By Marcus Tolero

Freshman Raquel Pea and Sophomore Daniela Fiestas-Paredas are now considered junior college's swimming elite. Yesterday the talented duo received All-American nods in their respective individual events.

The pair are the fifth and sixth All-American selections in CCSF Swim history.

Women's Swimming Head Coach Phong Pham said the honor was well-deserved for both swimmers, and that their achievement is reflective of the successful upward trend of the women's swim program.

"In the history of women's swimming, we've only had four previous All-American Swimmers. To have two swimmers named to the All-American list, is a tremendous honor for City College of San Francisco and the swim program," Pham said.

Pea received All-American selections on two separate lists, the National Two-Year College All-American (NTCAA) and the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA). On the NTCAA list, Pea ranks 6th in the 50 Freestyle and 11th in the 100 Freestyle . On the CCCAA list, She ranks 3rd in the 50 Freestyle, 6th in the 100 Freestyle, and 16th in the 100 Backstroke.

"I recognized her (Pea's) talents early on, but I was surprised by her swimming so fast and achieving the times she did during just her freshman year," Pham said." She's a very talented individual and the sky is the limit for her with what she can do."

Fiestas-Paredas received the CCCAA All-American nod in the 200 Breaststroke and ranks 13th in that event.

Pham said that Fiestas-Paredas' selection was a combination of her hard work and determination to want to improve her times in that event.

"I am very proud of Daniela's All-American selection. She worked hard every day in the pool and in practice, and it showed throughout the year. Her selection is a reflection of her desire to want to improve as a swimmer," Pham said.

With Pea returning for one more year and Fiestas-Paredas leaving the program after the semester, he knows that each will be successful in the future.

"We're expecting big things from Pea next year. She's gonna be one to watch, and we know she has a chance to win a state championship. For Daniela, we'll miss her, but we know that whatever she plans to do next athletically or academically, she will be ready for the challenge," Pham said.