NEW COMMIT: Great Britain’s Ellie Southward has announced her verbal commitment to swim for the Missouri State University Bears beginning in the fall of 2019.
Southward explained her decision to Swimming World,
“Missouri State offers me everything from great coaches, to an amazing team atmosphere, and impressive academics to say the least! I knew instantly that MSU was the place for me as I felt so welcomed by everyone. I trust coach Dave in helping me achieve my full potential! I can’t wait for the next few years, Go Bears!!!”
Currently, Southward swims for the Ellesmere College Titans in the UK under the tutelage of Coach Alan Bircher. She has previously represented Great Britain at the European Youth Olympics and the European Junior Championships.
Her best times in SCM / LCM:
- 100 Back – 1:01.10 / 1:02.44
- 200 Back – 2:10.40 / 2:14.32
- 100 Fly – 1:01.77 / 1:2.65
- 200 IM – 2:18.55 / 2:20.55
When Southward’s times are converted, it becomes clear that she is poised to make her mark within the Missouri Valley Conference. Her 100 back converts to a 54.99 in SCY, which would have earned her third overall at the 2018 MVC Swim & Dive Championships, while her 200 back (1:57.37 converted) would have earned her second behind Missouri State’s own Sydney Zupan. Her 200 IM converts to a 2:04.81, good for 8th overall.
Thinking ahead to her time at Missouri State, Southward expressed an interest in pursuing a degree in hospitality.
