June 28, 2004

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Former UAB synchronized swimmer Stacy Leiker has been named the head synchronized swimming coach at Canisius College, Canisius Director of Athletics Timothy Dillon announced Monday.

Leiker was a four-year letterwinner for the Blazers from 2000-04. She was a two-time All-America selection and was also named an Academic All-American during her time at UAB. Leiker helped lead the Blazers to three consecutive third-place finishes at the U.S. Collegiate Championships (2002-04) and also swam with the UAB teams that placed fourth at the U.S. National Championships in 2003 and fifth in 2004.

"Stacy will put a fresh face on the synchronized swimming scene at Canisius," said Dillon. "She has a lot of energy and enthusiasm, so we're looking for her to bring a new style and passion to our synchro program and added success on the national scene."

Leiker swam with the UAB teams that placed third in both 2003 and 2004 at the U.S. Collegiate Championships. She twice placed fifth in both the duet and trio routines at the U.S. Collegiate Championships. In addition, Leiker was part of nine first-place team finishes and six first-place trio finishes during her UAB career.

"Canisius has one of the finest programs in the country and I look forward to carrying on the fine tradition of the synchro program," said Leiker. "It's really exciting to be able to work with a great group of girls and we have high expectations for the season. I believe that I can use my experiences to make the team better. We will place a premium on conditioning and hard work, while learning to work together as a team."

A native of Tonowando, N.Y., Leiker graduated from UAB with a degree in art studio in May 2004.