Washington State Women Sign Three For 2004-2005 Season

PULLMAN, Wash., November 15. DANIELLE Berish (Atlanta, Ga.), Sam Van Zanten (Orting), and Maegan Wood (Bend, Ore.) have each signed a National Letter of Intent for swimming, Washington State Head Coach Erica Quam announced Friday.

“Samantha, Danielle, and Maegan are the first to sign to another strong incoming freshman class,” Quam said. “It was evident from their visits that they fit right as Cougars. This group will make significant contributions to our team both in the pool and in the classroom. All three swimmers come from excellent club programs with great coaches who have produced many successful swimmers. I know that these three women will help elevate the level of our program.”

Berish attends Chamblee High School in Atlanta, Ga. She received team MVP honors as a freshman and sophomore. As a junior, Berish placed in the top ten at State in the 50 freestyle. She was also a member of the fifth place finishing 200 and 400 freestyle relay teams. The Bulldogs finished ninth at State that year. Berish is currently a captain for the 2003-04 swim season.

Berish also competes for the Dynamo Swim Club, under coaches Ed Spencer and Jim Rumbaugh. She was a junior national qualifier in the 100 free.

Academically, she is a two-time USA Scholastic All-American and Georgia High School Association all star. Berish is a member of the National Honor Society and a part of the Student Government Association.
“Danielle just finished a great summer season improving in all her events, Quam said.” “It will be exciting to see how she continues to progress this season. I believe that she will be a great addition to our team – adding depth to our freestyle group and one to watch for on our relays in the future.”

Van Zanten attends Orting High School, and competes for King Aquatic Club where she swims under coach Sean Hutchison. She is a four time U.S. Open Qualifier, and seven time Junior National Qualifier. As a member of the 400 medley, Van Zanten finished eight at the Senior Nationals.
“Samantha has already shown that she is capable of competing at the highest level and will make an immediate contribution to our team,” Quam said. “Her versatility will help us tremendously in dual meets and as a key member of our relays. She is good in so many areas.”
Wood swam one year at Redmond High School in Redmond, Ore., before moving to Bend, Ore., where she competes for Summit High School. As a sophomore at RHS, Wood placed in the top 10t State. Her junior year, Wood placed fourth in the 200 individual medley and third in the 100 freestyle.

Outside of school, Wood competes for the Bend Swim Club. In 2000-01, she attended the Oregon All-Stars in Las Vegas. In her spare time, Wood volunteers at the Pacific Crest Triathlon and The High Desert Swim Camp.
“Maegan is a racer with a great vision of where she wants to go as a college swimmer,” Quam said. “I know that she with her goals and attitude she is capable of contributing in many areas. I’m excited to get a chance to work with her.”

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use