STANFORD, Calif – More isn’t always better, but Stanford head coach Sara Lowe thinks it will be this season for her synchronized swimming team.
A four-time All-American for the seven-time U.S. Collegiate National Champions, Lowe competed with only seven swimmers in the water in 2014 and nine in 2015, finishing third each year. This season, 15 swimmers are expected to participate.“Winning a national championship is not out of the question,” she said.
Lowe will lean on her underclassmen to carry the load. The roster includes seven freshmen and five sophomores. Evelyna Wang from Los Altos, California and is the lone senior and team captain.
“Even though we’re young, I think we have a lot of talent and potential,” said Lowe.
Stanford starts its season Friday and Saturday when it hosts Incarnate Word at the Avery Aquatics Center. Competition begins at 2:20 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. on Saturday.
For the first time since 2005, Lowe will field two teams.
“I feel really confident about our strategy,” Lowe said. “We’re a little bit ahead of where I thought we would be. The goal is to keep that gap really small.”
Sophomores Sandra Ortellado of Walnut Creek, California, Clare McGovern of Toronto, Canada, and Erica Slavin of Calgary, Canada, will swim in three of four events (team, trio, duet and solo).
“It’s funny because Clare and Erica were the junior world duet for Canada at the Junior Worlds in 2014, and Sandra competed for the U.S.,” she said. “And now they’re paired together in trio. They are very long and mature in their swimming and I think people will be impressed with what they see.”
Wang will compete in multiple routines.
“I think the team is really driven,” said Lowe.
Stanford’s last national crown came in 2013, Lowe’s first season as head coach. Lindenwood won in 2014, followed by Ohio State in 2015.
“Some opponents have older, seasoned teams,” she said. “But I think we have the talent, mental stamina, strength and drive to do it. If we can keep building, then we should be really strong come March.”
On March 4, the Stanford invitational will be held starting at 3:15 p.m., and on March 5, Stanford will be site of the Western Regional Championships beginning at 12:20 p.m.
The Collegiate National Championships will be held March 23 in Gainesville, Florida.
