Splashing Time Returns -- TUESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

COMERFORD, COTRELL BACK IN THE WATER FOR UOFL SWIMMING

Sometimes, we get a little too wrapped up about UofL women's basketball in the winter months (not that this is a bad thing) and forget there are other things going on down on the Belknap Campus. One of those things is swimming and the strokers and divers jump right back into action after the Christmas break. 

When you think of swimming and UofL, obviously the first name that comes to mind is Kelsi Worrell. Now graduated, who will carry on in her proficiency and victories? 



One name we'll offer up is Mallory Comerford. The Kalamazoo, MI. sophomore is a free-style specialist. She is ranked in the top 25 in the world. Teaming up with Worrell, she also was part of the winning 400 free relay team in the SC World Championships in early December.  She won the silver medal in the NCAA 200 Free Championships last season and is a key component on the 200-yard freestyle relay team for Arthur Albiero. A multiple ACC Swimmer of the Week award recipient last season...you can expect her to hit the wall first as the season progresses. 

Another key performer in the Ralph Wright Natatorium on campus is senior Andee Cottrell. Considered one of the best breaststroke swimmer in the ACC and NCAA, the Reynoldsville, OH senior won the 2016 ACC 100 breaststroke and is another key component on the Cardinal "A' relay teams. 

Other names to know: Casey Fanz. The freshman from Powhatten, VA has put up some impressive numbers is the back and in relays so far in the early season. Abbie Houck is a senior out of Boulder, CO and specializes in the free...an All-ACC performer for two years. Hannah Magnuson is a local talent, out of Christian Academy and the junior has won multiple meets in the butterfly and as a relay participant. Toss in the pool Rachel Grooms, Alina Kendzier, Silvia Guerra, Avery Braunecker and Feldma Bradford and you have 10 top-flight performers that should lead Louisville to a lot of wins the rest of the season.

Albiero has built a dynasty in his 14 seasons as the Cardinals head coach. He was in on the ground floor of the Ralph Wright and oversaw the plans for the construction of the state-of-the art facility. He keeps the water in the family as well...his son Estefan is a senior free stylist on the Louisville men's team and his wife Amy the head coach at Christian Academy high school. 

Albiero explains his philosophy: 

" One of my strengths is my relationship with the student-athletes. I am demanding..but reasonable. I believe you have to enjoy the process of preparation and you have to have fun to swim fast."  

The #8 ranked splash-and-dive Cards return to action January 6th. in the "Ralph" against Missouri.  The Cards will have four meets at home before they enter the ACC Championships in mid-February.