SAN ANTONIO – The University of the Incarnate Word announces its adoption of artistic swimming as an identity for the most recent name of the sport, synchronized swimming.
 
In addition, The Cardinals welcome their newest artistic swimming recruits.
 
Synchronized swimming was previously known as "ornamental" swimming, which involved displays of aquatic stunts, such as somersaults, sculling, treading water and swimming with arms and legs bound. It gained Olympic status in 1984 under the identity of synchronized swimming, a title intended to emphasize the athletic nature of the sport.
 
Now, taking on its new name of artistic swimming, the sport will move to standardize difficulty in scoring -- as previously confronted by Artistic Gymnastics -- to make it more fair for the athletes and allow the judges to focus on execution and artistic impression during the competition. 
 
In addition to the change in name, the UIW's artistic swimming program recognizes the 2021-22 singing class.
 
"This incoming class of freshman already feels like they have been on the team for a few years, which is one of the reasons why I am so excited about this group," said coach Elizabeth Gerdin. "Each athlete comes with great experience, and they will make an impact on this program right away. I am pumped to have them with us here at UIW. "
 
Paige Areizaga | 5'9" | Palm Coast, Florida
Areizaga's athletic achievements and honors consist of receiving gold in free and tech in the US open in 2021, silver in the French open in 2020, bronze in Pan Americans 2019, Senior USA national team 2017-21, Junior USA National team 2016-17 and fourth place at the Olympic qualifiers. Areizaga is pursuing a bachelor's degree in graphic design. She was a part of the painting artistic group in high school. Her career ambition is to be a part of an advertising company specifying in design/graphic arts.

 

Mikaelle Gauthier | 165 cm | Gatineau, Quebec, Canada
Gauthier became the triple silver medalist at the Canada games and won the Pat Murray Trophy in 2018, awarded to the Top Canadian Junior Athlete. She placed seventh at the 2018 Junior World Championships. Gauthier is pursuing a bachelor's degree in elementary education and teaching in pursuit of becoming an elementary school teacher in the future.

 

Camryn Hooey | 5'3" | Calgary Alberta. Canada
Pursuing a bachelor of business and administration with a focus in sports management and with a minor in marketing. Hooey plans to become a Lawyer of Entrepreneur in the future. Hooey's athletic achievements and honors consist of receiving the Presidential honor award for Team Alberta for winning Canada Winter Games in 2019, winning various national championships during her time as a Canadian synchronized swimmer and receiving the Athlete of the Year award in 2014-15.

 

Madeline Philippe | 5'5" | Hyeres, France
Madeline is pursuing a bachelor's degree in business administration with a minor of international business, in pursuit of a career where accepting new challenges and opportunities are a part of everyday responsibilities. Madeleine choose UIW because it allows her to follow her passion while continuing her studies in business.  

 

Abigayle Remmers | 5'5" | Sugarland, Texas
Remmers is studying psychology with a minor in criminology at UIW. She hopes to find a career in criminology and psychology. In high school, Remmers was a part of the high school swim, gymnastics and ballet teams. Remmers also went to on to the Olympic qualifiers for synchronized swimming.
 


UIW artistic swimming begins its season this spring. Be sure to follow along with the incoming class and the rest of the team this season on social media.
 
FOLLOW ALONG

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Follow the team on Twitter @UIWSynchroSwim and on Instagram @uiwsynchroswim.