Williamsburg, KY - Dominating the competition thus far, the nationally ranked Patriots women's swimming and diving team is looking forward to another championship caliber season. Bringing in 12 newcomers this year, there are none more likely to make history than Hanne te Velthuis.
 
A sophomore transfer from Appalachian Athletic Conference program Brenau University, te Velthuis comes to Cumberlands as a talented freestyle swimmer. Although she only has one year of collegiate swimming under her belt, te Velthuis already has a plethora of gold medals and meet records. Te Velthuis earned conference titles in six of her eight events last year (50,100, and 200 free races, 200 medley relay, 200 free relay, and 400 free relay). In the 800 free relay and the 400 free relay, te Velthuis earned silver medal honors. In addition to the accolades, te Velthuis also helped to set a pair of meet records with a 1:38.05 finish in the 200 free relay and a 3:37.37 finish in the 400 free relay. For her performance in conference competition, te Velthuis was named the 2019 Co-AAC Swimmer of the Year.
 
"The team is so nice, and they have created a warm and welcoming atmosphere," te Velthuis continues, "I think this is a great opportunity to better myself and continue to develop as a team player."
 
Beyond conference competition, te Velthuis qualified for the NAIA National Championship meet in eight events. She earned All-American honors in the 200 free relay, 400 medley relay, 200 medley relay, and the 400 free relay. Te Velthuis finished 10^th in four other individual events.
 
Head coach Eric Skelly has high aspirations for his young freestyler, "Hanne is a phenomenal athlete and a hard worker during training sessions," he comments, "We are so happy with the progress she's made since being here and we look forward to her contributions to help us win another conference championship"
 
In addition to swimming, te Velthuis is pursuing a degree in Exercise and Sport Science.
 
The Pats will swim again in a two-day virtual meet against Loyola University. The meet will take place at the Patriots Aquatic Center on November 14 and 15; there will be no fans allowed in the PAC but live updates will be posted to Cumberlands Patriots social media platforms.

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