Meet Women's Swimming & Diving's Newcomers

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers swimming and diving has announced the newest members of the roster welcoming 15 new Scarlet Knights to campus for the upcoming 2023-24 season.

Rutgers adds nine freshmen and six transfers - including a sophomore and five graduate students To The Banks”.

MEET THE SCARLET KNIGHTS

SOFIA BARTOLONI

Breast

Ostia, Italy | ITCG Paolo Toscanelli

IN THE POOL

Swam at Italian National Championships since 2018
Gold medal in 200 breaststroke and bronze medal in 50 and 100 breaststroke at 2019 Italian Junior Championships
Silver medal in 100 breast 2018 Italian Junior Championships
Gold medal in 200 breat at 2018 Italian junior championships
Bronze medal with 4x100 medley relay at European Youth Olympic Championships

PERSONAL

Daughter of Stefano and Monica
Has one brother, Mattia
Plans to major in criminal justice

BARTOLONI ON CHOOSING RUTGERS: "It’s such a unique environment Everyone is so welcoming and super nice. The team is fantastic in that have everything I wanted in a team and they are like a big family which is the most important thing for me. Furthermore, Rutgers offers so many majors which is really nice."

APEKSHA FERNANDES

Fly/Breast/IM

Maharashtra, India | Bunts Sangh's SM Shetty International School

IN THE POOL

Part of India’s talent development programs - Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and Khelo India Talent (KIT).
Recipient of seven international and 88 national medals.
Indian record holder in five events
Received Sports India Award 2022-23 by Sports Champ
Qualified for finals in 200m fly at 2022 FINA World Swimming Junior Championship marking first time an Indian woman qualified for finals at a junior world championship
Junior National Aquatic Individual Champion in 2019, 2021 and 2022
Won 18 Gold and 6 Silver medals in 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2022 Khelo India Youth Games 2019, 2020, 2021and 2022
Individual Champion at 2021 Senior National Aquatic Championship
Set record in 200m short course breast record 2019 South Asian Games

PERSONAL

Daughter of Baylon and Shalet
Has one brother, Dayle
Plans to major in biotechnology

FERNANDEZ ON CHOOSING RUTGERS: “I chose Rutgers for its renowned biotechnology program, diverse student population and the swim team.”

MEGAN FOX

Free/Distance

Margate City, N.J. | Atlantic City HS | South Carolina

IN THE POOL

Eight-time NJSIAA State finalist in the 200 and 500 free
2022 AC Press Swimmer of the Year
Swam club for the EHT Seahawks

PERSONAL

Daughter of Bernard and Kathleen
Both parents rowed in college with father, Bernard, at Rutgers and mother, Kathleen, at Penn
Has two sisters, Madelyn and Lauren

FOX ON CHOOSING RUTGERS: "I chose Rutgers to have the opportunity to swim for an academically strong school. Rutgers also gives me the ability to focus on academics."

ORIAN GABLAN

Free/Distance

Alfei Menashe, Israel/Mosenzon

IN THE POOL

Competed in open water competition at 2023 World Aquatics Championship in Fukuoka, Japan
Broke a long-standing Israeli record in the 1500 free at the Israeli Nationals in 2021 collecting a time of 16:50.44 breaking the previous record of 17:10.29 set in 1999 by Sydney Olympic swimmer Adi Bichman
Participated in the 10K women's open water swim during the Marathon Swimming World Cup
Placed eighth in the U19 mixed relay at the 2021 and 2022 European Junior Open Water Championships
Finished 20th in the 5K at the 2022 European Open Water Championships

PERSONAL

Daughter of Ammon and Odena
Has two sisters, Neta and Jorden

GABLAN ON CHOOSING RUTGERS: "It’s a great university that gives a high level of education along with a professional-run swimming program."

ELLA HALL

Free/Breast

Edina, Minn. | Edina HS

IN THE POOL

Two-time All-American
2022 and 2019 Minnesota State Champion
Broke team record in 200 medley relay
Four-time All-Conference
Four-time All-State
Member of the National Honor Society

PERSONAL

Daughter of Kenneth and Jami
Has two sister, Madi and Grace

HALL ON CHOOSING RUTGERS: "I chose Rutgers because of the amazing team and staff, and for the outstanding academics."

LILI HORVATH

Free/Fly/IM

Budapest, Hungary | Toldy Ferenc | Missouri

IN THE POOL

2022-23 (Senior at Missouri)

Winter Academic Honor Roll

2021-22 (Junior at Missouri)

Winter Academic Honor Roll
Ranks seventh all-time in the 1000 free (9:59.37) and tenth in the 1650 free (16:45.74) at Mizzou
Finished third in the 200 fly against Arkansas
Placed fifth in the 400 IM at the Mizzou Invite

2020-21 (Sophomore at Missouri)

Winter Academic Honor Roll
Ranks 10th all-time at Mizzou in the 200 fly (1:59.73)
Placed 28th in the 1650 free, 34th in the 200 fly and 36th in the 400 IM at the SEC Championships
Won 200 fly against Arkansas

2019-20 (Freshman at Missouri)

First-Year SEC Academic Honor Roll
400 IM bronze medalist at the 2018 European Junior Championships
5K free champion at the 2018 Hungarian Junior Championships
Claimed the silver in the 400 IM at the 2017 Hungarian Short Course National Championships

PERSONAL

Daughter of Peter and Judit
Has one sister, Eszter
Plans to major in psychology

HORVATH ON CHOOSING RUTGERS: "I chose to use my fifth year of eligibility to swim for Rutgers whilst pursuing postgraduate studies. The coaching staff and the team made this a very easy decision and I'm excited for next year as a Scarlet Knight!"

MAKAYLA LUDWICK

Distance

Gulf Breeze, Fla./Gulf Breeze/UMBC

IN THE POOL

2022-23 (Senior - at UMBC):

Second-place finish in the 1650 freestyle at the America East Championships
Won 1000 freestyle at Howard University
Fourth-place finish out of 31 competitors in the 1650 freestyle at the ECAC Winter Championships
Captured the 200 freestyle versus VMI

2021-22 (Junior - at UMBC):

Finishing fourth in the 1650 freestyle at the America East Championships
Took fourth in both the 500 and 1650 freestyle at ECAC Winter Championships
Second-place efforts in the 500 and 1000 at William & Mary

2020-21 (Sophomore - at UMBC):

Placed third in the 200 backstroke at VMI
Seventh place in 200 backstroke and eighth in 100 back at America East Championships

2019-20 (Freshman - at UMBC):

A three-time finalist in her first America East Championship competition
Finished fourth in the 200 backstroke
Part of UMBC’s second-place finish in the 800 freestyle relay
Won the 100 free versus Howard
UMBC’s top finisher in both backstroke events in fifth in the opener versus Navy

High School:

Placed third in the 100 back and fifth in the 200 free at the 2018 Florida high school state meet
Helped her high school team earn third place at their state meet
Named Pensacola News Journal 2019 co-Swimmer of the Year
National Honors Society and was an AP Scholar

PERSONAL:

Daughter of Michele and Michael
Has one sister, Malia
Planning to major in organizational change

LUDWICK ON CHOOSING RUTGERS: "I chose Rutgers because of the welcoming and warm environment of the team and coaching staff. The opportunity to continue my education while still pursuing a fifth year of competition was a dream come true and I am so excited to continue my journey as a Scarlet Knight!"

SHANNON MEADWAY

Back/IM

Toronto, Ontario, Canada/Uxbridge Secondary/Penn State

IN THE POOL

2022-23 (Senior - at Penn State):

Placed seventh in the C final of the 400 IM and eighth in the C final of the 200 back (Feb. 15-18)
Placed third in the 400 IM versus Virginia Tech (Jan. 21)
Finalist in the 200 IM, 400 IM and 200 back at the NC State Invitational (Nov. 17-19)
Placed second in the 200 back and 400 IM against West Virginia (Nov. 4)
Won 200 back and placed sixth in 200 IM in tri-meet with Navy and Boston College (Oct. 8)

2020-21 (Sophomore - at Penn State):

Narrowly missed 400 IM finals at the Big Ten Championships (Feb. 23-27)
Finished sixth in the 200 IM and seventh in the 100 back and 200 back in tri-meet with Ohio State and Rutgers (Jan. 16)
Placed fifth in 200 back in tri-meet with Northwestern and Iowa (Jan. 22-23)
Won 400 IM and placed second in 200 IM and third in 200 back versus Michigan State (Feb. 5-6)

2019-20 (Freshman - at Penn State):

Placed third in 200 back versus West Virginia (Oct. 11-12)
Took ninth in 200 back A final, fifth in 400 IM B final and sixth in 100 back B final at the Princeton Invitational (Dec. 6-8)
Claimed third in 200 back and fourth in 400 IM against Buffalo (Jan. 10-11)

High School:

Canadian Junior Nationals 200 backstroke gold medalist and 200 IM silver medalist
Canadian Junior Internationals 200 IM silver medalist
Canadian Eastern Championships 200 and 400 IM silver medalist
Swam for Uxbridge Swim Club
Honor Roll student and Ontario Scholar

PERSONAL

Daughter of James and Clare
Mother, Clare, is a swim coach
Has one brother, Patrick, and one sister, Louise

MEADWAY ON CHOOSING RUTGERS: “I felt at home the moment I stepped on campus and met the team. The coaches all have a vision for me and I believe will help me reach my potential as an athlete. This, combined with the excellent facilities and academics made choosing Rutgers easy.”

ELYSHA PRIBADI

Breast/IM

Jakarta, Indonesia/Saint Peters Lutheran College

IN THE POOL

Set Indonesian short course 50, 100 and 200 breaststroke records in 2020
Competed at 2022 Queensland Short Course Championships winning the 50 breast and runner-up in the 100 IM.
2022 Team Captain
2022 Gold Sport Award
2022 Academic Improvement GPA Award
2021 Silver Sports Award
2021 Clean Up Australia Day
2020 Bronze Academic Award
2019 Gold Sport Award
2019 Silver Ironbark Award
Swam 120 km in 28 days to raise money for children and famlies in need
Member of BycapitalE, a small business creating jewelry with proceeds going to Feed Bali
Swam with UQ Swim Club

PERSONAL

Daughter of Reza and Jacqueline
Has one brother, Ryland, and one sister, Emily
Plans to major in communication

PRIBADI ON CHOOSING RUTGERS: "I chose Rutgers because of its Olympic-first swimming program, great coaches as well as amazing facilities."

ALENA ROZOVA

Free

St. Petersburg, Russia/School of The Olympic Reserve

IN THE POOL

World Junior Record 4x50 freestyle relay winner
“Reserve of Russia” Russian champion in 4x100 relay freestyle
Junior Russian Cup medalist
Winner of St. Petersburg's Cup

PERSONAL

Daughter of Oleg and Elena

ROZOVA ON CHOOSING RUTGERS:: "Rutgers is a great opportunity to swim with good coaches, a close-knit team, great support surrounding the program and gives me the ability to get a high-quality education."

AMELIA SCOTT

Dive

Sheffield, England/Tapton School

IN THE POOL

British Junior Elite 3M synchro champion
British Junior Elite finalist - 3M and platform
Two-time Roma Cup gold 3M synchro and platform
Roma Cup silver 1M
Roma Cup bronze 3M

PERSONAL

Daughter of David and Amanda
Has one brother, Sam, and one sister, Sheridan

SCOTT ON CHOOSING RUTGERS: "Rutgers' academic and sporting opportunities are excellent and friends already there recommended it to me."

JADE SMITS

Back

Hoevenen, Belgium/Karel de Grote Hogeschool

IN THE POOL

Belgian relay record holder
Placed first in the 200 back and third in the 50 free and 50 back at the 2023 Open Belgian Championship
Finished 19th in the 50 back at the 2022 FINA World Cup in Toronto, Canada
Was 28th in the 50 back, 30th in the 200 back and 37th in the 100 back at the 2021 LEN European Championships

PERSONAL

Daughter of Serge and Nadia
Mother, Nadia, was member of the Belgium National Basketball and Volleyball Teams
Grandmother was member of Belgium National Basketball Team of basketball and was named player of the year
Plans to obtain a master's degree in communication

SMITS ON CHOOSING RUTGERS: " I love the swim team and that they feel like a family. I also like the vibe."

EMMA SOLSENG

Free/Breast

Banbridge Island, Washington/Banbridge

IN THE POOL

2021 WIAA state team champion
High school team record holder in 100 breast, 200 medley relay & 200 free relay
Multiple club record holder
Four-time state champion
2019 High School All-American
2023 High School Academic All-American
2019 Scholastic All-American
Bainbridge High School valedictorian
National Honor Society

PERSONAL

Daughter of Joe and Jen
Has two brothers, Ben and Gabe, and one sister, Jaxen

SOLSENG ON CHOOSING RUTGERS: "I chose Rutgers because of the fantastic team environment and culture I picked up on right away. The coaches seem invested in swimmers' well-being and seem very committed in making you both a better person and a better swimmer. Additionally, the academics are very high and I was drawn to the business school."

BROOKE THOMPSON

Free

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan/International Academy

IN THE POOL

11-time World Deaf Swimming Championship medalist
Deaflympic medalist winning five gold and three bronze
Won gold at the 2023 World Deaf Swimming Championships in 100 back and 4x100 mixed free relay
Also picked up silver in 50 free, 200 back and 4x100 mixed medley relay at 2023 World Deaf Swimming Championships
Earned bronze in 100 fly, 400 free and 50 back at 2023 World Deaf Swimming Championships
Won gold at 2019 World Deaf Swimming Championships with 4x100 free relay
All-State in 50 free as a junior and senior
All-State in 100 free as a sophomore and junior
All-State in 200 free as a sophomore
Hold five individual school records in 50, 100 and 200 free, 100 fly and 200 IM
MVP as a freshman and sophomore year
Team captain
Academic All-American
Member of the National Honor Society and International Baccalaureate candidate

PERSONAL

Daughter of Michael and Kimberly
Has one brother, Quinn
Plans to major in biomedical engineering

THOMPSON ON CHOOSING RUTGERS: "I chose Rutgers because as soon as I stepped onto the campus I felt at home. I loved the academic and athletic resources that are available for the student-athletes and felt that they were well supported."

MOLLY URKIEL

Breast

Rosemount, Minn./Rosemount/Minnesota

IN THE POOL

2022-23 (Junior) - at Minnesota:

Academic All-Big Ten
Outstanding Student-Athlete Award (GPA of 3.50+) at team banquet
Took seventh in the 100 breast and 200 breast, fourth with 200 medley relay and eighth with 400 free relay at Northwestern/Purdue/Iowa Quad-Dual Meet
Won the 200 breast, placed third in the 100 breast (1:04.07); runner-up in 200 medley relay and fourth with 400 free relay that was fourth at Iowa Dual Meet
Claimed fifth in the 100 breast, seventh in the 200 breast, fourth with 400 free relay that claimed fourth and fifth with 200 medley relay at Wisconsin Dual Meet
Took second in the 100 breast and 200 medley relay at St. Thomas/South Dakota State Tri-Dual Meet
Finished third in the 200 breast, fifth in the 100 breast, fourth with 200 medley relay and 400 medley relay, and fifth with the 200 free relay at SMU Dual Meet

2021-22 (Sophomore) - at Minnesota:

CSCAA Second Team Scholar All-American
Big Ten Distinguished Scholar
Academic All-Big Ten honoree
Earned Hardest Worker and Iron Fish (going above and beyond in performance training) awards at team banquet
Finished 13th in the 200 breast finals and 19th in the 100 breast finals at the Big Ten Championships
Came in fourth in the 200 breast and seventh in the 100 breast in a tri-dual against Northwestern and Iowa
Earned seventh in both the 100 breast and 200 breast and sixth with 200 medley relay in a tri-dual versus Wisconsin and Michigan
Finished 10th and posted a 'B' cut in the 200 breast finals and placed 11th in the 100 breast finals at the Minnesota Invite
Took fifth in the 200 medley relay, sixth in the 200 breast and eighth in the 100 breast against Wisconsin
Touched second in the 200 breast and third in the 1000 free and 200 medley relay versus St. Thomas
Finished fourth in the 200 breast, sixth in the 200 medley relay and seventh in the 100 breast versus Nebraska
Placed third in the 100 breast and fourth in the 200 breast at Iowa

2020-21 (Freshman) - at Minnesota:

Named “Most Improved” by team at the end-of-season team award banquet
Touched 18th in the 200 breast at the Big Ten Championships
Placed second in the 200 breast and sixth in the 100 breast during the Iowa/Nebraska Tri-Dual
Finished eighth in the 100 breast at the Wisconsin/Purdue Tri-Dual

High School:

2017 All-American in the 200 & 400 free relays
Three-time finalist at the 2020 Minnesota Senior State Championships, touching third in the 200 IM, fifth in the 200 breast & sixth in the 100 breast ·
Finished fifth in the 200 breast & sixth in the 100 breast at the 2020 USA Swimming Futures Championships in Des Moines, Iowa
Placed fourth in the 100 breast & fifth in the 200 IM at the 2019 MSHSL Girls Class AA State Championship
Four-time All-Conference & All-State honoree
Holds school records in the 100 breast, 200 medley relay, 200 free relay & 400 free relay
Competed for the Blackline Aquatics swim club
Holds club team records in the 100 breast & 100 IM

PERSONAL

Daughter of Brian and Lori
Has one sister, Grace, who swims for the University of St. Thomas, and one brother, Anthony
Working towards a graduate degree in psychology

URKIEL ON CHOOSING RUTGERS: "I chose Rutgers because it is the best fit for me and my future goals."

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