May 4, 2015
RENO, Nev. -- After leading the Nevada swimming and diving team to a banner season, three student-athletes have represented the Wolf Pack in recent international competitions. Teresa Baerens, Luiza Vieira and Arantxa Medina-Alegria each competed at nationals in their native countries.
"In the recent international meets, all three women took a huge step toward their Olympic dreams," said head coach Abby Steketee, the Mountain West Coach of the Year. "It's an honor to coach such dedicated student-athletes and our team is proud to have representatives in the upcoming Pan American Games."
Baerens -- a sophomore from Ottobrun, Germany -- swam at German Nationals form April 9-12. The two-time All-Mountain West honoree placed eighth in the 100 freestyle in 56.07 and 10th in the 200 IM in 2:19.68. She was also part of the winning 400 freestyle relay and the second place 400 medley relay and 800 freestyle relay teams.
Baerens recently finished a stellar sophomore season at Nevada with all-conference honors and a league title in the 200-yard freestyle. She qualified to the 2015 NCAA Championships in Greensboro, N.C., in the 100 free, 200 free and 200 IM and helped the Pack placed 33rd at NCAAs -- the top finish of any MW team.
Senior Luiza Vieira also represented Nevada in international competitions, swimming at the Brazilian Nationals on April 6-12. The Sao Paulo, Brazil native set new personal best times in the 100 backstroke (1:04.79) and 200 backstroke (2:16.99). After the strong showing, Vieira was selected to compete for Brazil's National Team at the Pan American Games this summer, July 10-26, in Toronto, Canada.
Vieira will graduate as a four-year letter winner with the Pack and a former MW Scholar-Athlete Award winner. Vieira was a key part of Nevada's five-athlete senior class this season.
Sophomore Arantxa Medina-Alegria swam at Mexican Nationals, April 24-29 in Mexico City. The Hermosillo, Mexico native won the 100 breaststroke in 1:10.59 and the 200 IM in 2:17.80, which were both new personal best times. She also had the fastest time overall in the 50 breaststroke (32.47). Medina-Alegria will compete with the Mexican National Team at the Pan American Games as well.
Medina-Alegria earned All-MW honors last season, placing in the top eight in the 100 and 200 breast and the 200 IM. Medina-Alegria will be one of 13 returning letter winners for Nevada next season.
