Swimming: Vetterlein Chooses WVU
May 15, 2009 11:35 AM | General
May 15, 2009
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| Nikki Vetterlein |
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia University men’s and women’s swimming and diving Coach Vic Riggs has announced that Nikki Vetterlein has signed a national letter of intent to join the Mountaineers for the 2009-10 school year.
“I am very pleased to have Nikki join our program as she will contribute immediately and add much needed depth in our backstroke and butterfly events,” Riggs says. “Coming from KING Aquatics and Coach Sean Hutchinson, WVU is getting a very talented and well trained athlete. I look forward to coaching Nikki and helping her achieve her goals and degree.”
A native of Seattle, Wash., Vetterlein has spent her high school career helping John F. Kennedy High School to two Washington 3A titles. The 2007 state championship was the first time Kennedy had taken the title in 35 years. She was a four-year state qualifier, finishing first in the 200 medley relay all four seasons while setting a school and state record in 2008.
Vetterlein also finished first in the 400 free relay the last three seasons finishing in a school and state record time in 2008 and placed first in the 100 fly in 2007. This past season she finished third in the 100 back and second in the 100 fly. Since 2006, she has placed fourth or higher each season.
At KING Aquatic Club, Vetterlein swims under Hutchinson who was an assistant coach for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team and will be the head coach of the 2009 U.S. World Championship women’s team this summer.
“Nikki is a great athlete who continues to improve rapidly,” Hutchinson says. “She will excel in the WVU environment with Coach Riggs.”
The two-time U.S. Open qualifier is in the record book twice for KING where she holds records in the 400 free relay in short course yards and 200 medley relay in long course meters. Her team won the last seven Senior Sectionals, as well as being ranked both nationally and in the world.
“I can’t wait to come to West Virginia and be a part of the team,” Vetterlein says. “I really enjoy both the swimmers and coaches and I am excited to contribute to what is already a great team as well as improve myself.”
She also has a twin sister, Allie, who she has been swimming side-by-side with her entire career. Allie will be attending University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif., this coming fall.
Vetterlein’s addition brings the 2009-10 recruiting class to seven females and four males.
