May 8, 2008

Loudonville, N.Y. - Siena swimming and diving coach Greg Brown announced today the appointment of rising senior Rachel McShane to team captain for the upcoming 2008-09 season. McShane will look to guide a young but experienced squad that is coming off one of the finest seasons in program history.

"I'm real excited to have Rachel lead out team next fall," Brown said. "She has a great reputation with her teammates and they are very excited to have her as their captain."

A native of Baldwin, N.Y., McShane played a major role in leading the Green and Gold to one of its most memorable seasons in program history. Siena began the year with the best start in program history at 8-2, before concluding regular season competition at 9-4 and a sixth place finish at the MAAC Championships.

McShane entered last season coming off of a sophomore campaign in which she was named the team's Most Improved Swimmer. After comprising part of three Siena relay winning teams in 2006-07, she made up part of four other winning squads last season.

In a 166-71 win over Canisius on Jan. 20, McShane combined with three teammates to set a new pool record in the 400 free relay with a time of 3:39.97, breaking an eight year old record. She also captured the first two individual wins of her career that day, pacing the pool in the 50 and 100 free.

McShane and the Saints begin their quest for a MAAC Championship with the season opener in mid-October.