Sara Barcelos will help usher in a new stage in the building of The Master’s University swimming and diving program.

Barcelos, a Fresno-area native and a recent Master’s signee, is expected to establish the Mustang women in mid-distance races.

She primarily swims the 200- and 500-yard freestyle.

“We’re excited to add Sara, who will be one of the founding members of our mid-distance training group,” said TMU Director of Aquatics Gabe Woodward. “She has a tremendous attitude and will make an immediate impact on our program.”

Barcelos comes to Master’s from Clovis Community College (in the greater-Fresno area), where she recently competed in the California Community College Athletic Association state championships.

Barcelos said she chose Master’s because of its beliefs and values.

“I know it’s a place where I can grow not only in my academics but also in my faith and athletics,” she said.

Barcelos will join a second-year program that made waves in its debut.

The Mustangs qualified two women’s relays for NAIA nationals in their first-ever meet this spring, ultimately sending four relays and two individuals to Columbus, Georgia, in March.

Freshman Caroline Barnett qualified for nationals in the 50 and 100 freestyles and the 100 butterfly; and freshman Journey Werner qualified in the 50 and 100 freestyles and the 100 backstroke.

Barcelos will help round out a group that last year featured six freshmen and a junior.

The Mustangs, who primarily train at the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center (pictured below), compete in the Pacific Collegiate Swimming and Diving Conference, which features Pepperdine and Loyola Marymount, among others.

Master’s has published a more robust schedule for 2019-2020 than last season.

The Mustangs open the year on Oct. 4 at the Pacific Collegiate Swimming and Diving Conference Relay Invite in La Mirada, California.