July 24, 2008

FAIRBANKS, AK - Alaska Nanooks swimming head coach Scott Lemley announced the signing of Naomi Francoise Franquelin (FRANK-lin) of Kodiak, Alaska on Thursday. She will enter the University of Alaska Fairbanks as a freshman with four years of NCAA eligibility remaining.

"Naomi is a very important recruit for us," said Lemley. "She's a very fast sprinter and will really help both our 200 and 400 freestyle relays. She's also very versatile being one of the best individual medley swimmers in the state."

Lemley believes Franquelin will add immediate depth in the water for the Blue and Gold: her best time in the 200 yd individual medley (2:13.88) paces her just slightly slower than the Nanooks current record holder in sophomore Mariya Pavlovskaya (2:10.7).

A three-time MVP at Kodiak High School, Franquelin enjoyed an accomplished prep career. In 2006, she was named the Region III Female Swimmer of the Year after being crowned champion in the 200 individual medley, the 200 medley relay, and the 500 freestyle. As a senior, she was named team captain and repeated as the victor in 2007 in the 200 IM and the 500 free (Region III) and was a member of the Grizzly Bears' squad that captured the state championship.

"Her second best stroke is breaststroke where we've needed more depth," said Lemley. "In addition, she's an Alaskan and we want every Alaskan swimmer to know we're an excellent option for them if they want to continue their swimming career into college while pursuing a valuable four-year degree."

Franquelin was a member of Kodiak's Kingfishers Swim Club for 11 years, participating in the Alaska Junior Olympics in several seasons. In 2007, she finished eighth in the 200 yd IM and the 500 yd free at the Junior Olympics.

Franquelin will pursue a degree in elementary education at UAF.