NEW COMMIT: It’s all treats and no tricks for the University of Kentucky, who just landed their fifth verbal commitment for 2023 from U.S. Open qualifier Megan Hutchins of Apple Valley, Minnesota.
She will join Elizabeth Tilt, Cassie Howell, Paige Housman and Madi McGlothen in Lexington at the start of the 2023-24 season.
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I am so thrilled to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic journey at the University of Kentucky! Thank you to all of my friends, family, teammates, coaches, and everyone else who has helped me get to this point! Special shout-out to Coach Mike for constantly pushing me to my limits and providing me with the opportunities to improve. I can’t wait to be a Wildcat!!”
A talented IMer and backstroker, Hutchins does her club swimming with Riptide and most recently placed 16th in the 200m back at Speedo Junior West Championships where she also placed 19th in the 400m IM after winning the 200m back at Minneapolis Sectionals. She also picked up a pair of ninth-place finishes in those two events at the TYR 18&U Cup in Des Moines.
Her best times include:
- 200 IM – 2:00.19
- 400 IM – 4:16.93
- 50 back – 26.07
- 100 back – 55.07
- 200 back – 1:58.32
The 2020-21 season was one of the history books for the UK women’s team, culminating with the Wildcats winning their first-ever SEC title with a program-record 1,124 points under head coach Lars Jorgensen. At the conference meet, the Wildcats collected 12 medals, including three gold, three silver, and six bronze, in addition to breaking five school records. The 4×200 free relay team also combined to give UK their second SEC relay title.
A school-record 14 UK women were invited to the 2021 NCAA Championships, besting the previous record of 10 and tying for the third-most swimmers invited that season behind Virginia and Florida. Those 14 Wildcats combined for 35 entries total, which was also a school record.
UK finished 11th with 152 points at NCAAs, marking their best team finish in school history as well as the most points scored, and also their fourth-straight year in the top-15. Kentucky collected 23 All-America honors – eight First Team and 15 Honorable Mention – yet another school record.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.