Women's Swimming & Diving Selected Seventh in Preseason Poll

NEW WILMINGTON, Pennsylvania - The Bethany College women's swim team was picked to finish eighth in the Presidents Athletic Conference (PAC) preseason poll, in a vote of the conference coaches, the league announced today (October 4th, 2024). 

"The team and I are so glad to be back in the water with our own pool," said Head Swimming and Diving Coach Jeani Humpe. "We are going to have a strong women's team this year"

Bethany collected 35 points, placing them last out of eight teams voted upon. 

Five-time repeating champs Grove City was predicted to make it a half dozen earning seven first place votes and 77 points. Saint Vincent was predicted to improve from last year's championship finish, earning a first place vote and placing second in the preseason poll with 70 points.

The Bearcats were followed by last year's runner up Westminster (65), Washington and Jefferson (59), Franciscan (52), Allegheny (47), Chatham (43), and BETHANY (35).

The Bison have already hit the water at the West Virginia State Games. This will be a multiple day event that starts today and ends tomorrow evening. The events in both sessions will be held at West Virginia University in Morgantown, W.Va.

SWIMMERS TO WATCH:

Freshman JulieAnne Humpe:

Humpe is a jack of all trades in the water. She will compete in the individual medley for the Bison. Humpe specializes in the backstroke and butterfly, where she will also compete in separate individual races.

Junior Aeriale Knopsnider:

Knopsnider is one of the upperclassmen veterans on a young Bison team. Knopsnider specializes in the backstroke and freestyle.

Sophomore Janyah Withers:

Withers played an important role in meets last season. She specializes in the backstroke and freestyle sprints. Withers won multiple meets against D3 competition. Notable victories include Hiram, West Virginia Wesleyan, and PAC opponent Franciscan.