NEW COMMIT: Louisville, Ky. native and current high school junior Will Cole has pledged his verbal commitment to the University of Virginia as a member of the class of 2024.
Cole, who owns three U.S. Open cuts with five additional Summer Junior standards, does his club swimming with Lakeside Swim Team. He recently competed at the Kentucky SCY Championships where he won every event he raced and recording five lifetime bests at the Southern Premier Invitational. He placed fourth in the 100 back, ninth in the 100 fly and tenth in the 200 back at Juniors East in December and competed in four events at Junior Nationals this past summer.
Also competing for Saint Xavier High School, Cole is a six-time Kentucky State Championship finalist. He won the 200 free and 100 back as a junior after placing second in both of those events during his sophomore season. The two-time NISCA All-American also owns the state record in the 4×50 medley relay and 4×100 free relay and is tied for the state mark in the 100 back.
He told Swimming World:
“I am beyond excited to announce my verbal commitment to further my academic and athletic goals at the University of Virginia! I am so thankful for my friends, family, and coaches for their endless support throughout my swimming career. I cannot wait to be apart of such an amazing family! GO HOOS #levelup #wahoowa”
His best times include:
- 50 back – 22.37
- 100 back – 47.23
- 200 back – 1:46.46
- 100 fly – 47.95
- 50 free – 20.34
- 100 free – 44.34
- 200 free – 1:36.91
- 500 free – 4:29.40
When he arrives in Charlottesville for the 2020-21 season, Cole will add valuable depth to Virginia’s backstroke training group that’ll be led by Justin Grender and Robby Giller. He would’ve scored in the C-final of both backstroke events at the 2019 ACC Championships where the Cavaliers finished third overall in the team standings.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.