Swimming and Diving Announces Eight Newcomers
Dec 10 | Women's Swimming & Diving
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers swimming and diving welcomes the eight newest Scarlet Knights to the program. The elite eight-member signing class features four four-star recruits and four three-star recruits.
The newcomers include Valentina Giannini, who will join RU midseason and be eligible to compete for the spring semester. Seven others join as freshmen next fall: Lena Sophie Bauer, Mia Boccio, Madelyn Cassidy, Alexis Mesina, Florence Robatille, Grace Sorensen and Journei Webster.
Valentina Giannini
Backstroke
Mantua, Italy
Will join RU midseason for the spring semester
Prior to Rutgers: Member of Italian national team … swam at European Juniors, where she was a finalist … 4-star recruit … Top 100 international recruit
Head coach Jon Maccoll on Giannini: "Valentina's experience with the Italian national team shows every time she hits the water — world-class talent, relentless work ethic, and a competitive edge that lifts everyone around her."
Lena Sophie Bauer
Freestyle
Berlin, Germany
School and Elite Sports Centre Berlin
Prior to Rutgers: 3-Star Recruit … Top 100 International Recruit … German National Champion in the 50 Free in 2025 … swam for Germany at European Juniors in 2025 … Qualified for the 2024 European Youth Championships … Finalist at the 2025 German Open Nationals in the 50 Freestyle … Member of the SG Neukölln Berlin women's team that won the German Team Swimming Championships in 2023
Personal: Parents are Frank Petermann and Dana Petermann-Bauer … has a sister, Janine … father competed in multiple German National championships in Judo and was a swimmer
Bauer on Choosing Rutgers: "I chose Rutgers because of the strong team culture, the inspiring atmosphere on campus, and the excellent location. The program provides the ideal balance of academic opportunity and athletic development. I felt that the environment and coaching philosophy align perfectly with my goals as both a student and an athlete."
Head coach Jon Maccoll on Bauer: "Lena is one of the top junior sprinters in all of Europe, and her experience representing Germany on the international stage speaks for itself. But what truly sets her apart is her leadership — the way she connects with everyone she meets and elevates the people around her. She brings championship-level speed and a teammate's heart, and that combination makes her special."
Mia Boccio
Freestyle
Galena, Ohio
Olentangy
Prior to Rutgers: 3-Star Recruit … named to All-Ohio swimming … member of National Honor Society
Personal: Parents are Ron and Jill … has a younger sister, Ava … born in New Jersey before moving to Ohio … mother played basketball for Ohio State from 1988-1992
Boccio on Choosing Rutgers: "I really liked the atmosphere while on my visit. I felt like I could succeed in swimming and receive a great education at Rutgers."
Head coach Jon Maccoll on Boccio: "Mia is the definition of a late bloomer with an incredible ceiling. Coming from a strong club program, she's built a foundation that's only beginning to show its potential. We believe she can grow into a major impact swimmer for us — her trajectory is rising, her confidence is building, and her best swimming is still ahead."
Madelyn Cassidy
Backstroke/Freestyle
Swedesboro, N.J.
Kingsway Regional
Prior to Rutgers: 3-Star Recruit … Top-250 Recruit … Winter Jr. National Qualifier … named All-American … First Team All-Conference … Second Team All-State … First Team All-South Jersey
Personal: Parents are Shawn and Vivian … has an older sister, Grace … Key Club Secretary … member of National Honor Society and World Language Honor Society
Cassidy on Choosing Rutgers: "I chose Rutgers because it had everything I wanted. The team has an extremely positive, uplifting team environment which is exactly what I was looking for. The tight-knit team provided a sense of community that felt like family instantly. The school itself is highly regarded and has everything I'm looking for academic-wise."
Head coach Jon Maccoll on Cassidy: "Madelyn is the perfect example of what it means to be Jersey tough — a late bloomer who never backed down, an elite athlete who turned hard work into high-level success. Her journey shows every young swimmer in New Jersey that you can stay home, come to Rutgers, and be developed into one of the best."
Alexis Mesina
Breaststroke/IM
Cypress, Texas
Tomball Memorial
Prior to Rutgers: 4-Star Recruit … Top 150 Recruit … USA Swimming Nationals Qualifier … two-time USA Swimming Scholastic All-American … two-time NISCA Girls High School Swimming All-American … TISCA All State First Team (100 Breast and 200 IM)), Second Team for 100 Fly … three-time UIL-6A State Champs finalists … holds the 100 Breast, 100 Fly, 200 IM, 200 Medley Relay, and 400 Free Relay High school records … two-time team captain
Personal: Parents are Archie and Thuy
Mesina on Choosing Rutgers: "I chose Rutgers because of their highly ranked academics and the amazing support and opportunities they give all their athletes. As well as the welcoming coaching staff that had been so helpful throughout the whole recruiting process."
Head coach Jon Maccoll on Mesina: "Alexis is a cornerstone for our program — a high-level breaststroker whose accomplishments speak for themselves. Her technical precision, competitive instinct, and ability to rise in big moments set her apart. She doesn't just elevate our team with her speed — she elevates us with her commitment."
Florence Robitaille
Backstroke
Longueuil, Quebec
College Francais De Longueuil
Prior to Rutgers: Member of the Canadian National Team … 4-Star Recruit … Top 100 Recruit … set Quebec provincial age group record at age 16 in the 200 m backstroke … Junior bronze medalist at the Canadian trials in 2025 … Bronze medalist at the O|I in 2024 … Silver medalist at the Canadian championships in 2024 … earned Top Female Student-Athlete award twice and high school's Excellence in Arts award
Personal: Parents are Julia and Alain … has three siblings, Zach, Alexia and Stephanie … twin brother, Zach, is national level soccer player … has dual citizenship with Canada and Great Britain
Robitaille on Choosing Rutgers: "I chose Rutgers because it offers a strong academic environment combined with excellent athletic facilities that allow me to continue growing as a swimmer. Being part of a university that values both academics and sports is important to me, and Rutgers provides the support, community, and opportunities I need to succeed in both areas. The school's diverse and motivating atmosphere also makes it an ideal place for me to challenge myself, stay involved in swimming, and continue building my future."
Head coach Jon Maccoll on Robitaille: "Flo arrives with the maturity and edge that come from competing with Team Canada, pairing elite international experience with a résumé of high-level achievements in the pool and the classroom. She trains with an Olympic mindset every day, and we believe she has the talent, discipline, and ambition to make an impact not only in college swimming, but ultimately on the world's biggest stage."
Grace Sorensen
Butterfly
Bellingham, Wash.
Bellingham High School
Prior to Rutgers: 3-Star Recruit … US National Qualifier … Top 200 Recruit … two-time state champion in the 200 Free and the 100 Fly … Winter and Summer Junior Nationals Qualifier … two-time Bellingham Bays Swimmer of the Year
Personal: Mother is Kristine Sorensen… has an older sister, Abbie
Sorensen on Choosing Rutgers: "I chose Rutgers because of the amazing swim program, strong business program, and the endless opportunities."
Head coach Jon Maccoll on Sorensen: "Grace carries a depth shaped by unique life experiences, and it shows in everything she does. Her talent is undeniable, her accomplishments hard-earned, and her perspective rare. She shines not because the path was easy, but because she turned every challenge into strength"
Journei Webster
Freestyle/Backstroke/Butterfly
Ewa Beach, Hawaii
Punahou School
Prior to Rutgers: 4-Star Recruit … No. 1 ranked swimmer in the state of Hawaii … USA Nationals Qualifier … Top 150 Recruit in the country … five-time NISCA All American … 2-25 Athlete of the Year, 2024 Sophomore Athlete of the Year and 2023 Freshman Athlete of the Year … was a state and ILH champion in 100 Free and 100 Back … earned consideration for All-American in 2025 … state record holder in 100 Free (50.21) and 50 Free (26.42) … 2024-25 All-American in 100 Free … two-time Bill Smith High Point Earner … part of multiple relay team state records
Personal: Parents are Leonard and Anissa … father is a retired US Army Veteran … mother competed in multiple 5K/10K races and Richmond Marathon
Webster on Choosing Rutgers: "I chose Rutgers because of the incredible coaching staff and the vision they have for the program. The team culture truly felt like an ohana, super uplifting and welcoming. I also loved the opportunities they offer student athletes, and being part of the Big Ten Conference."
Head coach Jon Maccoll on Webster: "Journei is the kind of leader you build everything around — steady in her character, fearless in her talent, and unwavering in her commitment to elevate everyone around her. She doesn't just set the tone; she is the standard."
The newcomers include Valentina Giannini, who will join RU midseason and be eligible to compete for the spring semester. Seven others join as freshmen next fall: Lena Sophie Bauer, Mia Boccio, Madelyn Cassidy, Alexis Mesina, Florence Robatille, Grace Sorensen and Journei Webster.
Valentina Giannini
Backstroke
Mantua, Italy
Will join RU midseason for the spring semester
Prior to Rutgers: Member of Italian national team … swam at European Juniors, where she was a finalist … 4-star recruit … Top 100 international recruit
Head coach Jon Maccoll on Giannini: "Valentina's experience with the Italian national team shows every time she hits the water — world-class talent, relentless work ethic, and a competitive edge that lifts everyone around her."
Lena Sophie Bauer
Freestyle
Berlin, Germany
School and Elite Sports Centre Berlin
Prior to Rutgers: 3-Star Recruit … Top 100 International Recruit … German National Champion in the 50 Free in 2025 … swam for Germany at European Juniors in 2025 … Qualified for the 2024 European Youth Championships … Finalist at the 2025 German Open Nationals in the 50 Freestyle … Member of the SG Neukölln Berlin women's team that won the German Team Swimming Championships in 2023
Personal: Parents are Frank Petermann and Dana Petermann-Bauer … has a sister, Janine … father competed in multiple German National championships in Judo and was a swimmer
Bauer on Choosing Rutgers: "I chose Rutgers because of the strong team culture, the inspiring atmosphere on campus, and the excellent location. The program provides the ideal balance of academic opportunity and athletic development. I felt that the environment and coaching philosophy align perfectly with my goals as both a student and an athlete."
Head coach Jon Maccoll on Bauer: "Lena is one of the top junior sprinters in all of Europe, and her experience representing Germany on the international stage speaks for itself. But what truly sets her apart is her leadership — the way she connects with everyone she meets and elevates the people around her. She brings championship-level speed and a teammate's heart, and that combination makes her special."
Mia Boccio
Freestyle
Galena, Ohio
Olentangy
Prior to Rutgers: 3-Star Recruit … named to All-Ohio swimming … member of National Honor Society
Personal: Parents are Ron and Jill … has a younger sister, Ava … born in New Jersey before moving to Ohio … mother played basketball for Ohio State from 1988-1992
Boccio on Choosing Rutgers: "I really liked the atmosphere while on my visit. I felt like I could succeed in swimming and receive a great education at Rutgers."
Head coach Jon Maccoll on Boccio: "Mia is the definition of a late bloomer with an incredible ceiling. Coming from a strong club program, she's built a foundation that's only beginning to show its potential. We believe she can grow into a major impact swimmer for us — her trajectory is rising, her confidence is building, and her best swimming is still ahead."
Madelyn Cassidy
Backstroke/Freestyle
Swedesboro, N.J.
Kingsway Regional
Prior to Rutgers: 3-Star Recruit … Top-250 Recruit … Winter Jr. National Qualifier … named All-American … First Team All-Conference … Second Team All-State … First Team All-South Jersey
Personal: Parents are Shawn and Vivian … has an older sister, Grace … Key Club Secretary … member of National Honor Society and World Language Honor Society
Cassidy on Choosing Rutgers: "I chose Rutgers because it had everything I wanted. The team has an extremely positive, uplifting team environment which is exactly what I was looking for. The tight-knit team provided a sense of community that felt like family instantly. The school itself is highly regarded and has everything I'm looking for academic-wise."
Head coach Jon Maccoll on Cassidy: "Madelyn is the perfect example of what it means to be Jersey tough — a late bloomer who never backed down, an elite athlete who turned hard work into high-level success. Her journey shows every young swimmer in New Jersey that you can stay home, come to Rutgers, and be developed into one of the best."
Alexis Mesina
Breaststroke/IM
Cypress, Texas
Tomball Memorial
Prior to Rutgers: 4-Star Recruit … Top 150 Recruit … USA Swimming Nationals Qualifier … two-time USA Swimming Scholastic All-American … two-time NISCA Girls High School Swimming All-American … TISCA All State First Team (100 Breast and 200 IM)), Second Team for 100 Fly … three-time UIL-6A State Champs finalists … holds the 100 Breast, 100 Fly, 200 IM, 200 Medley Relay, and 400 Free Relay High school records … two-time team captain
Personal: Parents are Archie and Thuy
Mesina on Choosing Rutgers: "I chose Rutgers because of their highly ranked academics and the amazing support and opportunities they give all their athletes. As well as the welcoming coaching staff that had been so helpful throughout the whole recruiting process."
Head coach Jon Maccoll on Mesina: "Alexis is a cornerstone for our program — a high-level breaststroker whose accomplishments speak for themselves. Her technical precision, competitive instinct, and ability to rise in big moments set her apart. She doesn't just elevate our team with her speed — she elevates us with her commitment."
Florence Robitaille
Backstroke
Longueuil, Quebec
College Francais De Longueuil
Prior to Rutgers: Member of the Canadian National Team … 4-Star Recruit … Top 100 Recruit … set Quebec provincial age group record at age 16 in the 200 m backstroke … Junior bronze medalist at the Canadian trials in 2025 … Bronze medalist at the O|I in 2024 … Silver medalist at the Canadian championships in 2024 … earned Top Female Student-Athlete award twice and high school's Excellence in Arts award
Personal: Parents are Julia and Alain … has three siblings, Zach, Alexia and Stephanie … twin brother, Zach, is national level soccer player … has dual citizenship with Canada and Great Britain
Robitaille on Choosing Rutgers: "I chose Rutgers because it offers a strong academic environment combined with excellent athletic facilities that allow me to continue growing as a swimmer. Being part of a university that values both academics and sports is important to me, and Rutgers provides the support, community, and opportunities I need to succeed in both areas. The school's diverse and motivating atmosphere also makes it an ideal place for me to challenge myself, stay involved in swimming, and continue building my future."
Head coach Jon Maccoll on Robitaille: "Flo arrives with the maturity and edge that come from competing with Team Canada, pairing elite international experience with a résumé of high-level achievements in the pool and the classroom. She trains with an Olympic mindset every day, and we believe she has the talent, discipline, and ambition to make an impact not only in college swimming, but ultimately on the world's biggest stage."
Grace Sorensen
Butterfly
Bellingham, Wash.
Bellingham High School
Prior to Rutgers: 3-Star Recruit … US National Qualifier … Top 200 Recruit … two-time state champion in the 200 Free and the 100 Fly … Winter and Summer Junior Nationals Qualifier … two-time Bellingham Bays Swimmer of the Year
Personal: Mother is Kristine Sorensen… has an older sister, Abbie
Sorensen on Choosing Rutgers: "I chose Rutgers because of the amazing swim program, strong business program, and the endless opportunities."
Head coach Jon Maccoll on Sorensen: "Grace carries a depth shaped by unique life experiences, and it shows in everything she does. Her talent is undeniable, her accomplishments hard-earned, and her perspective rare. She shines not because the path was easy, but because she turned every challenge into strength"
Journei Webster
Freestyle/Backstroke/Butterfly
Ewa Beach, Hawaii
Punahou School
Prior to Rutgers: 4-Star Recruit … No. 1 ranked swimmer in the state of Hawaii … USA Nationals Qualifier … Top 150 Recruit in the country … five-time NISCA All American … 2-25 Athlete of the Year, 2024 Sophomore Athlete of the Year and 2023 Freshman Athlete of the Year … was a state and ILH champion in 100 Free and 100 Back … earned consideration for All-American in 2025 … state record holder in 100 Free (50.21) and 50 Free (26.42) … 2024-25 All-American in 100 Free … two-time Bill Smith High Point Earner … part of multiple relay team state records
Personal: Parents are Leonard and Anissa … father is a retired US Army Veteran … mother competed in multiple 5K/10K races and Richmond Marathon
Webster on Choosing Rutgers: "I chose Rutgers because of the incredible coaching staff and the vision they have for the program. The team culture truly felt like an ohana, super uplifting and welcoming. I also loved the opportunities they offer student athletes, and being part of the Big Ten Conference."
Head coach Jon Maccoll on Webster: "Journei is the kind of leader you build everything around — steady in her character, fearless in her talent, and unwavering in her commitment to elevate everyone around her. She doesn't just set the tone; she is the standard."
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