DENTON, Texas (11/23/09) - North Texas Swimming & Diving signed three student-athletes this fall, head coach Joe Dykstra announced on Monday. Kaitlynn Jackson, Natalie Jakopin and Samantha Klutzz all signed their National letters of Intent last week to compete for the Mean Green.
From Littleton, Colo., Jackson holds numerous school records at Columbine High School and is in the top five percent academically in her class. She also qualified for the USA Swimming Junior Nationals in the 200 meter individual medley.
"Kaitlynn is a real hidden gem," Dykstra said. "Her improvement rates over the past few years are staggering and there is no end in sight for that trend. Coach Craven at Aces Swimming has done a wonderful job bringing her along and preparing her to continue to get faster and faster in college. She is also a tremendous student and a leader on both her high school and club teams, as well as in the community."
One of the top 50 swimmers in her age group in Canada, Jakopin looks to come in and contribute immediately. Jakopin, who has been an honor roll student every year in high school thus far, has won numerous community service and achievement awards. She has also competed in the National and Quebec Cup meets for her age group.
"I am thrilled that Natalie is going to join us next fall," said Dykstra. "She has an amazing positive energy that will not only help her to keep improving, but will really help everyone on our team. She is physically gifted at 5'11" and is training at a very high level this fall since moving up to the National Group and Coach Thorburn at Etobicoke Swimming, which is one of the premier swim clubs in all of Canada. I expect her to be a major contributor for us in sprint free, backstroke, IM, relays, and to be a future leader in our program.
Out of Charleston, SC., Klutzz is one of the more decorated swimmers in the class. She has been the South Carolina State Champion in the 200 meter freestyle event for the last three years and added the 500 meter freestyle title in 2009.
"Samantha is a motivated student-athlete that is going to come in a boost our program in the mid distance freestyles and on free relays," Dykstra said. "She has a tremendous work ethic and drive, and that work ethic is what is going to make her a successful swimmer and student at North Texas."
