DENVER – The University of Denver women's triathlon program has signed three recruits to National Letters of Intent, head coach Barbara Perkins announced on Thursday.
 
Perkins has added Olivia Ebenstein (East Setauket, N.Y.), Freya McKinley (The Woodlands, Texas) and Marta Meinardi (Irvine, Calif.) to her 2021 roster.
 
"I'm so beyond thrilled for our initial signing class of the women's triathlon program at the University of Denver," Perkins said. "These ladies are helping pave the way for the next generation of athletes in this sport. It is commendable that they are all joining us as we lay the foundation for this program. I'm excited for them to join us next year and to see what they will do as Pioneers and beyond!"
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Olivia Ebenstein – East Setauket, N.Y.  – Ward Melville H.S. – 5-5
Before Denver:
New York State Scholar Athlete…New York Cross Country State qualifier...Three-time USAT All-American…Two-time Junior Elite Triathlon National Championship Qualifier...Part of the Three Village Swim Club and IronFit Endurance.

Personal:
Born on June 17, 2003...Daughter of Mark and Jessica…Has two siblings, Sadie and Stella…Chose DU for the variety of opportunities among her academic and athletic interests, in addition to the ideal location…Hopes to begin her track towards Pre-Med…Also enjoys surfing, skiing, mountain biking and stand up paddle boarding.
 
Freya McKinley – The Woodlands, Texas – The Woodlands H.S. – 5-3
Before Denver:
Awarded the Bronze Medal at the 2019 High School National Championships for triathlon…Unattached Team USA Junior Elite Triathlete.
 
Personal:
Born on February 21, 2003...Daughter of Matthew and Andi… Chose DU for the opportunities it provides inside and outside of the classroom. She's excited for the opportunity to continue her athletics…Hopes to make a difference in the world and leave knowing she has achieved everything she put her mind to…Enjoys hiking, mountain biking, shopping and coaching a local triathlon team.
 
Marta Meinardi – Irvine, Calif. – University H.S. – 5-5
Before Denver:
Four-time letterwinner for her cross country team…Two-time varsity track letterwinner…Finished 15^th at the 2019 High School Triathlon Nationals, her first national race…First Team USA qualification for Edmonton Sprint AG Draft-Legal World Championships after qualifying at nationals November 16 in Tempe, Ariz..In 2017, was a part of the Catalina Channel Crossing relay that crossed the channel in 8:30:31.  

Personal:
Born on February 2, 2003...Daughter of Simone and Barbara…Has one sibling, Luca…Chose DU for its perfect fit academically and athletically, and wants to be a part of Coach Perkins vision for the program…Would like to compete in triathlons at an elite level after graduation…Enjoys wildlife and sport photography, baking and cooking…Co-founded her high school's Female Athlete Empowerment Club.
 
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This summer, Denver added triathlon as its 18^th varsity sport, becoming the 37^th institution across the country and the ninth DI school to sponsor triathlon. Denver's addition of women's triathlon was made possible through a grant from the USA Triathlon Foundation. The USA Triathlon Foundation Women's Emerging Sport Grant is distributed to select NCAA membership institutions to develop, implement and sustain women's triathlon programs at the varsity level.
 
Triathlon was approved in January 2014 as the next Emerging Sport for Women for NCAA Division I, II and III institutions. Women's triathlon is a fall sport, and the varsity season includes three regional qualifiers followed by the Women's Collegiate Triathlon National Championships. Races are sprint distance, featuring an open water 750-meter swim, draft legal 20-kilometer cycling and a 5K run. 
 
DU joins Arizona State, Delaware State, East Tennessee State, Hampton, TCU, San Francisco, South Dakota and Wagner as the programs that now sponsor the sport at the Division I level.
 
About USA Triathlon
USA Triathlon is proud to serve as the National Governing Body for triathlon, as well as duathlon, aquathlon, aquabike, winter triathlon, off-road triathlon and paratriathlon in the United States. Founded in 1982, USA Triathlon sanctions more than 4,300 events and connects with more than 400,000 members each year, making it the largest multisport organization in the world. In addition to its work at the grassroots level with athletes, coaches, and race directors — as well as the USA Triathlon Foundation — USA Triathlon provides leadership and support to elite athletes competing at
international events, including International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Championships, Pan American Games and the Olympic and Paralympic Games. USA Triathlon is a proud member of the ITU and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC).
 
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