NEW COMMIT: Auburn University has gained a verbal commitment for the fall of 2020 from Huntersville, North Carolina native and current high school junior Kensley Merritt.
Merritt swims year-round with SwimMAC Carolina and owns five Winter Junior cuts which includes the U.S. Open standard in the 100 back. She earned five new personal bests at Juniors East last month where her highest finish was a 19th-place showing in the 200 free. The NISCA and USA Swimming Scholastic All-American raced three events at Junior Nationals this past summer and won the 200 back at Greensboro Speedo Sectionals last March. Also competing for William Amos Hough High School, she was the 100 back runner-up and took fourth in the 200 free as a sophomore at the North Carolina 4A State Championships after placing seventh in both the 100 back and 50 free during her freshman season.
She told Swimming World:
“I chose Auburn University because of the balance between academics and athletics along with the instant connection I felt with the coaches and team! I fell in love with the campus and town the first time I visited and can’t wait to carry on the traditions already built! War Eagle!!”
Her best times include:
- 100 back – 54.20
- 200 back – 1:57.89
- 50 free – 23.45
- 100 free – 50.71
- 200 free – 1:48.30
When she arrives on campus for the 2020-21 season, Merritt will add her talents to a backstroke group that’ll include Sonnele Oeztuerk and Ella Miller. She would’ve scored in the C-final of the 100 back at the 2018 SEC Championships where Auburn finished fifth overall in the team standings.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
