Eight Set to Join Rice Swimming
6/17/2021 4:43:00 PM | Swimming & Diving
Incoming recruits for 2021-22
Rice head swim coach Seth Huston has announced eight new additions to the program who will join the Owls as they return to a full season of competition in 2021-22.
The incoming class includes six freshmen (Morgan Bartley of San Antonio, Texas; Saloni Dalal of Bangalore, India; Arielle Hayon of Agoura Hills, California; Amelia Kane of Belfast, Northern Ireland; Sydney Morgan of Cary, North Carolina and Megan Schultze of Coon Rapids, Minnesota) and a pair of transfers (Lauren McDougall of Sydney, Australia and the University of Iowa and Hunter Smith of Atlanta, Georgia and Birmingham Southern).
Houston's newest Owls will join a returning lineup that compiled their highest point total the Conference USA Championship (905.5) in the last seven years while finishing a close second to FIU.
Here's a rundown of the newest Owls:
Morgan Bartley
San Antonio, Texas/Ronald Reagan HS (Michael Rourke )/Alamo Area Aquatics (Doug Gjertsen)
Best Times:
50 Freestyle : 23.29 SCY
100 Breaststroke: 1:03.30 SCY
200 Breaststroke: 2:17.77 SCY
100 Freestyle: 51.66 SCY
200 IM: 2:04.70 SCY
100 Butterfly: 56.91 SCY
Bartley on Rice: "In my college search, I looked for a school that focused on both high academic and athletic achievement as well as fostering a close-knit swim team and campus. I also wanted a coach and team that would help me reach my many lofty swim goals, and, in Rice, I found all these things and more."
Huston on Bartley: "We are excited to bring Morgan to RICE. She has elevated her swimming each and every year through high school and brings a hard working, fun personality to the team."
Saloni Dalal
Bangalore, India/Inventure Academy/Basavanagudi Aquatic Center (V. Padmanabha Rao)
Best Times:
50 Breaststroke: 34.96 LCM (30.59 SCY conversion)
100 Breaststroke: 1:41.87 LCM (1:29.97 SCY conversion)
200 Breaststroke: 2:41.88 LCM (2:22.23 SCY conversion)
Dalal on Rice: "I chose Rice because of its caring culture, small class sizes and focus on the overall development of its students. I felt inspired by the team's unique focus and determination to excel in and out of the pool. I can't wait to be an Owl!"
Huston on Dalal: "Saloni was an early commit for us and she was very confident that RICE is the place for her to pursue excellence academically and athletically. We love her upside and potential to excel within our program over the next several years."
Arielle Hayon
Agoura Hills, California/Westlake HS (Andy Copley)/ CCAT Swimming (Stacy Smith and Jeff Thornton)
Best Times:
100 Butterfly: 54.61 SCY
50 Freestyle: 23.78 SCY
100 Freestyle: 52.30 SCY
100 Breaststroke: 1:05.07 SCY
Hayon on Rice: "Rice was my final decision because the welcoming coaching staff and team culture created an environment I could not wait to be a part of. Rice's academics combined with the University's location made it a perfect fit."
Huston on Hayon "We really believe Arielle is primed to take off in college. I think Arielle will really thrive in our team environment. She will be making big contributions to the team in her time at Rice.
Amelia Kane
Belfast, Northern Ireland/Strathearn Grammar School/Ards ASC (Davy Johnston)
Best Times:
200 IM: 2:10.03 SCM (1:57.68 SCY conversion)
400 IM: 4:45.17 SCM (4:16.90 SCY conversion)
400 Freestyle: 4:14.11 SCM (4:50.41 500 SCY conversion)
Kane on Rice: "I was impressed by the ability to combine a great swim program with a prestigious academic environment. Coach Seth, Jessica and the girls on the team made me feel comfortable and welcome."
Huston on Kane "Amelia is highly motivated and has big goals that she is not afraid to go after. She will fit beautifully into our IM and distance training groups. I look forward to coaching Amelia towards her goals."
Lauren McDougall
Sydney, Australia/ Presbyterian Ladies College (Pancha Thambo)/Iowa (Mark Long)/SOPAC (Matthew Brown)
Best Times:
50 freestyle: 26.76 LCM (23.38 SCY conversion)
100 freestyle: 50.43 SCY
200 Freestyle: 1.48.21 SCY
500y freestyle: 4.55.06 SCY
McDougall on Rice: "Rice was my final decision as it is a place where I felt like I could reach my potential and not only balance but excel in my studies and swimming. Additionally, being a transfer, I knew that I wanted a new experience from the large state schools, and Rice's vibrant community on campus was very appealing. The girls on the team are so inviting and I cannot wait to call this my new home."
Huston on McDougall "We feel very fortunate to have Lauren transferring to Rice. She brings a lot of successful collegiate swimming experience to the team. I feel Lauren brings instant leadership and fills in holes in our lineup left by the graduating class."
Sydney Morgan
Cary, North Carolina/Green Hope HS (Meredith Lindblom)/TAC Titans (Claire Donahue)
Best Times:
400 IM: 4:22.75 SCY
200 Butterfly: 2:01.89 SCY
200 Breaststroke: 2:18.24 SCY
1000 Freestyle: 10:12.92) SCY
Morgan on Rice: "I When I visited Rice I loved the team atmosphere and the culture on campus. All of the girls on the team are such kind individuals that work hard both in the pool and the classroom. Rice is the perfect place for me to continue my swimming career and pursue premed."
Huston on Morgan "Sydney was our first commit. She is a great fit for Rice She is invested in her success as a student and athlete. We look forward to settling her into our training program and environment and watching her grow."
Megan Schultze
Coon Rapids, Minnesota/ Coon Rapids HS (Doug Donaldson)/Great Wolf Swim Team (Dave Bentz)
Best Times:
100 Breaststroke: 1:03.12 SCY
200 Breaststroke: 2:17.52 SCY
100 Butterfly: 55.47 SCY
200 Free: 1:52.52 SCY
200 IM: 2:03.06 SCY
400 IM: 4:25.48 SCY
Schultze on Rice: "When I visited Rice I loved the team atmosphere and the culture on campus. All of the girls on the team are such kind individuals that work hard both in the pool and the classroom. Rice is the perfect place for me to continue my swimming career and pursue Pre-Med."
Huston on Schultze "I felt like Rice University was the best place for me to challenge myself athletically and academically. The coaches, swimmers, and everyone else on campus are so supportive and kind. I can't wait to be an Owl!"
Hunter Smith
Atlanta, Georgia/North Atlanta HS (Alan Joel & Tim Storsteen)/ Birmingham Southern (Toby Wilcox/MAAC (Michael Norment)
Best Times:
50 Freestyle: 25.21 SCY
100 Freestyle: 55.27 SCY
100 Breaststroke: 1:08.57 SCY
Smith on Rice: "I chose Rice University because it seemed like a natural fit both academically and athletically. Rice University's values of responsibility, integrity, community, and excellence align with my values, playing a pivotal role in how I take on academic and athletic challenges. The university's academic and athletic community will allow me to thrive as I have a chance to engage with a residential college system that will contribute to my intellectual achievement and a team that will continue to motivate me to achieve my athletic goals. The academic rigor and swim program led by Coach Seth is unmatched and makes this the perfect fit for me."
Huston on Smith"Hunter had a breakout year in swimming during the pandemic and is transferring to Rice. I am excited to see her build upon her growth this past year with us."
The incoming class includes six freshmen (Morgan Bartley of San Antonio, Texas; Saloni Dalal of Bangalore, India; Arielle Hayon of Agoura Hills, California; Amelia Kane of Belfast, Northern Ireland; Sydney Morgan of Cary, North Carolina and Megan Schultze of Coon Rapids, Minnesota) and a pair of transfers (Lauren McDougall of Sydney, Australia and the University of Iowa and Hunter Smith of Atlanta, Georgia and Birmingham Southern).
Houston's newest Owls will join a returning lineup that compiled their highest point total the Conference USA Championship (905.5) in the last seven years while finishing a close second to FIU.
Here's a rundown of the newest Owls:
Morgan Bartley
San Antonio, Texas/Ronald Reagan HS (Michael Rourke )/Alamo Area Aquatics (Doug Gjertsen)
Best Times:
50 Freestyle : 23.29 SCY
100 Breaststroke: 1:03.30 SCY
200 Breaststroke: 2:17.77 SCY
100 Freestyle: 51.66 SCY
200 IM: 2:04.70 SCY
100 Butterfly: 56.91 SCY
Bartley on Rice: "In my college search, I looked for a school that focused on both high academic and athletic achievement as well as fostering a close-knit swim team and campus. I also wanted a coach and team that would help me reach my many lofty swim goals, and, in Rice, I found all these things and more."
Huston on Bartley: "We are excited to bring Morgan to RICE. She has elevated her swimming each and every year through high school and brings a hard working, fun personality to the team."
Saloni Dalal
Bangalore, India/Inventure Academy/Basavanagudi Aquatic Center (V. Padmanabha Rao)
Best Times:
50 Breaststroke: 34.96 LCM (30.59 SCY conversion)
100 Breaststroke: 1:41.87 LCM (1:29.97 SCY conversion)
200 Breaststroke: 2:41.88 LCM (2:22.23 SCY conversion)
Dalal on Rice: "I chose Rice because of its caring culture, small class sizes and focus on the overall development of its students. I felt inspired by the team's unique focus and determination to excel in and out of the pool. I can't wait to be an Owl!"
Huston on Dalal: "Saloni was an early commit for us and she was very confident that RICE is the place for her to pursue excellence academically and athletically. We love her upside and potential to excel within our program over the next several years."
Arielle Hayon
Agoura Hills, California/Westlake HS (Andy Copley)/ CCAT Swimming (Stacy Smith and Jeff Thornton)
Best Times:
100 Butterfly: 54.61 SCY
50 Freestyle: 23.78 SCY
100 Freestyle: 52.30 SCY
100 Breaststroke: 1:05.07 SCY
Hayon on Rice: "Rice was my final decision because the welcoming coaching staff and team culture created an environment I could not wait to be a part of. Rice's academics combined with the University's location made it a perfect fit."
Huston on Hayon "We really believe Arielle is primed to take off in college. I think Arielle will really thrive in our team environment. She will be making big contributions to the team in her time at Rice.
Amelia Kane
Belfast, Northern Ireland/Strathearn Grammar School/Ards ASC (Davy Johnston)
Best Times:
200 IM: 2:10.03 SCM (1:57.68 SCY conversion)
400 IM: 4:45.17 SCM (4:16.90 SCY conversion)
400 Freestyle: 4:14.11 SCM (4:50.41 500 SCY conversion)
Kane on Rice: "I was impressed by the ability to combine a great swim program with a prestigious academic environment. Coach Seth, Jessica and the girls on the team made me feel comfortable and welcome."
Huston on Kane "Amelia is highly motivated and has big goals that she is not afraid to go after. She will fit beautifully into our IM and distance training groups. I look forward to coaching Amelia towards her goals."
Lauren McDougall
Sydney, Australia/ Presbyterian Ladies College (Pancha Thambo)/Iowa (Mark Long)/SOPAC (Matthew Brown)
Best Times:
50 freestyle: 26.76 LCM (23.38 SCY conversion)
100 freestyle: 50.43 SCY
200 Freestyle: 1.48.21 SCY
500y freestyle: 4.55.06 SCY
McDougall on Rice: "Rice was my final decision as it is a place where I felt like I could reach my potential and not only balance but excel in my studies and swimming. Additionally, being a transfer, I knew that I wanted a new experience from the large state schools, and Rice's vibrant community on campus was very appealing. The girls on the team are so inviting and I cannot wait to call this my new home."
Huston on McDougall "We feel very fortunate to have Lauren transferring to Rice. She brings a lot of successful collegiate swimming experience to the team. I feel Lauren brings instant leadership and fills in holes in our lineup left by the graduating class."
Sydney Morgan
Cary, North Carolina/Green Hope HS (Meredith Lindblom)/TAC Titans (Claire Donahue)
Best Times:
400 IM: 4:22.75 SCY
200 Butterfly: 2:01.89 SCY
200 Breaststroke: 2:18.24 SCY
1000 Freestyle: 10:12.92) SCY
Morgan on Rice: "I When I visited Rice I loved the team atmosphere and the culture on campus. All of the girls on the team are such kind individuals that work hard both in the pool and the classroom. Rice is the perfect place for me to continue my swimming career and pursue premed."
Huston on Morgan "Sydney was our first commit. She is a great fit for Rice She is invested in her success as a student and athlete. We look forward to settling her into our training program and environment and watching her grow."
Megan Schultze
Coon Rapids, Minnesota/ Coon Rapids HS (Doug Donaldson)/Great Wolf Swim Team (Dave Bentz)
Best Times:
100 Breaststroke: 1:03.12 SCY
200 Breaststroke: 2:17.52 SCY
100 Butterfly: 55.47 SCY
200 Free: 1:52.52 SCY
200 IM: 2:03.06 SCY
400 IM: 4:25.48 SCY
Schultze on Rice: "When I visited Rice I loved the team atmosphere and the culture on campus. All of the girls on the team are such kind individuals that work hard both in the pool and the classroom. Rice is the perfect place for me to continue my swimming career and pursue Pre-Med."
Huston on Schultze "I felt like Rice University was the best place for me to challenge myself athletically and academically. The coaches, swimmers, and everyone else on campus are so supportive and kind. I can't wait to be an Owl!"
Hunter Smith
Atlanta, Georgia/North Atlanta HS (Alan Joel & Tim Storsteen)/ Birmingham Southern (Toby Wilcox/MAAC (Michael Norment)
Best Times:
50 Freestyle: 25.21 SCY
100 Freestyle: 55.27 SCY
100 Breaststroke: 1:08.57 SCY
Smith on Rice: "I chose Rice University because it seemed like a natural fit both academically and athletically. Rice University's values of responsibility, integrity, community, and excellence align with my values, playing a pivotal role in how I take on academic and athletic challenges. The university's academic and athletic community will allow me to thrive as I have a chance to engage with a residential college system that will contribute to my intellectual achievement and a team that will continue to motivate me to achieve my athletic goals. The academic rigor and swim program led by Coach Seth is unmatched and makes this the perfect fit for me."
Huston on Smith"Hunter had a breakout year in swimming during the pandemic and is transferring to Rice. I am excited to see her build upon her growth this past year with us."
WBB: Rice vs. Marshall Postgame Presser
Wednesday, March 09
VB: Rice-Texas Postgame Presser
Saturday, December 04
VB: Rice-San Diego Postgame Presser
Thursday, December 02