As the 2017-18 Penn State Altoona women's swimming team enters the regular season, there is a feeling of optimism. The team features a handful of key returners from last season to go along with an influx of new talent. Head coach Greg Scallen thinks that his roster of versatile swimmers bodes well for this year.

"My overall outlook is very upbeat. In the short time that we've had together thus far, I've been pleased with the chemistry that is developing," said Scallen. "Each season has its unique team dynamics, yet the primary goal is the same: to strive for and achieve individual and team excellence. That's excellence in the classroom, the swimming pool, and the campus community. I'm looking forward to the possibilities that exist with this year's teams, and if they stay consistent, work hard daily, and support each other through the process, I'm confident they will exceed their expectations. It's going to be a really exciting season."

The Lady Lions' roster features four strong returners from last season: senior Alexis Franks (Pleasant Gap, PA/Bellefonte) and sophomores Emily Beam (Tyrone, PA/Tyrone), Emily Booz (Berwyn, PA/Conestoga), and Ariana Paulhamus (Jersey Shore, PA/Jersey Shore).

Booz highlights the team's returners. The sophomore was voted the AMCC's Women's Newcomer of the Year in 2016-17, and she also took first team All-Conference honors in the 200 Yard Backstroke by placing first in that event during the conference championships last February. Additionally, she set five new women's swimming team records last season.

"Emily Booz was the Newcomer of the Year last season and looks to defend her 2017 AMCC 200 Yard Backstroke championship. She will be in the mix to again medal in her other two individual events, as she'll handle the backstroke and individual medley duties this year," Scallen stated. "Emily Beam is a talented and very dedicated swimmer who finished last season with fantastic swims, and she'll continue to be productive in the butterfly events and anything else that she's asked to swim. Alexis Franks is entering just her second year of competitive swimming, and she will continue to amaze all who watch her pure athletic ability. Ariana Paulhamus returns from a strong freshman showing, and she will be called on to once again compete at a high level in the breaststroke and middle distance freestyle events."

Scallen relies on his four returners to guide the way for the team's six newcomers.

"All four of these young ladies bring unique leadership abilities to the team and are outstanding competitors," he said. "They have eased the transition for the newcomers and are very positive examples of what is expected in this program. It's going to be enjoyable watching this year's team gel into something special."

Freshmen Elizabeth Anderson (Lewisberry, PA/Red Land), Danielle Bye (Hockessin, DE/Cab Calloway School of the Arts), Courtney Frye (Roaring Spring, PA/Central), Hayley Fultz (Lewistown, PA/Mifflin County), Hannah Kimmick (Youngwood, PA/Hempfield), and Mariah Lee (Ardmore, PA/Haverford) will be expected to contribute right away on the team's relatively small roster.

"Danielle Bye is a strong butterflier and will place extremely high in any event, and she's very versatile and will be on the AMCC radar right away. Mariah Lee is a seasoned swimmer with a great attitude and work ethic, and she'll be a force in the sprint freestyle events," Scallen said. "Hannah Kimmick and Elizabeth Anderson come to the program with the skillsets to swim at a high level, as Hannah will lead the way in the middle and long distance freestyle while Elizabeth will contribute right away in the breaststroke and individual medley relays. Hayley Fultz and Courtney Frye both display strong work ethic and embrace the expectations of the program's culture, and they have shown they will contribute in multiple events."

The Penn State Altoona men's and women's swimming teams opened their 2017-18 season in the Pitt-Bradford Panther Relays on Saturday, October 14. The teams will also travel for dual meets against AMCC opponents Pitt-Bradford (October 28), Franciscan University (November 4, women only), and Cabrini University (December 1), as well as non-conference foes Wilkes University (December 8) and Gallaudet University (January 12).

The Lions and Lady Lions, who will hold their home meets at the Altoona Area High School Pool this season during the construction of the new Adler Natatorium on campus, will host AMCC opponents Alfred State College (November 18) and Penn State Behrend (January 27), and they will also have home meets against non-conference opponents Salisbury University (November 3), Bethany College (November 11), and Wells College (January 16).

The men's and women's swimming teams' seasons wrap up in the four-day AMCC Championships, which are scheduled for February 14-17 at Penn State Behrend.