Nebraska’s 15 freshman swimmers include standout Kelsey Larson

Normally the Freshman 15 applies to a freshman gaining 15 pounds in their first semester of college. However, this season it can also apply to the Nebraska swim team.

 
The Huskers have a young team this year, with 15 of their 36 swimmers being freshmen.

Entering his eighth year as head coach, Pablo Morales said he feels his team really has stepped up.

"I think they are getting more experience, and they are really starting to step into more roles," Morales said.

Freshman Kelsey Larson currently leads the team with six top-three finishes in two duals. Larson swims the breaststroke, individual medley and distance freestyle.

"I wasn't sure what to expect or how I would respond to the new training," Larson said. "It turns out I've responded really well, and I'm excited for this year."

Larson was a standout swimmer at Corona del Mar High School in Newport Beach, Calif. In her senior season, she was co-captain and qualified for the state meet in the 100 breaststroke, 200 IM, 100 backstroke and the 50, 100, 200 and 500 freestyles.

She was also named the school's MVP in 2008 and 2009 and was a USA Swimming High School Scholastic All-American in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Morales believes Larson is a quality athlete and great trainer.

"She is really coachable, and that's what you always look for in any student-athlete," Morales said. "She really fits that mold."

Morales also thinks senior Kaitlin Arntz has benefitted from Larson's arrival: She provides some competition for the other swimmers in the breaststroke group.

The Huskers are off this weekend and will resume again next Thursday at home for the Husker Invitational.

For the moment, Larson is unsure as to what she will swim in the invite but has a general idea and is preparing for whatever.

"For conference, I'd like to make top eight in the 400 IM and top 16 in the rest of my events," Larson said.

Larson thinks she is off to a good start, and Morales said he'd have to agree.

"When we saw her on campus, we really saw what a solid swimmer she is. She is a really hard worker," Morales said. "She is really focused, really wants to learn. You can just tell, you can just see it in her eyes."

chrisdorwart@dailynebraskan.com