May 27, 2008

Loudonville, N.Y. - Siena swimming and diving coach Greg Brown announced today the signings of five student-athletes who will enroll at Siena College and join the program as freshmen this fall. Katie Carew, Mary Ann Gaffuri, Francesca Litz, Elizabeth Rice and Emily Schultz will comprise the Class of 2012.

"I am excited to see what this year's incoming class can do," remarked Brown. "This is a talented bunch and I have no doubt that each student-athlete will contribute to another successful season."

Carew, a native of Airmont, N.Y., competed in both freestyle and individual medley events while at Suffern High. A team captain during the 2007 swim season, Carew also was a 2007 and 2008 Speedo Sectional Qualifier.

"Katie is a great swimmer who will add strength to the 200 Free and the IM events," noted Brown. "She is an extremely hard worker and brings serious dedication to the swimming and diving program."

A local product from Albany, Gaffuri excelled in the sprint free at Albany High. During all four of her years she was a New York High School State Qualifier in the 50, 100 and 200 freestyle events as well as multiple relays.

"Mary Ann is an outstanding sprinter who comes to Siena with an impressive resume," added Brown. "We will look to her to be one of the top sprinters in the MAAC and help us reach new heights beginning this season."

Litz was a standout in both freestyle and butterfly events during her time at Liverpool High in Liverpool, N.Y. In both 2006 and 2007 she was a member of Section III State Championship Team, as well as a New York High School State Qualifier. A team captain as a senior, Litz also has excelled outside of the pool as she is a member of the National Honor Society.

"Francesca will add strength to both sprint free and butterfly this season," said Brown. "She is a great addition to our program and I look forward to working with her next fall."

Another local product from Gansevoort, N.Y. by way of Saratoga High, Rice joins the Saints to add depth to the diving program. She was a New York State High School Qualifier in one meter dives all four years at Saratoga, finishing as high as seventh overall at the 2007 state meet.

"Elizabeth comes to Siena after a very successful high school diving career and I am really looking forward to seeing what she can do next fall," proclaimed Brown. "I have no doubt that Elizabeth will finish high at the MAAC Championships meet."

Finally, Schultz joins the program all the way from Leawood, Kan. where she was a standout at Notre Dame de Sion High in the breaststroke. Although she hails from Kansas, Schultz was a Missouri High School State Qualifier in both 2007 and 2008. She was a USA Scholastic All-American and NISCA and Speedo All-Academic selection. In addition, Schultz was a Missouri All-State Honorable Mention and tabbed First Team All-Metro by the Kansas City Star.

"Emily is an outstanding talent and I look forward to seeing her compete this fall," remarked Brown. "She is a solid breaststroker who will make that event a strength for us both this upcoming season and in the future."

The quintet joins a Siena swimming and diving program on the rise following a strong 2007-08 campaign. The Saints opened the season with a program record 8-2 start before finishing 9-4, including a sixth place finish at the MAAC Championships.