Nov. 12, 2004

Head Diving Coach Tom Stebbins announced the signing of divers Marisa Samaniego and Brittany Hill to National Letters of Intent for the Bruins this week and will begin competing for UCLA next fall.

Samaniego, from Altadena, CA (Flintridge High School), is a three-time NISCA All-American (2002-04) and two-time finalist at the 2004 JO National Championships. She was also a finalist at the 2004 Senior Zone D Championships, finishing seventh on both the one-meter and three-meter boards. Samaniego currently competes for Rose Bowl Aquatics.

"Marisa is an outstanding addition to the UCLA Diving Team," said Stebbins. "Having watched her develop during the last couple of years, I am confident that her presence will have an impact on our program immediately."

Brittany Hill, from Cincinatti, Ohio (Indian Hills High School), is a two-time NISCA All-American (2003-04) and a two-time Ohio State runner-up. Hill competes for Tri-State Diving.

"Brittany is a wonderful athlete who will compete in all three events for UCLA," said Stebbins. "I am really looking forward to having the opportunity to work with her."

"We are very lucky to have these two student-athletes joining the Bruin family. Each comes with unique strengths athletically that will solidify our program. Their very strong academic backgrounds make them the perfect fit for UCLA. I am very happy with the direction the Class of 2009 is taking. We are waiting on two more that will make this one of the best classes in the country."