The Illinois women’s swimming and diving program revealed its latest recruiting class last Friday. Head coach Sue Novitsky announced that the team will welcome 10 new student athletes for the upcoming season.

“We are excited about the level of talent, depth and versatility of the incoming class for the 2006-07 season,” Novitsky said in a press release. “The class is very well-rounded and we were able to fill in areas in our line-up to give us greater versatility.”

Among the 10 newcomers is Nevada High School State Champion, Cece Marizu. Marizu is the Nevada State High School State Champion in the 100 backstroke and earned All-America honors along with being named the 2006 Swimmer of the Year in northern Nevada.

“Cece has a strong work ethic and has been a leader for her high school and club teams,” Novitsky said in the release. “We expect her to come in with that same positive attitude.”

Also among the top recruits is Amy Forsberg, who lead her club swimming team to second and third place finishes in the 400 and 800 freestyles at the 2006 YMCA National Championships.

Forsberg also qualified for the Illinois High School Association state championship all four years during her high school career at Downers Grove South High School, and finished fifth and 12th in the 500 and 200 freestyles respectively at the IHSA state championships in 2005.

“Amy had a terrific senior year and is coming to Illinois with her swimming career in high gear,” Novitsky said in the release. “She is a strong student and a leader and we expect her to add to the Illini tradition.”

Along with Marizu and Forsberg the Illini will welcome in Iana Boneva, a transfer from Tulane who was forced to leave because of the suspension of Tulane’s swimming program after Hurricane Katrina.

Another top addition to the team is Emily Mycyk, from West Dundee, Ill., who was a four-time state qualifier in the IHSA as a part of the Dundee Crown High School swim team.

Other signees include Andrea Grandcolas, sister of Illini senior swimmer Michelle Grandcolas; Bailey Hatch; twin sisters Amy and Anna Johnson; Courtney Spivak; and Illinois lone diving recruit Rorrie Tate.

“The returning athletes are ready to help bring the fresh faces into the mix,” Novitsky said. “They’ll help teach them what is expected in the pool and in the classroom to reach the program’s goals.”