NEW COMMITS: The University of Missouri has received a pair of verbal commitments for their growing class of 2025 from Lafayette, La. native Ashley Gill and Abbey Taute of Chicago, Ill.
Both swimmers will join Colleen Duffy and Taylor Williams on campus in Columbia at the start of the 2021-22 season.
ASHLEY GILL
Photo Courtesy: Ashley Gill via CollegeSwimming
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I am super pumped to announce my verbal commitment to swim at the University of Missouri! ?? I am extremely thankful to continue my athletic and academic careers. A huge thank you to all my friends, family, and coaches that have shaped me into the swimmer I am today! #gotigers? #zoufamily”
Primarily a backstroker, Gill does her club swimming with City of Lafayette Aquatics and won the 50 free and was the 100 fly runner-up at Louisiana Seniors. She registered seven top-12 finishes at Louisiana LCM Seniors and notched three lifetime bests at NCSAs during the 2019 long course season.
Her best times include:
- 50 back – 26.32
- 100 back – 56.75
- 200 back – 2:04.96
- 100 fly – 55.60
A rising senior at Ascension Episcopal High School, Gill is a six-time Louisiana D4 State Championship finalist. The USA Swimming Scholastic All-American won the 100 back and 100 fly as a junior while earning gold in the 100 free and 100 back during her sophomore season. She also owns the Louisiana D4 Class record in the 100 fly.
ABBEY TAUTE
Photo Courtesy: Abbey Taute via CollegeSwimming
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I am so excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at the University of Missouri!! Beyond thankful for my family, coaches, teammates, and friends for their continuous support throughout this journey. Can’t wait to join the ZOU family! ?? GO TIGERS??”
A talented freestyler and backstroker, Taute swims year-round with Chicago Wolfpack Aquatic Club and most recently placed fourth in the 200 free and sixth in the 200 back at Illinois Seniors. She raced three events at Juniors West in December and raced to 10th in the 200m back at NCSAs last summer.
Her best times include:
- 200 free – 1:50.26
- 500 free – 4:52.57
- 1000 free – 10:14.17
- 200 back – 2:00.82
Also competing for Saint Ignatius College Prep, Taute is a four-time Illinois State Championship finalist. The USA Swimming Scholastic All-American finished fourth in the 200 free and fifth in the 500 free as a junior while taking ninth and fourth, respectively, in those events during her sophomore season.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.