UAB Blazers synchronized swimming

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UAB Blazers synchronized swimming was the intercollegiate women's synchronized swimming program for the UAB Blazers athletics department. Established in 1999, the program was spurred by the interest of President Ann Reynolds in the sport. The squad would both practice and host meets on-campus at the Bell Aquatics Center. On April 10, 2008 UAB announced that the team would be disbanded at the end of the 2009 season. The program was discontinued because of the very small number of NCAA-sanctioned competitors across the country.

Season-by-season results

1999-2000

For the inaugural 1999-2000 season, first-year coach Amy O'Donnell was allocated five athletic scholarships for the fledgling program. After competing against the University of Richmond in their first meet, the Blazers had their first exhibition meet at Bell on November 18, 1999 before 266 spectators. The inaugural team would see moderate success in their first year. The Blazers would finish fourth in the country at the United States Collegiate Synchronized Swimming Championships, win five meets during the year, and finish the season in April with an 11th place showing at the United States Jantzen Nationals.

2000-2001

The second season would also see the Blazers finish fourth in the country at the United States Collegiate Synchronized Swimming Championships and finish at eighth at the U.S. National Synchronized Swimming Championships.

2001-2002

The 2001-02 squad placed eighth overall in the team competition at the U.S. National Synchronized Swimming Championships.

2002-2003

On January 30, 2003, Lisa Riddell was named as the programs second head coach in replacing Amy O'Donnell. The team would finish fourth at the U.S. National Synchronized Swimming Competition in 2003.

  • Kelli Dickerson
  • Kristen Kramer
  • Sarah Pikal
  • Kristen Kramer
  • Stephanie Jackson
  • Stacey Jackson
  • Moraine Ruddick
  • Amanda Haeuser
  • Stacy Leiker
  • Bogdana Zareva

Awards & recognitions

  • 2000-01 Academic All-Americans
    • Kristen Kramer and Stacy Leiker
  • 2002-03 Academic All-Americans
    • Kelli Dickerson, Kristen Kramer, Sarah Pikal, Moraine Ruddick, Stephanie Jackson and Stacey Jackson
  • 2002-03 All-Americans
    • Amanda Haeuser and Stacy Leiker
  • 2002-03 Honorary All-Americans
    • Bogdana Zareva

References

  • Rubin, Adam (April 11, 1999) "UAB signs four to synchronized swim team." Birmingham News
  • Rubin, Adam (November 18, 1999) "Synchronized swim team ready for home debut." Birmingham News
  • Staff Reporters (May 2, 2000) "Sports digest." Birmingham News
  • Staff Reporters (April 1, 2001) "Sports digest." Birmingham News
  • Staff Reporters (April 21, 2002) "Sports digest." Birmingham News
  • Staff Reporters (January 31, 2003) "Sports digest." Birmingham News
  • Staff Reporters (March 28, 2003) "Sports digest." Birmingham News