NEW COMMIT: The University of Kentucky has shown no signs of stopping on the recruiting trail, recently picking up yet another verbal for the Wildcats’ Class of 2027 from U.S. Open qualifier Lillie Boggs of Chattanooga, Tennessee.
She will join Libby Grether, Megan Hutchins, Elizabeth Tilt, Cassie Howell, Paige Housman and Madi McGlothen in Lexington at the start of the 2023-24 season.
She told Swimming World:
“I am extremely happy to announce my commitment to the University of Kentucky to further my academic and athletic career! I want to thank my family, coaches, teammates, and friends for supporting me throughout my journey. Also, thank you to all of the UK coaches and team for giving me this amazing opportunity. So excited for what’s to come! GO CATS!”
Boggs, who does her club swimming with Baylor Swim Club, most recently competed at the Southeastern Long Course Championships where she won the 200m breast and collected bronze in the 200m IM and 1500m free. She also had six top-5 finishes, including a pair of victories, at the Southeastern Senior Championships back in February.
Currently a junior at the Baylor School, Boggs is already a four-time individual Tennessee State Championship finalist. The USA Swimming Scholastic All-American won the 500 free and placed fifth in the 200 IM as a sophomore while taking third in both of those events during her freshman season.
Her best times include:
- 200 IM – 2:04.17
- 400 IM – 4:20.55
- 1000 free – 10:22.57
- 1650 free – 16:49.90
- 100 breast – 1:03.91
- 200 breast – 2:19.05
The 2020-21 season was one of the history books for the UK women’s team, culminating with the Wildcats winning their first-ever SEC title with a program-record 1,124 points under head coach Lars Jorgensen. At the conference meet, the Wildcats collected 12 medals, including three gold, three silver, and six bronze, in addition to breaking five school records. The 4×200 free relay team also combined to give UK their second SEC relay title.
A school-record 14 UK women were invited to the 2021 NCAA Championships, besting the previous record of 10 and tying for the third-most swimmers invited that season behind Virginia and Florida. Those 14 Wildcats combined for 35 entries total, which was also a school record.
UK finished 11th with 152 points at NCAAs, marking their best team finish in school history as well as the most points scored, and also their fourth-straight year in the top-15. Kentucky collected 23 All-America honors – eight First Team and 15 Honorable Mention – yet another school record.
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