They're no strangers to change.

They've been exposed to new coaches, new training methods and new team goals, and through it all they've altered their expectations and attitudes accordingly.

"This is the third senior class I've had the opportunity to work with, and the hallmark of this class is growth," said Bill Dorenkott, head coach of the women's swimming and diving team.

"That growth is a result of change. One thing these ladies are open to is change."

And, as the Nittany Lions took time out to honor these seven seniors during Saturday's 177-111 victory over Iowa, the results of their four years of flexibility and dedication surfaced as the program rose to new heights with its first undefeated dual meet season.

"It has all been beyond my expectations," senior tri-captain Katie Anderson said. "It's only the beginning.

There is so much more to come from this program."

Whatever comes in the future, however, will undoubtedly have some of its foundation in this year's senior class.

Anderson and swimmers Christina Stocki, Brooke Gilliland, Megan Smith and Stephanie Thomovsky, along with divers Jaime Jaax and Ame Bascomb, have been part of a four-year period of steady improvemejnt.

The current seniors entered the program as the team was coming off an 11th place finish at the 1997 Big Ten championships, its worst showing in Penn State's short history as a member of the conference, and decided that they would do what it took to improve the program.

"I think we made a pact from the beginning with our class," Stocki said.

"We were going to win the Big Tens as seniors."

Although at the time it may have seemed unlikely, it is now a possibility when the Lions travel to Indiana for the conference championship in less than two weeks.

The team has steadily improved its conference standing, going from eighth to fifth to fourth during the current seniors' career.

"Even if (winning Big Tens) doesn't happen, I'll still leave here feeling satisfied," Anderson said.

"We'll all leave here doing our best, with smiles on our faces. We've worked so hard for it the last four years."

The seniors have also worked hard towards other goals, including the establishment of a stronger sense of team unity, and they believe this to be one of the most important changes they have experienced through the program.

"When we got here, the classes were distinct, and individuals were distinct," Stocki said.

"Now we're so much more cohesive. I don't see a freshman as a freshman. I see a freshman as a teammate."

Along with these accomplishments, the senior swimmers and divers have also set a positive example by excelling in the classroom.

According to Dorenkott, their academic achievements, combined with the leadership and determination they have demonstrated as athletes, will make them unstoppable in the future.

"These girls are going to be unbelievable," he said.

"I can't wait to see and hear from them five or 10 years from now. These are some special girls destined for some really great things."

These great things, for now, include everything from dental and veterinary school to an internship at NBC, and maybe even some competitive swimming.

"It has crossed my mind, but I can't decide until after Big Tens," Anderson said. "I just can't imagine life without swimming."