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Blue chip swimmer chooses Pandas

The Pandas got a great addition to their roster for next season, as top prospect Georgia Kidd has signed on to swim for the University of Alberta.

Though she received a full ride scholarship offer from Purdue, heavy interest from Michigan, and several offers from other CIS schools, Kidd chose to stay in Edmonton for her university swimming. For Kidd, the decision was a straightforward one.

“I have chosen the U of A for the simple reason that it is the best,” Kidd said in a release. “The best coaching, training, (and) aquatic facilty, all literally in my back yard.”

The St. Albert native is currently in Grade 12, and competes for the Edmonton Keyano Swim Club. Swimming Head Coach Colleen Marchese said she is excited for what Kidd will bring to team.

“The diversity that Georgia would bring to the program is exceptional,” Marchese said. “She’s a sprint freestyle specialist, but also a great butterflyer and backstroker.”

Marchese said that aside from bringing her own talents to the Pandas swim team, Kidd’s signing has also helped attract other top prospects.

“We’ve been able to secure three other women since Georgia signed on,” Marchese said, “it’s one of those things that can really have a snowball effect.”

Having established a formal relationship with EKSC earlier this year in an effort to develop and retain high level swimmers, the U of A Swim Team has been trying to change the mindset of local athletes.

“There’s always a swaying pendulum in Canadian swimming in terms of staying in Canada or going to the U.S.,” Marchese said. “Having this partnership with Keyano is an effort on our part to keep these kids from leaving.”

For Marchese, the coaching available in the Edmonton area speaks for itself. With Kidd turning down two NCAA Division I schools, Marchese said she hopes local athletes realize how great local swim programs are.

“Sometimes going on those recruiting tours and other trips helps them see how great the facilities and programming are here,” Marchese said. “They’re realizing ‘I don’t need to go away to have a great education or further my career.”

The current focus for the team is on the upcoming Canada West season and ensuring success for each member of the team. By improving individually, Marchese said her athletes build a better team, however, she didn’t rule out the impact Kidd could have on the squad.

“Georgia, when she comes in, she just raises the level,” Marchese said. “From there, other people will strive to be better and reach that same level.”

As a U of A swimming alumnus herself, Marchese recalled the days when swimming for the Pandas as an Edmonton athlete was a foregone conclusion. Re-establishing that culture is the first step to consistent recruiting.

“I came from the era on the team when if you came from Edmonton, you swam here,” Marchese said. “You can concentrate on getting some great outside recruits when you have that local programming.”

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