Lilly King Helps Dedicate New Aquatic Center; Pool Named in Olympian’s Honor
While growing up in Evansville, Indiana, Lilly King did not swim in prestine aquatic facilities. The town lacked a signature competition pool beyond local high school and recreational facilities, but a beautiful new aquatic center is ready to open to the public Monday. In a Friday event that dedicated the Deaconess Aquatic Center, King was present and participated with nine youth swimmers in a ceremonial first race across the pool.
The facility includes a 50-meter pool plus diving boards as well as areas for lessons and recreation. King believes that adding such a presence to a community previously lacking in swimming resources will be a huge boost to Evansville. In addition to the local impact, the Deaconess Aquatic Center is scheduled to host the Division II NCAA championships in 2026.
”This facility is going to change this community forever,” King said, according to 14 News. “It’s bringing aquatics to a much broader audience, and not just competitive. While the competitive swimming side of it is obviously fantastic, it’s so much more than that. I think it’s going to bring a real impact.”
She added, “Growing up I never thought we’d be here, so to see it finally be done and be complete and have kids swimming in the pool is really, really cool,” she said.
King grew up in Evansville and lived there until she began her collegiate career at Indiana University in 2015, and she continues to train at IU with head coach Ray Looze. King became a local star at the 2016 Olympics when she won gold in the 100 breaststroke, and this year, she won three additional medals at the Tokyo Olympics. She recently returned from a month-long stint in Naples, Italy, where she was competing as part of the Cali Condors in the International Swimming League regular season.
Thank you Evansville, for investing in programs and facilities our community!! Well done?