Nauta making impact with Dawgs

Chelsea Nauta's goal is to be an Olympic swimmer, and it looks like the former Tampa Prep star is well on her way to achieving that. Now in her first season with the top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs, Nauta has made an immediate impact in the pool this winter.

And she's having a blast.

"It's been beyond and above all expectations," Nauta said. "My relationships with the coaches have been just phenomenal. I really lucked out coming here. I've totally clicked with them."

Nauta, who earned multiple all-american honors at Tampa Prep, typically swims in four events - the 200-yard freestyle, 500 free, 400 free relay and 800 free relay. She is unbeaten in her signature event, the 200 free, with a best time of 1:46.10.

In March, Nauta will compete at the NCAA Championships. Three month later, the Olympic trials begin in Omaha, Neb.

"For a lot of swimmers on our team, that's the No. 1 focus," Nauta said.

Coincidentally, the 2008 U.S. womens' team will be coached by Jack Bauerle, Nauta's coach at Georgia.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Comments

Don't forget about Katie Kastes tearing it up at Arkansas, she has already qualified in the 200 fly for the NCAA meet. Go Countryside!!!!