Oct. 7, 2008

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. - Whitney Sprague of the University of North Carolina women's swimming and diving team has been honored by United States Swimming with selection to the 2009 United States National Swimming Team which will compete in the 25th Universiade (World University Games) at Belgrade, Serbia on July 1-12, 2009. The selection was announced Tuesday by Lindsay Mintenko, the National Team Managing Director of USA Swimming.

The senior from Bronxville, N.Y., has won four individual ACC championships in her first three years as a Tar Heel (two each in the 500 free and 1650 free) and she has finished third and second, respectively, in the 1650-yard freestyle at the past two NCAA Championships.

Sprague has been chosen to compete in the 800-meter and 1500-meter freestyle events at the Universiade. The 800 meters has prelims on day three of the competition and finals on day four. The 1500 meters has prelims on day five and finals on day six.

"This is a great honor for Whitney and for UNC Swimming. Whitney is a tremendous competitor and it has always been a goal of hers to represent her country in international competition," says UNC head coach Rich DeSelm. "I know Whitney is looking forward to a great collegiate season in this, her senior year. Being named to this team will only motivate her more. "