Nov. 22, 2005

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Darlene Renie announced Tuesday the additions of Christine Inman, Kelly Krzemienski and Leah Pierce to the Boilermakers' 2006-07 roster.

Pierce, a native of Columbia, Mo., is a USS national qualifier in the 100 and 200 breaststroke, and was a member of the USA Swimming Scholastic All-America team. She is expected to add depth to the breaststroke events, which are currently anchored by NCAA qualifier Jennifer Lavers, Shannon Grace and Rory Belk.

"Leah is a confident competitor, who comes in with times that can already score at Big Tens and NCAAs," said Renie. "She is going to train with a fast group of Boilermakers, who will help her achieve great things at Purdue."

Although the coaching staff has high expectations for Pierce, the high school senior is modest about her first-year goals.

"They're on the rise, and I just want to help them get better," said Pierce. "I'm very excited about being part of this team."

Pierce chose the Boilermakers over her hometown Missouri Tigers, who Purdue recently defeated at last weekend's Purdue Invitational.

"Purdue is a good fit for me," said Pierce. "It has everything I want as far as coaches and teammates are concerned, plus a good pool and ideal location."

Krzemienski, a native of Naperville, Ill., appears to be a versatile threat who could one day fill the role vacated by senior Erica Chandler. A high school All-American, Krzemienski garnered 14 Illinois age group titles and was a member of the Illinois all-state team.

"Kelly can compete in all freestyle events from the 50 to the 500, plus relays" said Renie. "She swims for an excellent club team, which has given her the necessary big-meet experience to compete at the Big Ten level."

Krzemienski made her first trip to Purdue only two months ago, and selected the Boilermakers over Nebraska, Indiana and Alabama.

"I was impressed by all the girls on the team," said Krzemienski. "They all seemed very close and were happy with what they were doing."

Inman is a local product from nearby Williamsport, Ind. At this year's state championships, Inman placed third in the 200 fly and fourth in the 100 fly; she also placed among the top 12 with the 400 medley relay at the 2005 Junior National Championships.

Inman joins a talented butterfly roster, which includes junior Carlene Takaki and sophomore Stacie Lesneski. At the Purdue Invitational, Takaki and Lesneski finished first and second in the 200 fly, beating swimmers from No. 4 Florida and No. 17 Tennessee.

"Christine is packed with potential and is ready to excel at the next level as a Boilermaker flyer," said Renie. "She is looking for a challenge, and she'll have the opportunity to rise to it at Purdue."

"I really enjoyed my visit," said Inman, who chose Purdue over Kansas, Indiana and Miami University. "The girls included me in everything, and the coaches have been so nice. I'm looking forward to competing in a prestigious conference such as the Big Ten, and going to a school that will challenge me both athletically and academically."

Purdue has close to two months off from competition as it heads into Winter Break. The team next competes Jan. 5, 2006, when it ventures to Los Angeles for a battle with UCLA.

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