Little Rock swimming and diving head coach Amy Burgess has announced the signing of five Trojans for the 2016-17 season.
"We could not be more excited about our five new Little Rock Trojans. It is a very versatile group that is going to help in many of our areas that need more depth. Coming from different parts of the county, it is exciting to welcome them and have them as part of Little Rock's team."
The first signee is Jessie Baldwin from Cabot High School in Cabot, Ark. Baldwin competes in the breaststroke and backstroke events. In addition to swimming for Cabot, Baldwin also swims with North Central Arkansas Aquatics on the club level and is coached by Brian Bowen,
"Jessie is going to come in and add some great depth to our breaststroke and backstroke groups. We have been watching her swim for the past couple of years and look forward to helping her continue her success in Little Rock. She is going to be fun to have on the team."
Little Rock's second signee is Virginia "Ginger" Bryant from Klein High School in Spring Texas. Bryant specializes in the breaststroke, butterfly and individual medley events. Bryant also competes on the club level with Premier Aquatics of Klein and is coached by Mike McCauley.
"Ginger is going to play an immediate role in our breaststroke and IM events. She will play a key role and add important depth to the team. Coming from a family where her mom and dad swam in college, this will help her make a smooth transition and start off strong."
The Trojans' third signee is Amanda Dreyer from Seckman Senior High School in Arnold, Mo. Dreyer competes in the freestyle and individual medley events. She also competes with the Rockwood Swim Club and is coached by Sean Harrison.
"Amanda is a distance free and IM swimmer. She comes from a strong club program, and we are looking forward to watching her develop in and out of the water. Amanda has a good range from the 200- to 1650-yard freestyle events, and it will be very beneficial when planning for dual meets."
The fourth signee for Little Rock is Isabelle Finzen from Blue Valley Southwest High School in Overland Park, Kan. Finzen competes in the backstroke, butterfly and individual medley events. At Blue Valley Southwest, Finzen won state championships in the 200-yard IM, the 200-yard medley relay and the 400-yard free relay in 2013, 2014 and 2015. She also competes on the club level with the Kansas City Blazers and is coached by Hannah Molden
"We are looking forward to having Isabelle's versatility. She is a great racer and will make some waves in our fly and IM groups. She comes from a strong high school and club team, and we are excited for her to bring that experience to Little Rock."
The Trojans' final signee for the fall is Savannah Fissenden from F.W. Buchholz High School in Gainesville, Fla. Fissenden competes in the backstroke, breaststroke and individual medley events. She helped F.W. Buchholz win the 4A state championship on Nov. 14 of this year. With her teammates, she won the state championship in the 200-yard medley relay and 400-yard free relay events. Additionally, Fissenden placed in the Top 16 in the 200-yard individual medley. She also competes on the club level with Makos Aquatic Club of Gainesville and is coached by Leonard Kraus.
"We are excited to welcome our first Florida swimmer to the Trojan Family. Savannah just finished a great high school career a couple weeks ago and is set to accomplish great things in the water. Savannah is a very versatile swimmer, and we are excited to have someone that can help in a variety of events. She will make an immediate impact on our program."
With no seniors on this year's roster, Little Rock will now field a team of 23 student-athletes for the 2016-17 season.
