NEW COMMIT: The University of Kentucky has wasted no time in forming its Class of 2027, recently landing the third verbal commitment from Cassie Howell of Madison, Mississippi.
She will join Paige Housman and Madi McGlothen in Lexington at the start of the 2023-24 season.
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I am SO excited to announce my verbal commitment to swim & study at the University of Kentucky. It has been a life long dream to swim in college, and I know I’ve found the perfect place to do so! Goooooo wildcats!! ???”
A talented sprint freestyler and backstroker, Howell trains with Mississippi Makos Swim Team and most recently placed fourth ion the 100m free at Southern Zone Seniors in July after winning five events at the Mississippi Long Course State Championships. She also picked up a trio of wins at the 18&U Winter Championships – LA YNWL back in December after six gold-medal swims at Mississippi Seniors in February 2020.
Currently a junior at Madison Central High School, Howell is a four-time individual Mississippi State Championship gold medalist. The USA Swimming Scholastic All-American won the 100 free and 100 back as a freshman before going on to defend her titles as a sophomore, leading the Jags to their seventh straight title in 2020.
Howell owns the Mississippi state record in the 100 back (54.87) which she set in 2019 and then lowered her state mark in the 100 free (50.86) in 2020. She also anchored the state-record 4×100 free relay last season.
Her best times include:
- 50 free – 23.39
- 100 free – 50.86
- 200 free – 1:50.28
- 50 back – 25.57
- 100 back – 54.31
- 200 back – 1:58.76
Howell will be a great addition to the Wildcats’ lineup, even with two years of club swimming still to go before arriving in Lexington. By the time she gets to campus, she’ll add her talents to a training group led by Torie Buerger, Leah Luckett, and Megan Drumm.
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.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
