San Diego State swimming and diving head coach Mike Shrader knows a little something about rebuilding a team.
After losing several key contributors from last year's squad, SDSU has reloaded and is poised for another big season this year.
"You have to start with a strong foundation and good work ethic, then go from there," Shrader said.
Shrader had a good chance to gauge his team's progress when it completed its final tune-up before entering conference play at the second Red-Black Meet last weekend. Leading the red team to a 146-135 victory were freshmen Elisabeth Krueger and Kelsey Diener. Krueger finished with three first place finishes in the 200-meter freestyle, 100-meter butterfly and 200-meter individual medley, while Diener took the 100- and 200-meter backstroke.
"I've seen a big improvement from two weeks ago," Shrader said. "Overall, I was very happy with the meet."
After losing five of their top scorers last year, improvement is a very good sign for the Aztecs. Seventeen out of the 24 members of the team are either incoming freshmen or transfers.
"All I expect from them is to keep improving each day," Shrader said of his team's youth.
A big part of SDSU's strong foundation can be found in captains sophomore Noelle Holland, and juniors Kyla Power and Jessica Morrill. All three will provide leadership and support for many of the young incoming athletes.
"I'm here for the girls whenever they need me," Holland said. "I like to help support any way I can."
While Holland provides the moral support for her inexperienced teammates, Power seems to take a less loving approach to being captain.
"I'm more of the disciplinarian," Power said. "I make sure they're doing what they're supposed to."
With the mother and father role seemingly filled by Holland and Power, Morrill fills the older sibling role.
"I like to do my leading by example," Morrill said. "Working hard every day."
While each captain shows her leadership in slightly different ways, Shrader can't help but notice what they have in common.
"All three are very hard working individuals with great work ethics," Shrader said. "They really are first-class ladies." With the team's first meet coming up Oct. 11 against Utah at the Aztec Aquaplex, expectations are running high.
"I really do expect great things this year," Morrill said. "We've had so much more help this year. It should be a great season."
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