Nov. 27, 2001
Evanston, Ill. - The Northwestern women's swimming and diving squad made two additions to the class of 2006. Katie Paglini (Chicago, Ill./Latin School) and Sara Petric (Mequon, Wis./Homestead) signed National Letters of Intent, and will join the Wildcats for the 2002-03 season.
Petric will join her brother at NU, as Steven is a member of the men's swim team. Sara, meanwhile, is a YMCA champion in the 50 freestyle and a Wisconsin state champion in the 50 and 100 freestyle. Her best time is 23.47 in the 50 free and 51.37 in the 100 free.
"We are excited to sign one of the top sprinters in the Midwest to help strengthen our sprints and relays at the Big Ten and NCAA levels," said Wildcat head coach Jimmy Tierney. "Sara has the ability to contribute right away for us next year, yet should continue to get faster over the next four years. She has a bright future as a Wildcat."
Paglini is an Illinois state champion in the 100 backstroke and holds state records in the 100 and 200 backstroke. In the summer of 2001 she was a US National finalist in the 100 back. Her best times is 56.08 in the 100 and 1:58.79 in the 200. She also may contribute in the 200 IM, where her personal best is 2:02.63.
"Katie is a major catch for our program," said Tierney. "She has enormous talent and should immediately impact the team in the backstroke, butterfly, and IM events. We expect Katie to be one of our future stars."