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Swimming & Diving
vs Boston College
Women's Swimming & Diving Welcomes Eight for 2020-21
4/20/2020 11:04:00 AM | Swimming & Diving
DURHAM, N.C. – Head coach Dan Colella and the Duke swimming and diving program announced the signing of eight new Blue Devils to make up its 2020 women's recruiting class.
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The group of eight signees has swimmers and divers from California, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Turkey.
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"We are thrilled to have such a talented class of women joining us this fall," Colella said. "It is a diverse group that will add strength and depth to our returning team. They have ambitious goals both in the classroom as well as the pool and I have no doubt they will help us to continue our tradition of academic excellence as well as to reach new heights as a swimming and diving program."
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Take a closer look at the incoming freshman class:
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Catherine Belyakov
Breast/IM – Gaithersburg, Md. – Quince Orchard High School – Rockville Montgomery Swim Club
Notes: Winter Nationals Qualifier … Multiple time Maryland State Champion … Two-time High School All-Amercia in 200 IM and 100 breaststroke … Member of the National Honor Society.
On choosing Duke: "As soon as I stepped on campus I knew Duke was the right place for me, the team was like a family. I loved every minute there!"Â
Belyakov Personal Records:
100 Breast SCY/LCM: 1:01.6/1:12.2
200 Breast SCY/LCM: 2:14.6/2:34.1
200 IM SCY/LCM: 2:00.8/2:18.5
100 Fly SCY/LCM: 54.4/1:03.1
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Ashley Chompre
Fly/IM – Glen Mills, Pa. – Wilmington Friends School – Westtown Aquatics Club
Notes: Summer and Winter Junior Nationals Qualifier … Delaware Swimmer of the Year as a junior and senior … Four-time state champion in the 100 butterfly and state champion in the 200 IM senior year … USA Swimming Scholastic All-American.
On choosing Duke: "The unparalleled balance between academics and athletics as well as the spirited community and vibrant campus made Duke the perfect place for me. The team and coaches were so welcoming and I can't wait to be a part of such a talented, dedicated, and fun team!"
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Chompre Personal Records:
100 Fly SCY/LCM - 54.1/1:02.9
200 Fly SCY/LCM - 2:00.5/2:22.4
200 IM SCY/LCM - 2:00.5/2:26.6
400 IM SCY/LCM - 4:23.6/5:08.4
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Sarah Foley
Breast/IM – Philadelphia, Pa. – William Penn Charter School – Penn Charter Aquatic Club
Notes: Olympic Trials qualifier … Junior Nationals Finalist (10th in 200 breaststroke and 18th in 100 breaststroke) … Four-time Eastern Interscholastic Champion - 100 breaststroke (twice), 400 freestyle relay, 200 medley relay … Five-time NISCA All-American … Two-time team MCP … Missile Atlantic Senior Championship Meet and Pool Record holder … High honors as a freshman, sophomore and junior.
On choosing Duke: "I chose Duke not only because of the amazing combination of athletics and academics, but also because of the strong bond between teammates. When I visited Duke, I knew that I would flourish in and out of the pool and find a second family."
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Foley Personal Records:
100 Breaststroke SCY/LCM - 1:00.8/1:11.1
200 Breaststroke SCY/LCM - 2:12.2/2:32.2
200 IM SCY/LCM – 1:58.1/2:22.2
400 IM SCY/LCM - 4:19.1/5:12.9
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Emily Gjertsen
Distance Free – Eastchester, N.Y. – Tuckahoe High School – Badger Swim Club
Notes: Olympic Trails qualifier … US Open and TYR Pro Series qualifier … Competed at Summer and Winter Nationals, finishing 26th in 1500 free at Summer Nationals … Placed first in the 400 and 1500 free at ISCA TYR Junior Nationals … Finished second in the 500 free at state competition.
On choosing Duke: "Duke is an amazing academic school and has one of the top swim programs in the country. Upon stepping foot on campus, the coaches and swim team made me feel like part of the Duke family. I am so excited for next season to join and compete for the team. Go Duke!"
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Gjertsen Personal Records:
500/400 free -Â 4:50.8/4:18.4
1000/800 free - 9:56.0/8:47.9
1650/1500 free - 16:33.3/16:58.4
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Emily Lenihan
Back/Fly – Louisville, K.Y. – Sacred Heart Academy – Lakeside Swim Team
Notes: Olympic Trials Qualifier … Scholastic All American … Kentucky State Champion.
On choosing Duke: I chose Duke because I felt I could excel both academically and athletically. I also loved the team atmosphere and the coaching staff.
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Lenihan Personal Records:
200 Back SCY/LCM: 1:56.8/2:14.6Â
100 Back SCY/LCM: 53.9/1:02.7
100 Fly SCY/LCM: 54.0/1:01.0
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Aleyna Ozkan
Sprint fly and free – Istanbul, Turkey – Ozel Sezin College – Fenerbahce Sports Club
Notes: Turkish record holder in the 50 and 100 butterfly, both short and long course … Competed on the national stage in multiple events … Bronze medalist in the 4 x 100 Mix Medley relay and 50 and 100 butterfly finalist at the 2019 European Junior Swimming Championships in Kazan … Finalist in the 4 x 100 Mix Medley relay and semifinalist in 50 and 100 butterfly at the 2019 World Junio Swimming Championships in Budapest … Bronze medalist in the 50 fly and semifinaist in the 100 fly at the 2018 EJC European Junior Swimming Championships in Helsinki … Finalist in 100 butterfly and semifinalist in 50 fly at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires in 2018.
On choosing Duke: I am honored and excited that I am officially committed to Duke University as part of their class of 2024. I chose Duke because I believe that I will be able to improve myself in and out of the pool in so many ways. Huge thanks to everyone who helped me along the way. GO BLUE DEVILS!!
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Ozkan Personal Bests:
50 butterfly SCM/LCM: 26.5/26.8
100 butterfly SCM/LCM: 59.2/59.8
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Catherine Purnell
IM/Fly/Mid-Distance Free — Manassas, Va— Stonewall Jackson High School — Nations Capital Swim Club
Notes: US Open Qualifier … Two-time Virginia 6A State Runner-Up … Placed 7th at NCSA SCY Junior Nationals … USA Swimming Scholastic All-American.
On choosing Duke: I chose Duke because of the tradition of academic and athletic excellence. When I visited, the team welcomed me and the coaches were fantastic. Duke felt like home to me. I can't wait to be at Duke with the team and Coach Colella!Â
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Purnell Personal Records:
400 IM SCY/LCM 4:12.4/4:53.6
200 IM SCY/LCM 2:00.1/ 2:18.7
200 Fly SCY/LCM 1:56.7/2:16.7
500 Free SCY/LCM 4:47.6/4:19.0
1650 free SCY 16:32.2
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Emily Rakestraw
Diving - Livermore, CA - Granada High School - Santa Clara Diving Club
Notes: Four-time regional qualifier for gymnastics … 2017 Level 9 National Qualifier for gymnastics … 2019 California State qualifier for diving … All-league high school diving 2019 ... Started diving in fall of 2018 after 10 years of competitive gymnastics.
On Choosing Duke: "I chose Duke because of the amazing opportunities it provides for female student-athletes. The CAPE program at Duke is unparalleled, and it will help me as I pursue a career in the medical field. The camaraderie of the team and Coach Esposto's willingness to work with me confirmed that Duke was the perfect choice for me."
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Rakestraw Personal Records:
One-meter(10 dive): 345.6
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The group of eight signees has swimmers and divers from California, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Turkey.
Â
"We are thrilled to have such a talented class of women joining us this fall," Colella said. "It is a diverse group that will add strength and depth to our returning team. They have ambitious goals both in the classroom as well as the pool and I have no doubt they will help us to continue our tradition of academic excellence as well as to reach new heights as a swimming and diving program."
Â
Take a closer look at the incoming freshman class:
Â
Catherine Belyakov
Breast/IM – Gaithersburg, Md. – Quince Orchard High School – Rockville Montgomery Swim Club
Notes: Winter Nationals Qualifier … Multiple time Maryland State Champion … Two-time High School All-Amercia in 200 IM and 100 breaststroke … Member of the National Honor Society.
On choosing Duke: "As soon as I stepped on campus I knew Duke was the right place for me, the team was like a family. I loved every minute there!"Â
ÂI am thrilled to announce my verbal commitment to swim and study at Duke University. I am beyond thankful for the support of my family, friends, coaches and teachers! #GoDuke ???? pic.twitter.com/XFQ5G2BmCw
— Catherine Belyakov (@CBelyakov) February 6, 2019
Belyakov Personal Records:
100 Breast SCY/LCM: 1:01.6/1:12.2
200 Breast SCY/LCM: 2:14.6/2:34.1
200 IM SCY/LCM: 2:00.8/2:18.5
100 Fly SCY/LCM: 54.4/1:03.1
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Ashley Chompre
Fly/IM – Glen Mills, Pa. – Wilmington Friends School – Westtown Aquatics Club
Notes: Summer and Winter Junior Nationals Qualifier … Delaware Swimmer of the Year as a junior and senior … Four-time state champion in the 100 butterfly and state champion in the 200 IM senior year … USA Swimming Scholastic All-American.
On choosing Duke: "The unparalleled balance between academics and athletics as well as the spirited community and vibrant campus made Duke the perfect place for me. The team and coaches were so welcoming and I can't wait to be a part of such a talented, dedicated, and fun team!"
 Chompre Personal Records:
100 Fly SCY/LCM - 54.1/1:02.9
200 Fly SCY/LCM - 2:00.5/2:22.4
200 IM SCY/LCM - 2:00.5/2:26.6
400 IM SCY/LCM - 4:23.6/5:08.4
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Sarah Foley
Breast/IM – Philadelphia, Pa. – William Penn Charter School – Penn Charter Aquatic Club
Notes: Olympic Trials qualifier … Junior Nationals Finalist (10th in 200 breaststroke and 18th in 100 breaststroke) … Four-time Eastern Interscholastic Champion - 100 breaststroke (twice), 400 freestyle relay, 200 medley relay … Five-time NISCA All-American … Two-time team MCP … Missile Atlantic Senior Championship Meet and Pool Record holder … High honors as a freshman, sophomore and junior.
On choosing Duke: "I chose Duke not only because of the amazing combination of athletics and academics, but also because of the strong bond between teammates. When I visited Duke, I knew that I would flourish in and out of the pool and find a second family."
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Foley Personal Records:
100 Breaststroke SCY/LCM - 1:00.8/1:11.1
200 Breaststroke SCY/LCM - 2:12.2/2:32.2
200 IM SCY/LCM – 1:58.1/2:22.2
400 IM SCY/LCM - 4:19.1/5:12.9
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Emily Gjertsen
Distance Free – Eastchester, N.Y. – Tuckahoe High School – Badger Swim Club
Notes: Olympic Trails qualifier … US Open and TYR Pro Series qualifier … Competed at Summer and Winter Nationals, finishing 26th in 1500 free at Summer Nationals … Placed first in the 400 and 1500 free at ISCA TYR Junior Nationals … Finished second in the 500 free at state competition.
On choosing Duke: "Duke is an amazing academic school and has one of the top swim programs in the country. Upon stepping foot on campus, the coaches and swim team made me feel like part of the Duke family. I am so excited for next season to join and compete for the team. Go Duke!"
Â
Gjertsen Personal Records:
500/400 free -Â 4:50.8/4:18.4
1000/800 free - 9:56.0/8:47.9
1650/1500 free - 16:33.3/16:58.4
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Emily Lenihan
Back/Fly – Louisville, K.Y. – Sacred Heart Academy – Lakeside Swim Team
Notes: Olympic Trials Qualifier … Scholastic All American … Kentucky State Champion.
On choosing Duke: I chose Duke because I felt I could excel both academically and athletically. I also loved the team atmosphere and the coaching staff.
Â
Lenihan Personal Records:
200 Back SCY/LCM: 1:56.8/2:14.6Â
100 Back SCY/LCM: 53.9/1:02.7
100 Fly SCY/LCM: 54.0/1:01.0
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Aleyna Ozkan
Sprint fly and free – Istanbul, Turkey – Ozel Sezin College – Fenerbahce Sports Club
Notes: Turkish record holder in the 50 and 100 butterfly, both short and long course … Competed on the national stage in multiple events … Bronze medalist in the 4 x 100 Mix Medley relay and 50 and 100 butterfly finalist at the 2019 European Junior Swimming Championships in Kazan … Finalist in the 4 x 100 Mix Medley relay and semifinalist in 50 and 100 butterfly at the 2019 World Junio Swimming Championships in Budapest … Bronze medalist in the 50 fly and semifinaist in the 100 fly at the 2018 EJC European Junior Swimming Championships in Helsinki … Finalist in 100 butterfly and semifinalist in 50 fly at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires in 2018.
On choosing Duke: I am honored and excited that I am officially committed to Duke University as part of their class of 2024. I chose Duke because I believe that I will be able to improve myself in and out of the pool in so many ways. Huge thanks to everyone who helped me along the way. GO BLUE DEVILS!!
 Ozkan Personal Bests:
50 butterfly SCM/LCM: 26.5/26.8
100 butterfly SCM/LCM: 59.2/59.8
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Catherine Purnell
IM/Fly/Mid-Distance Free — Manassas, Va— Stonewall Jackson High School — Nations Capital Swim Club
Notes: US Open Qualifier … Two-time Virginia 6A State Runner-Up … Placed 7th at NCSA SCY Junior Nationals … USA Swimming Scholastic All-American.
On choosing Duke: I chose Duke because of the tradition of academic and athletic excellence. When I visited, the team welcomed me and the coaches were fantastic. Duke felt like home to me. I can't wait to be at Duke with the team and Coach Colella!Â
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Purnell Personal Records:
400 IM SCY/LCM 4:12.4/4:53.6
200 IM SCY/LCM 2:00.1/ 2:18.7
200 Fly SCY/LCM 1:56.7/2:16.7
500 Free SCY/LCM 4:47.6/4:19.0
1650 free SCY 16:32.2
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Emily Rakestraw
Diving - Livermore, CA - Granada High School - Santa Clara Diving Club
Notes: Four-time regional qualifier for gymnastics … 2017 Level 9 National Qualifier for gymnastics … 2019 California State qualifier for diving … All-league high school diving 2019 ... Started diving in fall of 2018 after 10 years of competitive gymnastics.
On Choosing Duke: "I chose Duke because of the amazing opportunities it provides for female student-athletes. The CAPE program at Duke is unparalleled, and it will help me as I pursue a career in the medical field. The camaraderie of the team and Coach Esposto's willingness to work with me confirmed that Duke was the perfect choice for me."
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Rakestraw Personal Records:
One-meter(10 dive): 345.6
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