Cyclone Swimming and Diving Inks Six New Signees

AMES, Iowa - Head coach Duane Sorenson has announced his 2024 signing class. Three swimmers from Colorado, Iowa, and Missouri join the program while three divers from Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota round out the class for the Cyclones.

Lili Neisser joins the Cyclones from Golden, Colo. with a depth of experience in the sprint freestyle and backstroke events. Swimming for coach Amanda Waters at Ralston Valley High School, where she was the top points earner in the 2020 and 2021 season, along with coach Wolfgang Dittrich at Flatiron Swimming, Neisser swam to personal bests of 24.59 in the 50 free, 53.29 in the 100 free, and 57.44 in the 100 back.

"Lili will be a force for us in both backstroke events as well as sprint free and fly." assistant head coach Kelly Nordell said. "Lili's positive attitude and strong work ethic will play an important role in her future success as a Cyclone."

Neisser has been a CSI state championship qualifier every year since 2015, while also being a multiple time USA swimming sectional and futures time qualifier. Neisser will compete at the CSI Junior Nationals Swim Camp later in this month.

Maggie Bendell joins the Cyclones as a top diver in the state of Illinois. Out of Cary, Ill., Bendell was the 2022 IHSA state diving champion for Cary-Grove High School while also finishing in seventh place in 2021.

"Maggie is a very strong and graceful diver who has worked diligently with her coaches to reach the point she is at today." head diving coach Jeff Warrick said.

Coached by Melissa Morris and representing Windy City Diving, Bendell has also been a NISCA All-American in 2021 & 2022 and has recorded USA zone diving qualifying scores from 2020-2022.

"Maggie is strong and has a lot of experience on the springboards but has a bright future ahead of her on the platform as well." Warrick said.

Bendell has a background in diving as her father Curt Bendell was a part of the men's swimming and diving program at Iowa State from 1985-1988 and is currently the head diving coach at Palatine High School.

Grace Marek heads to Iowa State from West St. Paul, Minn. as an accomplished diver. Coached by Arron Carlson at Two Rivers High School, Marek holds the record in both six and 11 dive scores while being a three-time state qualifier, including a state runner-up in 2022. At North Star Diving, Marek was led to zone diving qualifications since 2020 by coach Carlson and coach Jason Baumann.

"Grace brings a passion for the 10-meter platform to our team and she will be exciting to watch there as well as the springboard events." Warrick said. "She has a great rip entry that puts a great exclamation point on her dives."

Outside of the pool, Marek has also been a member of the Varsity Gymnastics team and was a mental health representative on the Warrior Leadership team at Two Rivers.

Swimmer Anja Peck grew up locally in Ankeny, Iowa where she swam to personal bests of 1:03.58 in 100 breaststroke, 2:17.67 in the 200 breaststroke, and 4:30.52 in the 400 IM. At Ankeny Centennial High School, Peck was coached by Dustin Rhoads, Justin Crouch, and Michelle Stout where she holds school records in the 100 breaststroke and 200 IM.

"Anja is one of the top swimmers in the state of Iowa who specializes in breaststroke and IM events along with a huge role in relay events." Nordell said.

Peck made the all-state second team in the 200 IM and an honorable mention in the 100 breaststroke. Peck was also a member of the cross country and track programs at Ankeny Centennial. At the club level, Peck swam for coach Emma Sougstad at the DSMY Marlins.

"Anja is a tremendous all-around athlete and we are extremely excited about her future as a Cyclone." Nordell said.

Carli Poppen joins the program as an IM and breaststroke swimmer. A native of Lee's Summit, Mo., Poppen swam at Summit Christian Academy and for coach Thomas Baumann at Empire Swim Club. During her youth career, Poppen swam to personal bests of 2:05.58 in the 200 IM, 4:29.87 in the 400 IM, and 1:05.15 in the 100 breaststroke.

"Carli is driven to succeed and loves to be challenged." Nordell said. "Carli will add excellence and depth in both the 200 and 400 IM, as well as the breaststroke events."

Diver Abby Tollefson joins the swimming and diving program from State Center, Iowa. Attending West Marshall High School, but diving for coach Angie Nelson at Marshalltown High School, Tollefson has been a state qualifier through her first three years of high school, including being state runner-up in her junior year. Tollefson is the school record holder in both 6 and 11 score dives. Tollefson is also a AAU diving National Qualifier in 1-meter, 3-meter, and platform diving.

"Abby is one of the top high school divers in the state of Iowa this year who will be an immediate impact player on our team." Warrick said. "It's great when we can keep home grown Iowa divers in-state and even better when they choose to be part of Cyclone Nation!"

Out of the pool, Tollefson is also an accomplished track athlete recording state qualifying finishes in the 100 meter hurdles and shuttle hurdle relay.

Iowa State University Athletics

Cyclone Swimming and Diving Inks Six New Signees

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