UF Seniors Near Final Stand Inside the O'Connell Center
Wednesday, January 20, 2016 | Men's Swimming & Diving, Women's Swimming & Diving
Gators will host Auburn Saturday at 11 a.m. ET for Senior Day
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The University of Florida men's and women's swimming and diving teams welcome Auburn University to the Stephen C. O'Connell Center on Saturday for the Gators' final home meet of the 2016 season. Seventeen UF seniors will be recognized prior to the meet with a ceremony at 11:15 a.m. ET.
"We've had four great years with this group of seniors," said Head Coach Gregg Troy. "On the men's side we've had three conference championships in a row and three top-5 finishes at the NCAA meet. It's part of what those guys have done and we feel like we're in line to accomplish those feats again."
Troy echoed his statement's about the women's team.
"On the women's side, Natalie Hinds and Jessica Thielmann have been outstanding over the last couple of years -- they've been the core of this team to an extent. With the addition of Lindsey McKnight, Ashlee Linn, and Sierra Kuhn, this has been a really outstanding group of girls to work with over the years. Our entire women's swimming and diving team has been through ups and downs over the years but they've been there for each other and ultimately the team.
"I'm happy to see this group have a chance to finish strong at home against a competitive team in Auburn. They don't always have that opportunity and we like to see their competitive edge as often as possible."
Saturday's competition will be swum in a long-course (50-meter pool) where Olympic hopefuls will have the opportunity to meet their respective country's Olympic Time Trial-qualifying times in each event.
Meet the 2016 Senior Class
The 2016 seniors were polled throughout the week as we asked them:
1. What's been your best memory as a Florida Gator?
2. What will you miss the most about the Florida swimming and diving program?
3. How would you like to be remembered as a Gator?
4. What are your current plans for next year?
Delaney Dye | Tallahassee, Fla. | Diver
"Finaling at the SEC Championship in 2015 was my greatest memory as a Gator. We worked hard all season, so to finally see everything come together at the right time was unbelievable. The atmosphere was like nothing I have ever experienced.
"I'll miss the friends I have made along the way the most. I met so many incredibly talented athletes. I will cherish the friendships I made here at UF forever.
"I want to be remembered as a fighter. Through all the hardships faced during my time at UF, I never gave up. I want to be remembered as the girl that fought to finish what I started.
"I will most likely continue my education in grad school next year."
Arthur Frayler | Fort Washington, Pa. | Freestyle
"The best memory as a Gator for me would be the first time winning SECs as a team my freshman year. It had been twenty years since we had won a title and it shaped the future for our next three years as a team. Honestly though, this is only one of many memories I could list during my time as a Gator.
"What I will miss most will be the people. My teammates and coaches have become my family and eventually parting from them is going to be very tough, though I know I will always have a home in Gainesville.
"As a competitor I want to be remembered as relentless and fearless, never willing to back down, and always willing to give everything I have. As a teammate I want to be remembered for competing at a high level, but most of all being remembered for positive qualities to the team and leaving a large whole to fill when I leave.
"Next year I will still be in town for school, so even though I'll be done collegiate swimming I won't be too far away from the program. I will always be willing to help and reach out to my teammates and family when I'm needed."
Zach Hernandez | Johns Creek, Ga. | Diver
"The best memory I will take away from my time as a Gator is cracking the top 16 at NCAAs on tower. Competing at NCAAs could have been a memory in itself but to make it into the B final was an extra thrill.
"I'm going to miss competing with my teammates. I'll miss both the thrill of competition and rooting for them.
"I want to be remembered as a tough competitor and a motivating teammate. Whether I've done a poor dive, or a teammate has, I want to be remembered for coming back strong and always willing to help them do the same.
"As of right now, my plans are unclear. I'm hoping to find a job in the finance field back in Atlanta but if another opportunity presents itself, I'm open to additional options as well."
Natalie Hinds | Midland, Texas | Freestyle / Butterfly
"My greatest memory is finishing my first Christmas training with my teammates and realizing that anything is possible if you really do believe you can do it.
"The thing I will miss most about the program is the feeling of a family away from home. There has always been someone to get me through my lowest of lows and be there with me through the good times.
"I would like to be remembered as the really tall funny girl who could always put someone in a good mood. I also want to be remembered as the most honest and blunt person to ever walk through UF.
"My plans for next year are to graduate in December and hopefully receive an internship in the cosmetics industry."
Justin Kaisrlik | Clermont, Fla. | Freestyle / IM
"My best take away from the program would be the people I met while being a part of the team. They really had a big impact on my life and helped shape me as a person.
"I will miss the family aspect of the team the most. Everyone becomes like a brother or sister and it is nice to know you can rely on others to help you with a problem.
"Someone that was always ready to push limits and ready to race.
"Next year my plans are to finish my degree and go out into the real world."
Sierra Kuhn | Verona, Wis. | Backstroke / IM
"My best memories will be the lifelong relationships I have found here and the hard work and self-discipline I have learned from this program.
"I'll miss the team the most ultimately -- we're one big family.
"I'd like to be remembered for keeping the focus on the positive and always able to put a smile on one's face.
"I plan to finish school and start to look for jobs/internships in my area of interest next year.
Corey Main | Auckland, New Zealand | Backstroke
"The best memory I'm going to take away from being a Gator is grinding the workouts through the fall semester and kicking back over the weekend and watching Florida Football.
"I'm going to miss competing with my teammates in dual meets and through the championship season.
"I would like to be remembered as a tough racer, but also an uplifting teammate.
"My plans for next year are to stay and complete my degree, but also train for the Olympics in Rio."
Ashlee Linn | Sarasota, Fla. | Riverview
"My best memory as a Gator was definitely my freshman year when I received the opportunity to go compete at SEC's and witness the men winning conference title.
"I will miss all of my teammates and the staff (coaches, trainers, managers, Erva, etc.).
"As a competitor, I would like to be remembered as the intimidating individual who put everything into relays and was willing to swim anything for the team's success. But as a teammate, I want to be remembered as the one who cared about her teammates (Male and Female). Someone you could vent to and would reassure you that no matter what, everything was going to be alright.
"I plan to finish up my Bachelor's degree in Animal Biology and begin applying to Veterinarian School next year."
Austin Manganiello | Miami, Fla. | IM / Freestyle
"My best memory as a Gator so far will be us guys winning our 3rd SEC Championship title last year.
"I'm going to miss the daily grind of practices with my teammates.
"I'd like to be remembered as the guy who had no fear of dying in races.
"I plan on going to work for Bridgestone starting this summer. Will be back at UF to finish my MBA in a few years."
Lindsey McKnight | Coral Springs, Fla. | Freestyle / IM
"There isn't one specific moment I consider the best memory from my time as a Gator. Some of the best memories I have are from my freshman year in the dorms figuring out college life with my roommates.
"I'll miss seeing the best friends I've made over the years every single day.
"I'd like to be remembered as someone who brought positive and fun energy to the people around me either during competition or on a daily basis.
"Next year I will hopefully be interning or working in Washington DC, where my parents just moved. If not, hopefully working in Boston where my sister also lives and works."
Emily Mosher | Cincinnati, Ohio | Diver
"My best memory will be the fact that we were a part of one of the best teams in the country.
"I'm definitely going to miss the team. It's like a second family to me. I'm also really going to miss Coach Dale [Schultz].
"I'd like to be remembered as someone who had a deep passion for the sport and always worked hard at practice and meets. Someone who strived to do my best no matter what.
"I plan to graduate in December and then help coach a diving camp, travel abroad with my family, and eventually go to graduate school for Occupational therapy."
Taylor Roy | Woodstock, Ga. | Freestyle
"My best memory as a Gator will be all of the times the team came together for the alma mater after a meet. Win or lose we always sang the song as a team and I always loved that.
"I will miss my teammates the most after leaving the swimming program. No matter what, they were always there and I will miss the togetherness and support from them.
"I would like to be remembered as someone who has a positive attitude and always tried their hardest.
"For next year, I am still finishing up my bachelor's degree in Public Relations and then plan to stay here in Gainesville and go to graduate school."
Sinead Russell | Burlington, Ontario | Backstroke / Freestyle
"A couple of my best memories that I'll be taking away from my time as a Gator would be the potluck the girls team had at coach Leah's house my second year here. I had a lot of fun with some of the group activities. For example, the "who knows the lyrics best" game, plus the food was awesome. The next would have to be the competition as a team and individually. A lot of the races were individual races, but you always had the team's support getting you through each one.
"What I'll miss most about the swimming and diving program at UF is knowing I won't be seeing the teammates that I have been seeing basically every day since I came to school. They were always so motivating and supportive and I'll really miss that about them.
"I would like to be remembered as a tough competitor that wouldn't back down from a challenge. As a teammate, I would like to be remembered as someone who makes some awesome comfort food (cheesecake) -- or as someone who was always there if anyone needed a talk.
"After I graduate, I plan on moving to London for an internship with a publishing company for a year."
Jessica Thielmann | Newcastle, England | Freestyle / IM
"My best memory as a Gator was winning SEC's and seeing my parents in the stand while Coach Nesty presented my medal knowing that our hard work paid off.
"I will miss being in a team environment the most. The feeling of accomplishing hard practices/meets with your teammates is irreplaceable.
"I'd like to be remembered as a tough competitor. As a teammate i want to be remembered as someone good to be around. I can have a laugh as well as work hard.
"My plans for next year is to graduate. I will still come watch the swim meets."
Luke Torres | Fort Lauderdale. Fla. | Freestyle / Butterfly
"It's hard to pick just one of the many memories, but one of my best will always be taking down the 20-year streak when we won SECs my freshmen year.
"I'll miss my teammates the most. Coming together with great people to accomplish the same goal. We train a lot and put in a lot of time and effort, but when we are constantly pushing each other it makes the process much more enjoyable.
"I'd like to be remembered as someone positive who makes people laugh and brings the team together.
"Next year, I plan to finish up school and set myself up for a good job. Maybe take a month to just travel before I start a real job."
Kahlia Warner | Queensland, Australia | Diver
"My greatest memory will be the first night of 2015 NCAAs when I became an All-American -- it will stick with me forever.
"I'll miss the energy and excitement that our team exerts when someone is about to win a race/event. It gives you an indescribable adrenaline rush and makes you feel so proud to be a Gator.
"I'd like to be remembered as a competitor who led by example, and ateammate who was approachable, genuine, and provided comedic relief.
"I plan on finishing school next year, graduating, and then heading to Australia to get a job!"
Pawel Werner | Wroclaw, Poland | Freestyle
Pawel Werner will depart from Gainesville with a storybook career, having won an NCAA Champion in the men's 800-yard Freestyle Relay event.
Werner was also a 2013 SEC Champion (200-yard freestyle), a six-time all American, and a 2015 SEC Academic Honor Roll member.
"We've had four great years with this group of seniors," said Head Coach Gregg Troy. "On the men's side we've had three conference championships in a row and three top-5 finishes at the NCAA meet. It's part of what those guys have done and we feel like we're in line to accomplish those feats again."
Troy echoed his statement's about the women's team.
"On the women's side, Natalie Hinds and Jessica Thielmann have been outstanding over the last couple of years -- they've been the core of this team to an extent. With the addition of Lindsey McKnight, Ashlee Linn, and Sierra Kuhn, this has been a really outstanding group of girls to work with over the years. Our entire women's swimming and diving team has been through ups and downs over the years but they've been there for each other and ultimately the team.
"I'm happy to see this group have a chance to finish strong at home against a competitive team in Auburn. They don't always have that opportunity and we like to see their competitive edge as often as possible."
Saturday's competition will be swum in a long-course (50-meter pool) where Olympic hopefuls will have the opportunity to meet their respective country's Olympic Time Trial-qualifying times in each event.
Meet the 2016 Senior Class
The 2016 seniors were polled throughout the week as we asked them:
1. What's been your best memory as a Florida Gator?
2. What will you miss the most about the Florida swimming and diving program?
3. How would you like to be remembered as a Gator?
4. What are your current plans for next year?
Delaney Dye | Tallahassee, Fla. | Diver
"Finaling at the SEC Championship in 2015 was my greatest memory as a Gator. We worked hard all season, so to finally see everything come together at the right time was unbelievable. The atmosphere was like nothing I have ever experienced."I'll miss the friends I have made along the way the most. I met so many incredibly talented athletes. I will cherish the friendships I made here at UF forever.
"I want to be remembered as a fighter. Through all the hardships faced during my time at UF, I never gave up. I want to be remembered as the girl that fought to finish what I started.
"I will most likely continue my education in grad school next year."
Arthur Frayler | Fort Washington, Pa. | Freestyle
"The best memory as a Gator for me would be the first time winning SECs as a team my freshman year. It had been twenty years since we had won a title and it shaped the future for our next three years as a team. Honestly though, this is only one of many memories I could list during my time as a Gator."What I will miss most will be the people. My teammates and coaches have become my family and eventually parting from them is going to be very tough, though I know I will always have a home in Gainesville.
"As a competitor I want to be remembered as relentless and fearless, never willing to back down, and always willing to give everything I have. As a teammate I want to be remembered for competing at a high level, but most of all being remembered for positive qualities to the team and leaving a large whole to fill when I leave.
"Next year I will still be in town for school, so even though I'll be done collegiate swimming I won't be too far away from the program. I will always be willing to help and reach out to my teammates and family when I'm needed."
Zach Hernandez | Johns Creek, Ga. | Diver
"The best memory I will take away from my time as a Gator is cracking the top 16 at NCAAs on tower. Competing at NCAAs could have been a memory in itself but to make it into the B final was an extra thrill."I'm going to miss competing with my teammates. I'll miss both the thrill of competition and rooting for them.
"I want to be remembered as a tough competitor and a motivating teammate. Whether I've done a poor dive, or a teammate has, I want to be remembered for coming back strong and always willing to help them do the same.
"As of right now, my plans are unclear. I'm hoping to find a job in the finance field back in Atlanta but if another opportunity presents itself, I'm open to additional options as well."
Natalie Hinds | Midland, Texas | Freestyle / Butterfly
"My greatest memory is finishing my first Christmas training with my teammates and realizing that anything is possible if you really do believe you can do it."The thing I will miss most about the program is the feeling of a family away from home. There has always been someone to get me through my lowest of lows and be there with me through the good times.
"I would like to be remembered as the really tall funny girl who could always put someone in a good mood. I also want to be remembered as the most honest and blunt person to ever walk through UF.
"My plans for next year are to graduate in December and hopefully receive an internship in the cosmetics industry."
Justin Kaisrlik | Clermont, Fla. | Freestyle / IM
"My best take away from the program would be the people I met while being a part of the team. They really had a big impact on my life and helped shape me as a person."I will miss the family aspect of the team the most. Everyone becomes like a brother or sister and it is nice to know you can rely on others to help you with a problem.
"Someone that was always ready to push limits and ready to race.
"Next year my plans are to finish my degree and go out into the real world."
Sierra Kuhn | Verona, Wis. | Backstroke / IM
"My best memories will be the lifelong relationships I have found here and the hard work and self-discipline I have learned from this program."I'll miss the team the most ultimately -- we're one big family.
"I'd like to be remembered for keeping the focus on the positive and always able to put a smile on one's face.
"I plan to finish school and start to look for jobs/internships in my area of interest next year.
Corey Main | Auckland, New Zealand | Backstroke
"The best memory I'm going to take away from being a Gator is grinding the workouts through the fall semester and kicking back over the weekend and watching Florida Football."I'm going to miss competing with my teammates in dual meets and through the championship season.
"I would like to be remembered as a tough racer, but also an uplifting teammate.
"My plans for next year are to stay and complete my degree, but also train for the Olympics in Rio."
Ashlee Linn | Sarasota, Fla. | Riverview
"My best memory as a Gator was definitely my freshman year when I received the opportunity to go compete at SEC's and witness the men winning conference title."I will miss all of my teammates and the staff (coaches, trainers, managers, Erva, etc.).
"As a competitor, I would like to be remembered as the intimidating individual who put everything into relays and was willing to swim anything for the team's success. But as a teammate, I want to be remembered as the one who cared about her teammates (Male and Female). Someone you could vent to and would reassure you that no matter what, everything was going to be alright.
"I plan to finish up my Bachelor's degree in Animal Biology and begin applying to Veterinarian School next year."
Austin Manganiello | Miami, Fla. | IM / Freestyle
"My best memory as a Gator so far will be us guys winning our 3rd SEC Championship title last year."I'm going to miss the daily grind of practices with my teammates.
"I'd like to be remembered as the guy who had no fear of dying in races.
"I plan on going to work for Bridgestone starting this summer. Will be back at UF to finish my MBA in a few years."
Lindsey McKnight | Coral Springs, Fla. | Freestyle / IM
"There isn't one specific moment I consider the best memory from my time as a Gator. Some of the best memories I have are from my freshman year in the dorms figuring out college life with my roommates."I'll miss seeing the best friends I've made over the years every single day.
"I'd like to be remembered as someone who brought positive and fun energy to the people around me either during competition or on a daily basis.
"Next year I will hopefully be interning or working in Washington DC, where my parents just moved. If not, hopefully working in Boston where my sister also lives and works."
Emily Mosher | Cincinnati, Ohio | Diver
"My best memory will be the fact that we were a part of one of the best teams in the country."I'm definitely going to miss the team. It's like a second family to me. I'm also really going to miss Coach Dale [Schultz].
"I'd like to be remembered as someone who had a deep passion for the sport and always worked hard at practice and meets. Someone who strived to do my best no matter what.
"I plan to graduate in December and then help coach a diving camp, travel abroad with my family, and eventually go to graduate school for Occupational therapy."
Taylor Roy | Woodstock, Ga. | Freestyle
"My best memory as a Gator will be all of the times the team came together for the alma mater after a meet. Win or lose we always sang the song as a team and I always loved that."I will miss my teammates the most after leaving the swimming program. No matter what, they were always there and I will miss the togetherness and support from them.
"I would like to be remembered as someone who has a positive attitude and always tried their hardest.
"For next year, I am still finishing up my bachelor's degree in Public Relations and then plan to stay here in Gainesville and go to graduate school."
Sinead Russell | Burlington, Ontario | Backstroke / Freestyle
"A couple of my best memories that I'll be taking away from my time as a Gator would be the potluck the girls team had at coach Leah's house my second year here. I had a lot of fun with some of the group activities. For example, the "who knows the lyrics best" game, plus the food was awesome. The next would have to be the competition as a team and individually. A lot of the races were individual races, but you always had the team's support getting you through each one."What I'll miss most about the swimming and diving program at UF is knowing I won't be seeing the teammates that I have been seeing basically every day since I came to school. They were always so motivating and supportive and I'll really miss that about them.
"I would like to be remembered as a tough competitor that wouldn't back down from a challenge. As a teammate, I would like to be remembered as someone who makes some awesome comfort food (cheesecake) -- or as someone who was always there if anyone needed a talk.
"After I graduate, I plan on moving to London for an internship with a publishing company for a year."
Jessica Thielmann | Newcastle, England | Freestyle / IM
"My best memory as a Gator was winning SEC's and seeing my parents in the stand while Coach Nesty presented my medal knowing that our hard work paid off."I will miss being in a team environment the most. The feeling of accomplishing hard practices/meets with your teammates is irreplaceable.
"I'd like to be remembered as a tough competitor. As a teammate i want to be remembered as someone good to be around. I can have a laugh as well as work hard.
"My plans for next year is to graduate. I will still come watch the swim meets."
Luke Torres | Fort Lauderdale. Fla. | Freestyle / Butterfly
"It's hard to pick just one of the many memories, but one of my best will always be taking down the 20-year streak when we won SECs my freshmen year."I'll miss my teammates the most. Coming together with great people to accomplish the same goal. We train a lot and put in a lot of time and effort, but when we are constantly pushing each other it makes the process much more enjoyable.
"I'd like to be remembered as someone positive who makes people laugh and brings the team together.
"Next year, I plan to finish up school and set myself up for a good job. Maybe take a month to just travel before I start a real job."
Kahlia Warner | Queensland, Australia | Diver
"My greatest memory will be the first night of 2015 NCAAs when I became an All-American -- it will stick with me forever."I'll miss the energy and excitement that our team exerts when someone is about to win a race/event. It gives you an indescribable adrenaline rush and makes you feel so proud to be a Gator.
"I'd like to be remembered as a competitor who led by example, and ateammate who was approachable, genuine, and provided comedic relief.
"I plan on finishing school next year, graduating, and then heading to Australia to get a job!"
Pawel Werner | Wroclaw, Poland | Freestyle
Pawel Werner will depart from Gainesville with a storybook career, having won an NCAA Champion in the men's 800-yard Freestyle Relay event.Werner was also a 2013 SEC Champion (200-yard freestyle), a six-time all American, and a 2015 SEC Academic Honor Roll member.
Players Mentioned
Diving
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
Free
/ Men's Swimming & Diving
Diving
/ Men's Swimming & Diving
Free/Fly
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
Free/IM
/ Men's Swimming & Diving
Back/IM
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
Back/IM
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
Back
/ Men's Swimming & Diving
IM/Free
/ Men's Swimming & Diving
Free/IM
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
Diving
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
Free
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
Back/Free
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
Free/IM
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
Free/Fly
/ Men's Swimming & Diving
Diving
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
Free
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