Meissner signs with Auburn University

Swim Team Coach Don Lemieux and her parents, Walter and Rosemarie Meissner, as Erica signs the national letter of intent. Courtesy Photo

Auburn University, the reigning national champion in women's swimming, added Ashburnham resident Erica Meissner, to its program when she signed a National Letter of Intent.

Meissner, a member of the Greenwood Memorial Pool Swim Team, is a senior at Gardner High School.

The Auburn women have won four NCAA titles in the last five years.

Meissner selected Auburn University over Stanford, Texas, and Florida.

"I chose Auburn because I know in my heart that it is there that I can become the best swimmer I possibly can," Meissner said. "It is there that I have all the tools I need to become successful."

Meissner holds Massachusetts state swimming records in the 100 backstroke, 100 butterfly, and the 200 individual medley, as well as the New England Prep School Swimming Association records in the 100 backstroke and the 200 individual medley. She is the captain of the Gardner High School swim team which will seek its 14th consecutive state title this winter.

A 2004 Olympic Trials Finalist and 2005 USA Swimming Junior National Team member, Erica has qualified for the 2008 Olympic Trials in the 200 backstroke, 200 individual medley, and the 400 individual medley. She is a member of the Greenwood Memorial Swim Club in Gardner where she is coached by Don Lemieux.