May 26, 2010
NORMAL, Ill. - Illinois State head swimming coach Steve Paska announced Wednesday the addition of sophomore Victoria Alland to the Redbird roster for the 2010-11 season.
Alland, a transfer from Pittsburgh, earned a varsity letter in her first year on the team. With a time of 4:55.91, she was a Big East Conference consolation finalist in the 500 freestyle. Alland placed 9th in the 1650 freestyle with a time of 17:00.09.
As a student, Alland holds a 3.52 cumulative grade-point average in elementary education and received academic awards as a student-athlete with the Panthers.
Alland competed on the varsity team all four years at Stevenson High School and earned the title of captain her senior year. She was all-American her junior and senior year and also received all-state academic honors.
Coach Paska sees Alland playing a significant role, as both a student and swimmer for the Redbirds.
"Victoria strives endlessly and relentlessly for perfection in the classroom as well as in the water," Paska said. "I believe she understands that the term student comes before athlete and Victoria will be a role model for the future Redbird swimmers and divers."
Alland will join Margaret Kopp and Erica Halley, who signed with the Redbirds in the fall and spring, as they begin their training in August.
GoRedbirds.com: Your online source for Illinois State Athletics, tickets, TRC gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
