NEW COMMIT: Duke University has received their second verbal commitment for the 2022-23 season from Olympic Trials qualifier Kaelyn Gridley of Winnetka, Ill.
She will join Tatum Wall of Ashburn, Va. in Durham as a member of the Blue Devils’ Class of 2026.
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I am super exited to announce my commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Duke University ? I am so thankful for my family, friends, teammates and coaches who have supported me. Go Blue Devils!!!??”
A talented breaststroker, Gridley does her club swimming with New Trier Aquatics and collected gold in the 100 breast at Illinois Seniors in March after racing the 100/200 breast at the Toyota U.S. Open in December.
In summer 2019, she swept both breaststroke events at Illinois LCM Seniors before going on to place second in the 100m breast and fourth in both the 50m/200m breast at the NCSA Championships.
Her best times include:
- 200 breast – 2:13.04
- 100 breast – 1:00.89
- 50 breast – 28.67
- 50 free – 23.73
- 100 free – 53.27
- 200 IM – 2:07.05
Currently a junior at New Trier High School, Gridley is already a three-time individual Illinois State Championship finalist. She won the 100 breast and placed eighth in the 50 free as a sophomore while grabbing gold in the 100 breast during her freshman season.
In 2019, she split a 27.67 on the breaststroke leg of her team’s 4×50 medley relay that went on to break the state record with a final time of 1:40.43.
Gridley will make an immediate impact for the Blue Devils as she would’ve been their fastest 100 breaststroker last season and their second fastest swimmer in the 200. She would’ve scored in the B-final of both the 100 breast and 200 breast at the 2020 ACC Championships where Duke finished sixth overall in the team standings.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
