Women's Swimming & Diving Add Ten to the Class of 2027
7/13/2023
The Brown Women’s Swimming & Diving program is adding nine swimmers and one diver to the team for the Class of 2027, head coach Kate Kovenock announced.
“We are so excited to finally welcome the Class of 2027 to College Hill in the fall," said Kovenock. "These are bright, driven, and engaged young individuals who not only connected with our team and the core values of BWSD but with the foundational principles of Brown University itself. That often proves to be a really powerful combination both in the pool and out.”
Scroll to find an in-depth look at each newcomer.
Hannah Ahn
Gainesville, Fla. | Eastside High School
High School: Eastside High School (Coach Jonathan Allen)
Club Team: Gator Swim Club (Coach John Hulvey)
Top Times:
100 Butterfly - 53.90
200 Butterfly - 2:01.51
50 Freestyle - 23.65
Why Brown?: “With all the academic and athletic opportunities Brown offers, the healthy balance between the two that is promoted by the coaches and the BWSD team is what primarily drew me to choosing Brown. When stepping foot on College Hill, I immediately knew it would be a place that would allow me to grow and connect with a supportive and loving community both in and out of the pool.”
Isabella George
Los Angeles, Calif | Renaissance Arts Acadmey
High School: Renaissance Arts Academy
Club Team: Rose Bowl Diving (Coaches Isabell Saakian and Scott Reich)
Top Scores:
1 Meter - 392.80
3 Meter - 431.75
Why Brown?: “I was drawn to Brown because of the creative, driven, and liberating cultures of both the academic and athletic life. However, my commitment was finalized after meeting and connecting with the other students, athletes, and coaching staff. I felt immediately welcomed by such a warm and inspiring community. I’m so excited to begin my new life at Brown!”
Dana Li
Belmont, Mass. | Belmont High School
High School: Belmont High School
Club Team: Commonwealth Current (Coach Chris Sheppard)
Top Times:
200 Freestyle - 1:49.17
500 Freestyle - 4:50.81
1650 Freestyle - 17:00.63
400 Individual Medley - 4:22.50
200 Butterfly - 2:02.60
Why Brown?:“What drew me the most to Brown was the welcoming environment that radiated throughout my official visit and whenever I stepped on campus. I love how supportive and upbeat the team is, especially during practices and meets. Everyone always made an effort to get to know me and make me feel included. I couldn't be more excited to be a part of this incredible team for the next 4 years!”
Brooke Manning
Toronto, Ontario, Canada | Havergal College
High School: Havergal College (Coach MaryAnn Krotz)
Club Team: Granite Gators Swim Team (Coaches Rob Garofalo and Mike Rutledge)
Top Times:
100 Backstroke - 1:01.66 (SCM) / 1:03.92 (LCM)
200 Backstroke - 2:13.75 (SCM) / 2:16.55 (LCM)
200 Individual Medley - 2:17.29 (SCM) / 2:22.22 (LCM)
Why Brown?: “Brown was always my first choice! And visiting really confirmed for me that I wanted to spend my next four years here! I am so excited about the open curriculum since I can dive right into my genuine areas of interest and I am planning on doing my concentration in neuroscience (something I have been passionate about ever since my experiences with having epilepsy as a child). I also really fell in love with the school because of how quickly I connected with Coach Kate and Coach Niko and the girls on the team who took me on a tour around campus. Brown has an extremely committed and motivated team of student-athletes that I cannot wait to join in the fall. Go BRUNO!!”
Gianna Miller
Rocky River, Ohio | Rocky River High School
High School: Rocky River High School
Club Team: Lakeshore Swim Club (Coach Vince Colwell)
Top Times:
50 Freestyle - 23.40
100 Freestyle - 50.71
200 Freestyle - 1:52.46
Why Brown?: "I was initially drawn to Brown because of the many opportunities in academics and athletics. After my official visit, I knew Brown was the right fit—the team was extremely welcoming and everyone involved with athletics is incredible. I’m so excited for the next four years with BWSD!”
Lily Robinson
Wayne, Pa. | Conestoga High School
High School: Conestoga High School
Club Team: Upper Main Line YMCA (Coaches Jamie Krull and Todd Conrad)
Top Times:
50 Freestyle - 23.07
100 Freestyle - 50.73
200 Freestyle - 1:51.49
Why Brown?: “I chose Brown because of the freedom the Open Curriculum provides, the family-like team, and simply because College Hill feels like home.”
Sophie Shao
Pittsburgh, Pa. | Fox Chapel Area High School
High School: Fox Chapel Area High School
Club Team: Fox Chapel Killer Whales (Coach Cindy Woods)
Top Times:
100 Butterfly - 53.66
200 Butterfly - 1:59.16
200 Individual Medley - 2:02.51
Why Brown?: “I chose Brown for a number of reasons, including the lively team spirit and academic freedom. I remember feeling right at home with the coaches and team during my official visit and I believe Brown offers the best environment for me to not only grow as a student athlete, but also as a person.”
Gillian Tu
Issaquah, Wash. | Issaquah High School
High School: Issaquah High School
Club Team: Bellevue Club Swim Team (Coach Abi Liu)
Top Times:
100 Breaststroke - 1:00.02
200 Breaststroke - 2:14.49
50 Freestyle - 23.14
100 Freestyle - 49.88
Why Brown?: “I choose Brown University because of the duality of strong undergraduate teachings and the competitive athletic program. During my visit, the team’s welcoming nature instantly made me feel at home. I can’t wait to be a part of this amazing group of people. Go Bruno!”
Lizzy Washburn
Summit, N.J. | Kent Place School
High School: Kent Place School
Club Team: Summit Branch YMCA (Coaches Patrick Collins and Andrew Leblanc)
Top Times:
100 Butterfly - 54.98
200 Butterfly - 1:59.60
200 Individual Medley - 2:03.26
400 Individual Medley - 4:21.60
Why Brown?: “I chose Brown because of the flexibility to explore my diverse academic interests through the Open Curriculum while also being able to pursue my love for swimming alongside a talented and driven group of women. After meeting Coach Kate, Coach Niko, and the rest of BWSD, I knew that the support and generosity they show for each other would allow me to thrive in and out of the water. I can't wait for the next four years with the best team! Go Bruno!"
Lily Welsh
Raleigh, N.C. | Needham Broughton High School
High School: Needham Broughton High School
Club Team: TAC Titans (Coaches Bruce Marchionda, Matt Mosher, Blake Addison, John Payne, & Rob Norman)
Top Times:
100 Backstroke - 53.82
200 Backstroke - 1:57.52
50 Freestyle - 23.43
100 Freestyle - 50.67
Why Brown?: “The kindness and support from the amazing coaches and swimmers ultimately made me choose Brown. Additionally, I liked the flexibility of the Open Curriculum.”
