As fans continue through a mostly sportsless semester, the men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams have announced their full rosters for the 2020-21 season. The announcement of the rosters was made on the afternoon of Thursday, Oct. 29, when head coach Rick Simpson announced five incoming freshmen for the men’s team and five incoming freshmen for the women’s team. 

The announcement from Villanova Athletics stated, “Villanova also returns 14 members from last year’s team” for the men’s program, and “Villanova has won seven consecutive Big East titles and returns 17 members of last year’s conference championship team” for the women’s program.

On the men’s team, Villanova will be welcoming five athletes, all from the northeast region of the U.S., including one from P.A., one from N.J., one from N.Y. and two from Conn.

The first new is Ethan Brown of West Hartford, Conn., who has a career filled with many accomplishments, including multiple medals at the ISCA International Senior Championships. He holds a Conn. state record in the 800 yard freestyle team relay.

Next is Noah Clipman of Mohnton, P.A. Clipman will be joining the diving portion of the team and was a two-time honorable mention all-state, along with many other accomplishments both in his district and league.

Nolan Danus from Morris Plains, N.J. competed for the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA, which he represented in multiple YMCA National Championship meets. Danus set six school records during his career and will be joining the swimming division of the men’s program.

The fourth recruit listed for the team is Charlie Hinckley of New York City. Hinckley has set multiple records at his high school during his career and has been a two-time MVP for his performance in the pool. 

Rounding out the recruits for the men’s team is Richard Nolan of Wilton, Conn. Nolan has succeeded in his conference, state and at the national level, as well as internationally, as he holds dual citizenship in the United States and Ireland. Nolan will be bringing his talents to the swimming program next season.

On the women’s team, the five new recruits all seem to be traveling much further to join the Villanova swimming and diving program, including two athletes from Ga., one from Ireland, one from Ohio and one from Md.

The first recruit is Molly Benson of Kensington, Md., who will translate her accomplished athletics career to the swimming portion of the women’s program. She touts state medals in varying events and received accolades for her overall performance, such as being a two-time MVP for her team.

Next is Lexi Elkovitch of New Albany, Ohio. She won an event at the state level in back-to-back years.

Audrey Pastorek will be joining the swimming division of the team from Savannah, Ga., where she holds state titles in multiple swimming events. In both her sophomore and senior years, she was named the Georgia Coastal Empire Swimmer of the Year, along with other titles and accolades.

As the only international recruit for both the men’s and women’s teams, Cara Stapleton brings successes from across the pond, where she placed both silver and bronze in varying swimming events at the Irish Long Course Championships in 2019. 

Rounding out the recruitment class for the women’s team is Hannah Wasmuth of Peachtree Corners, Ga. Wasmuth is a two-time state champion in the 100 yard backstroke and had success at the 2019 Winter Junior Nationals and was named a three-time USA Swimming Scholastic All-American.

Returning athletes such as Milly Routledge, Kelly Montesi and more will continue to help the women’s team find Big East success for the eight consecutive year.