The University of Evansville swimming and diving team has announced the nine swimmers and divers in this year's early-signing class. Valerie Jones, Bridget Niezer, Sarah Kanet, Ashley Altmeyer, Lauren Barry, Alexandria Howard, Jacob Harrington, Colin Gray and Bryan Hamaan have committed to UE for next season.

"We are lucky to have found such a talented class from top to bottom," said head coach Rickey Perkins. "It shows the great quality of our team to attract such talented athletes."

Valerie Jones is a senior at Brownsburg High School in Brownsburg, Indiana, where she holds the school record in the 100 breaststroke (1:08.57). The USA Swimming Scholastic All-American is a two-time sectional champion and a state qualifier. The Bulldogs team captain has been voted MVP and has received the Mental Attitude award.

"We are very excited to have an extremely talented young lady that will make a big difference in the breaststroke." said Perkins.

Hailing from Fort Wayne, Indiana, Bridget Niezer has received all-conference honors for the last three seasons. While at Bishop Dwenger High School, Niezer has been voted the Most Valuable Freshman and Most Valuable Swimmer. Her best performances include the 100 breaststroke (1:08.31), 200 freestyle (2:06.95), and the 200 IM (2:17.63).

"Bridget was a very lucky find for us," said Perkins. "She was what we were looking for, and I think we were what she was looking for."

Sarah Kanet is the daughter of former UE diver Doug Kanet ('81-85) and the sister of UE swimmer Zach Kanet. The team captain for the Castle High School Knights has four conference titles and a sectional title. Kanet received all-conference honors all four years, while helping the Knights to a 38-4 record over that stretch.

"Sarah is a local talent who wants to work hard and succeed," said Perkins. "She will make a difference on the team."

Ashley Altemeyer is a diver from Jasper, Indiana. Altemeyer was a member of the 05-06 and 06-07 Big 8 Conference Champion Wildcats. She also helped the Wildcats win the sectional championship in 2006 with a fourth place finish in the one meter diving event with a score of 312.60.

"Ashley is a tough and hardworking athlete who is one of the best divers in southern Indiana."

Lauren "Murphy" Barry, from Colorado Springs, Colorado, has finished in the top 16 at the Colorado Class 5A Championships for the past three years. She has also been voted Palmer High School's Most Valuable Swimmer twice. Barry has also been a Metro Champion in the 200 freestyle.

"Murphy has a great personality and attitude," said Perkins. "We home she will be one of our top IMers."

Alexandria Howard is from Rising Sun, Indiana. Howard helped South Dearborn High School to a third place finish in the IHSAA Girls' Swimming and Diving Sectional at Columbus North High School. She finished third in the 100 yard butterfly and second in the 100 yard backstroke.

"Alexandria is a versatile athlete who will make an immediate impact on this team."

Jacob Harrington is a senior at White Station High School in Memphis, Tennessee. The three-time Most Valuable Swimmer for the Spartans holds his county's record for the 200 yard individual medley. Harrington received all-metro honors for the past three years and was voted "Best of the Preps".

"Jacob is a great kid and a good team player," said Perkins. "He has the ability to shine in this program."

Colin Gray is an All-American from Carmel, Indiana. Gray was a member of the All-County first team and received All-State honorable mention. He received the Shamrocks' Mental Attitude Award. Some of his best performances include the 100 yard breaststroke (58.61) and the 200 yard breaststroke (2:07.93).

"We were very lucky to find Colin," said Perkins. "He has great potential and there is not an event he can't do well in."

Bryan Hamann comes from Memphis, Tennessee. The Christian Brothers team captain is a two-time USA Swimming Scholastic All-American. He was voted to the All-Metro team for the past three years. Hamann was also an All-American as a member of the Purple Wave 400 freestyle relay team as a junior.

"Bryan has a great work ethic and will help us in the distance, freestyle, and butterfly events."

"This class is one of the best since I have been at Evansville," said Perkins. "Everyone wants to succeed, and I predict an exciting and bright future for this program."