HONOLULU – University of Hawai`i head swimming coach Victor Wales announced the signing of five student-athletes set to join the team next season. The signing class includes four women's swimmers and one men's swimmer.

 

Following the No. 14 ranked recruiting class in the nation on the men's side last season, Wales followed it up with a top notch recruiting class this season.

 

The class includes women's signees Katie Edwards (Sacramento, Calif.), Melissa Myers (Tigard, Ore.), Diandra Prutton (Pleasant Hill, Calif.) and Jenna Seitz (Eatontown, N.J.). Bryce Bertoli from Knoxville, Tenn. signed on the men's side.

 

Edwards is from Rio Americano High School and swam with the Arden Hills Swimming Club. She is the junior national champion and record holder in the 100 and 200 breaststroke. Her time in 100 breast is 1:00.80 and her time in the 200 is 2:11.20. She is also a junior national finalist in the 200 IM with a time of 2:01.10.

 

“This is absolutely huge for our program,” Wales said of signing Edwards. “Katie comes from a great program and is quickly becoming one of the best swimmers in the U.S.”

 

Myers is from Tigard High School and swam for the Tigard Swim Club. She is a mid-distance and distance specialist. Her times include 4:30.30 (500), 9:15.60 (1000) and 17:46.90 (1650).

 

“Melissa is going to play a huge role for us next year,” Wales said. “She has tremendous potential and is a great addition to our program.”

 

Prutton is from College Park High School and swam for the Terrapin Aquatics program. She is a backstroke specialist with 50, 100 and 200 times of 28.6, 58.21 and 2:08.34, respectively.

 

“I can't wait to start coaching Diandra,” Wales said. “She brings the type of energy and commitment that can help turn our program into a champion.”

 

Seitz is from Monmouth Regional High School and swam for the New Jersey Race Club. She is a butterfly and freestyle specialist. In the 100 and 200 fly her times are 55.80 and 2:03.03, respectively. In the 100 and 200 free her time are 52.20 and 1:52.80, respectively.

 

“People are just starting to realize how good Jenna is going to be, including me,” Wales said. “She will be instrumental in our future success.”

 

Bertoli is from Bolles School and swam for Bolles Swimming. He is a junior national finalist in the 100 and 200 breaststroke with times of 57.00 and 2:06.40, respectively.

 

“From the moment I met Bryce, I knew Hawai`i was the place for him,” Wales said. “He comes from what arguably can be called the best high school program in the country, Bolles School.”