NEW COMMITS: Villanova University has received two new verbal commitments for the 2021-22 season and beyond from Hellertown, Pa. native Pepper Ritchey and Lainey Quinones of Clarendon Hills, Ill.
Both talented swimmers will join Emily Zimmermann as a member of the Wildcats’ class of 2025. Under head coach Rick Simpson, Villanova clinched their seventh-straight conference crown at the 2020 Big East Championships.
PEPPER RITCHEY
Photo Courtesy: Pepper Ritchey
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I’m super excited to announce my commitment to Villanova University to study and swim as a Wildcat! I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for everyone who has supported me these past couple of years, so I would like to thank my family, friends, and coaches for always pushing me to be the best version of myself. There are big things in store, I can’t wait to see what we accomplish!”
A strong distance freestyler, Ritchey does her club swimming with Parkland Aquatic Club and won the 500 free with five additional top-10 finishes and seven new best times at the RMSC Holiday Invite in December. Last summer, she had a strong showing at Middle Atlantic LCM Seniors before going on to take 10th in the 800m free at Eastern Zone Seniors.
Her best times include:
- 200 free – 1:53.83
- 500 free – 5:00.74
- 1650 free – 17:16.63
- 100 fly – 55.83
- 200 IM – 2:08.22
Also competing for Moravian Academy, Ritchey competed at the PIAA District XI AA Championships during her junior season where she won both the 100 fly and 500 free.
LAINEY QUINONES
Photo Courtesy: Lainey Quinones
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I am extremely excited to announce my verbal commitment to further my academic and athletic career at Villanova University! I choose Villanova for it’s outstanding School of Nursing and amazing athletic programs. A huge thank you to my family, friends, and coaches for supporting me along the way. I can’t wait to be part of such an amazing team! Go Cats!”
Primarily a sprinter, Quinones swims year-round with Hinsdale Swim Club and raced to sixth place in the 100 fly at Illinois Seniors in March after competing on relays at Juniors West in December. Last long course season, she registered five lifetime bests at Minneapolis Sectionals.
Her best times include:
- 50 free – 23.87
- 100 free – 51.63
- 100 back – 57.77
- 100 fly – 56.32
A current senior at Hinsdale Central High School, Quinones has competed at the Illinois State Championships the last two years. She was the runner-up in the 100 free at Lyons Sectionals in 2019 and earned bronze in that event in 2018.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
Congratulations, Pepper! Looking forward to watching your successes both in and out of the pool!
Jill Kosmin
Thanks!
Congratulations Pepper! We are excited to follow on your new swim journey next year.
Yay Pepper!!!! Congrats
Congratulations Pepper!!
ALRIGHT PEPPER!
Congratulations Pepper!