A few months ahead of making its debut in the International Swim League, the D.C. Trident has bolstered its sprinting corps with the addition of Robert Howard to the roster. Olympic medalist Kaitlin Sandeno, the General Manager of the Trident, made the announcement on Tuesday. Howard, out of the University of Alabama, joins a squad that includes world champions Katie Ledecky, Zach Apple and Natalie Coughlin.
Howard recently helped the United States capture the gold medal in the 400 freestyle relay at the World University Games in Italy, where he teamed with Apple, Dean Farris and Tate Jackson. Howard made the most of his first experience representing Team USA as he managed a split of 47.74. Prior to medaling at WUGs, Howard produced a strong final season at Alabama, powering the Crimson Tide to victory in the 200 medley relay, in addition to finishing third in the 50 freestyle and fifth in the 100 freestyle.
At the end of the 2019 collegiate campaign, Howard was named Southeastern Conference Swimmer and Scholar Athlete of the Year, an honor that complemented three Scholastic All-American selections. He graduated from Alabama with a 4.0 GPA and a degree in accounting. Along with Apple and fellow Trident teammates Cody Miller, Zane Grothe and Ian Finnerty, Howard is now training at Indiana University.
“I’m so excited to welcome Robert to our amazing roster of DC Trident swimmers,” said Sandeno, an Olympian for the United States in 2000 and 2004. “From watching him throughout his career at Alabama, to most recently celebrating his success along with his new Trident teammates at the World University Games, I’ve gotten to know Robert as a swimmer. He is a sprinter through and through, and will surely thrive in the ISL which puts a premium on speed.”
The International Swim League is scheduled to open its inaugural season in the fall.
