The University of Evansville women’s swimming and diving team has signed three swimmers to the 2011-12 squad. Caroline Lee (North Bullitt / Shepherdsville, Ky.), Abigail Yenzer (St. Francis Borgia Regional / Washington, Mo.) and Michelle Tipton (Fort Zumwalt West, O’Fallon, Mo.) will make up the early signing class for the Aces.
Coming from Shepherdsville, Ky., Lee signs out of North Bullitt High School where she lettered twice for the Eagles. Lee led her 2010 high school squad to the Kentucky High School Championship where she finished third in the 100-breaststroke. As a member of the Lakeside Seahawks, she placed second at Zones in the 200-breaststroke and received her first junior national cut.
“Caroline is a very versatile swimmer,” said head coach Rickey Perkins. “She can swim a lot of different events, and I’m hoping that she really elevates our individual medley and breaststroke group.”
Yenzer comes to UE from St. Francis Borgia Regional High School in Washington, Mo. A member of the nationally renowned Rockwood Swim Club, Yenzer helped lead the club to the 2010 Ozark Championships. She won fourth place in the 50-free at the 2010 Long Course Championships and posted a time of 25.95 at the 2010 Short Course Championships.
“Abby is very much a diamond in the rough,” commented Perkins. “She is a hard worker who comes from a great club background. I am expecting her to come in and improve a lot throughout the years.”
Sister of former UE swimmer Brad Tipton, Michelle is from Fort Zumwalt West High School in O’Fallon, Mo. A three-time letterwinner, Tipton helped the Jaguars claim a conference championship in 2010. She is a two-time Missouri state champion (200-freestyle and 500-freestyle) with nine Top-16 finishes. Tipton has twice been a Junior National participant and was named Suburban Journal’s 2010 Athlete of the Year.
“Obviously, Michelle will help our a program a lot,” Perkins said. “She’s the Missouri state champion and her times will put her at the top of the Missouri Valley Conference. She comes from a great family and we are very excited to have her here.”
