NEW COMMIT: The University of Florida has received a big verbal commitment for the 2023-24 season from Melissa Cowen of Auckland, New Zealand.
She will join Lainy Kruger, Bella Sims, Grace Rainey, JoJo Ramey and Michaela Mattes in Gainesville as a member of the Gators’ Class of 2027.
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I’m super excited to announce my verbal commitment to swim for The University of Florida in 2023!!! I cannot thank all my family, friends and coaches enough for their support through this process! GO GATORS!!!”
Cowen, who trains with North Shore Swimming Club, is the New Zealand SCM national record holder in the 200m breast. Back in April, she swept all three breaststroke events at the New Zealand Age Group Championships after placing fourth in both the 50m breast and 200m breast at New Zealand Nationals.
In SCM, her best times include:
- 50m breast – 31.37
- 100m breast – 1:06.72
- 200m breast – 2:23.47
- 200m IM – 2:17.54
- 200m free – 2:05.72
In SCY, those times convert to:
- 50 breast – 28.26
- 100 breast – 1:00.10
- 200 breast – 2:09.25
- 200 IM – 2:03.90
- 200 free – 1:53.26
Cowen is a huge get for the Gators, as her best times (converted to yards) would’ve scored in the A-final of both the 100 and 200 breast at the 2021 SEC Championships. She also would’ve been invited to NCAAs in those events a season ago, too.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
