAS?
"I chose Texas because of its tradition of excellence, both academically and athletically. I love the culture that the coaches and athletes have created for this team. I can see myself learning and continuing to grow in this environment. Hook 'Em!"
Olivia Bray | Daleville, Va. | Lord Botetourt High | Virginia Gators
PRIOR TO TEXAS
One of the best young fliers in the country…also swims backstroke and sprint freestyle…holds the 17-18 SCY 100 butterfly NAG record in the 100 fly (50.19) and is the 3rd ranked 200 flyer in the 17-18 age group (1:53.72)…Olympic Trials Qualifier in both butterflys and both backstrokes…the Virginia 3A State Champion in 2016-17 and 2017-18…won eight gold medals at the ISCA TYR Summer Senior Championship…named a 2018 USA Swimming Scholastic All-American…competed with the National Junior Team at the Mel Zajac Jr. International Swim Meet in Vancouver, Canada.
PERSONAL
Daughter of James and Kimberly Bray…has one sister, Rachel.
WHY TEXAS?
"I believe Texas is the place in which I'll succeed the most and it feels like home when I'm on campus. They have the best environment for success and welcome everyone."
Grace Cooper | Oswego, Ill. | Oswego East High | Delta Aquatics
PRIOR TO TEXAS
Primarily a sprint freestyler…three-time NISCA All-American…Competed with Team USA last summer in Budapest, Hungary at the World Junior Championships, earning two gold medals as part of the 4x100 F.R. and the 4x100 mixed F.R….competed with the National Junior Team at the Mel Zajac Jr. International Swim Meet in Vancouver, Canada…2020 Olympic Trials Qualifier in the 50 and 100 freestyle…2018-19 Illinois State Champion in the 50 and 100 freestyle…2017-18 Illinois State Champion in the 100 and 200 freestyle and the record-setting 400 freestyle relay team…named the Illinois Female Breakthrough Swimmer of the Year in 2017…
PERSONAL
Daughter of Dan and Kim Cooper…has one brother, Jack, who plays football at North Central College.
WHY TEXAS?
"I chose Texas because as soon as I stepped on campus, I immediately fell in love with the team culture and environment. The coaches are extremely welcoming and it is an amazing school to pursue my major of choice and academic career as well. It is my dream school and I am beyond excited to be a part of the Longhorn family."
Anna Elendt | Dreieich, Germany | Carl von Weinberg Schule | DSW Darmstadt
PRIOR TO TEXAS
Primarily a breaststroker…was a top eight finalist in the 50 breaststroke at the 2019 World Championships in Gwangju…also swam the 100 breaststroke and earned a 9th place finish in the 400 M.R., which secured its qualification for the Olympic Games…won gold in the 50m breaststroke and bronze in the 100m breaststroke at the FINA Swimming World Cup in 2019.
PERSONAL
Daughter of Philipp and Melanie Elendt…has two siblings, Sophie and Helen.
WHY TEXAS?
"I chose Texas because I had the best feeling from the beginning."
Ava Longi | Austin, Texas | Liberal Arts & Science Academy | Western Hills Athletic Club
PRIOR TO TEXAS
Primarily a butterflier and sprint freestyler…Texas 5A State Champion in 200 freestyle…state medalist in 50 freestyle (2nd) and 100 freestyle (3rd)…holds school records in 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, 200 F.R., 400 F.R.…named to Austin American-Statesman's All-Centex Preps Team…2019 USA Swimming Scholastic All-American…a US Open qualifier and Speedo Junior Nationals qualifier…a 2019-20 National Merit Semifinalist…three time recipient of the Austin ISD Trustees' Scholar Award.
PERSONAL
Daughter of Dominic and Kelly Longi…has two siblings, Emerson and Rocco.
WHY TEXAS?
"I chose Texas because of the incredible combination of both academics and athletics. I immediately felt at home with both the team and the coaching staff, and I can't wait to be a Longhorn."
Ellie McLeod | Houston, Texas | Homeschool | Dad's Club Swim Team
PRIOR TO TEXAS
Primarily a sprint freestyler and breaststroker…2018-19 first team All-State in the 100 and 200 freestyle…2017-18 first team All-State in the 50 free, 200 F.R., 200 individual medley and 400 F.R. and second team All-State in the 100 freestyle…a US Open qualifier and Speedo Junior Nationals qualifier.
PERSONAL
Daughter of Mark and Janet McLeod…is the youngest of eight children – Josiah, Jessica, Rebekah, Rachel, Sarah, Grace and Anna…Rachel played basketball at Liberty and Anna played basketball at Abilene Christian…grandfather George McLeod played in the NBA for the Baltimore Bullets.
WHY TEXAS?
"I love the atmosphere and the pride that comes with being a Longhorn. The moment I met the team and the coaches, I knew that The University of Texas was the perfect place for me."
Sydney Silver | Denver, Colo. | Saint Mary's Academy | University of Denver Hilltoppers
PRIOR TO TEXAS
Primarily a backstroker and sprint freestyler…2020 Olympic Trials qualifier in the 100 backstroke…2018 Colorado 3A State Champion in the 100-yard backstroke…a two-time USA Swimming Scholastic All-American as a sophomore and junior…helped her team to a state runner-up finish as a freshman in 2016-17.
PERSONAL
Daughter of Derigan and Alison Silver…Derigan was a collegiate swimmer at UC Santa Barbara…has three siblings, Roan, Noah and Joel.
WHY TEXAS?
"I loved the feeling I got when I stepped on campus and the team made me feel so welcomed."
Emma Sticklen | Katy, Texas | Taylor High | Katy Aquatics Team for Youth
PRIOR TO TEXAS
Swims butterfly, sprint freestyle and backstroke…three-time USA Swimming Scholastic All-American and two-time NISCA All-American…2019 Texas State Champion in 100 butterfly and backstroke…Texas UIL State Record holder in the 100 butterfly (51.88)…won the 2018 Junior Nationals title in the 100 butterfly…2020 Olympic Trials qualifier in both butterflies…NCSA 100 butterfly champion in 2019…winner of Outstanding Student award for class of 2020…winner of the Pauline Phillips Award, presented to a swimmer in the Gulf area who displays characteristics of dedication to swimming, citizenship, and selfless support of teammates.
PERSONAL
Daughter of Chris and Leasha Sticklen…Chris played Division III football at Marietta College…has two siblings, Courtney and Zachary Southern.
WHY TEXAS?
"I am proud to call Texas my home for the next four years. All of the swimmers at Texas make me feel so welcome. The coaches are incredible, and not only do they want to know me as a swimmer, but also as a person. I am honored to have the opportunity to become a student at UT and contribute to its exceptional athletic reputation."
