April 22, 2008

DALLAS (SMU)--The SMU women's swimming and diving team held its annual awards banquet Tuesday evening in the Hall of Champions in the Loyd All-Sports Center.

Anja Carman and Jennifer Blackman were both given the Captain Award for their service as team captains during the Mustangs' successful 2007-08 season. The team finished 11th at NCAAs and picked up its 12th consecutive conference title under the two graduating seniors. Blackman earned Conference USA's Swimmer of the Year award for her outstanding performances at both the conference championships and the NCAA championship. Carman was named National Swimmer of the Week during the season and posted career-fastest times in the 400 IM, 100 back and 200 back.

The Mustang Award, given to the team member who best exhibits the highest qualities of performance, dedication, enthusiasm and leadership, was bestowed upon Petra Klosova. Klosova, last year's Conference USA Swimmer of the Year, shattered three career-fastest times this season en route to the Mustangs' best NCAA finish since 2006. She also earned six All-America honors and six conference titles.

Most Improved was given to freshman Pia Lara Carrillo, who swam new personal best times in each event in which she competed. During the course of the season, she shaved over two minutes off her time in the 1650 free. Had she competed in the event at the Conference USA Championships, her 1650 free time would have been 15th in the conference.

The team also named the captain of the 2008-09 squad. Rising senior Candace Blackman will take over the reigns next season, and will look to continue the success the Mustangs met this year.