Ranking the Classes: #1 - Texas

This year's recruit rankings included input from rival coaches, in the end however, that accomplished nothing since the experts were split equally between Florida and Texas.  It's hard to argue against a class of sixteen, but its even harder to argue against a group that has four national team members, three of whom own world rankings in the top fifty.  While Kim Brackin isn't shy about promoting her team, she's not too far off in saying their signees, "Comprise one of the most talented recruiting classes in Texas Swimming and Diving history."  It's true, the Longhorn class of 2012 is impressive, but after a 14th place finish at NCAA's, it was also necessary.  It's a class as Brackin notes, that "will immediately change the nature of our team. . 

The Longhorn class is highlighted by a virtual Freshman Fantastic Four.  Already a US National Champion, #2 Kathleen Hersey is already one of America's great butterfliers.  She doesn't have NCAA cuts in the mile or 100 breast, but she could.  Much will be asked of her upon her arrival in Austin.  Even though she's ranked sixth overall, Karlee Bispo is an unpolished gem with a lot of athleticism.  Pennsylvanian's Kate Riefenstahl and Leah Gingrich can cover anything from the 50 to the 1650.  That will come in handy on a team that is still young and still has holes.

That youth is not lost on Brackin.  "Although these girls all have high expectations put upon them, I want them to come in and learn, work hard, develop intense pride in being a Longhorn and have fun helping to put this team back in a viable position to bring home hardware."

Rounding out the group are breaststrokers Kierstin Thornhill, Kate Nelsen, and Becca Tomlin.  Thornhill and Nelson shore up the breaststroke group while Tomlin adds much needed depth.

A rival coach’s perspective: “They've taken recruiting to a new level.  It's more aggressive, but if you want to be successful you have to be.  Obviously they got a great class and have a great start on next year's.”