NEW COMMITS: Boston College has officially begun recruiting for the 2021-22 season after receiving a pair of verbal commitments from Holland, Pa. native Mary Kate Leonard and Samantha Smith of Chevy Chase, Md.
Both talented swimmers will arrive in Chestnut Hill as members of the Eagles’ class of 2025.
MARY KATE LEONARD
Photo Courtesy: Mary Kate Leonard via CollegeSwimming
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I’m so excited to announce my verbal commitment to swim and study at Boston College! Thank you to my family, friends, coaches and teammates for all the support. The coaches and the team at BC are really special and the campus is absolutely beautiful! I can’t wait for the next four years! Go Eagles!!”
A versatile freestyler, Leonard does her club swimming with Upper Dublin Aquatic Club and notched four best times at the NCAP Invitational in December. She raced to 21st in the 800m free at Middle Atlantic LCM Seniors in 2019 where she also earned six best times.
Her best times include:
- 100 free – 52.91
- 200 free – 1:52.15
- 500 free – 4:57.58
- 200 IM – 2:09.71
Also competing for Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Leonard is a three-time finalist at the Pennsylvania AAA State Championship finalist. She placed ninth in the 500 free and 11th in the 200 free during her junior campaign after taking 12th in the former event as a sophomore.
SAMANTHA SMITH
Photo Courtesy: Samantha Smith via CollegeSwimming
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I am so excited to announce my verbal commitment to swim and study at Boston College! I’m so thankful for the support of my family, coaches, and teammates along the way. Go Eagles!!”
Primarily a backstroker, Smith swims year-round with Nation’s Capital Swim Club and most recently recorded a trio of best times at both the Potomac Valley Junior Championships and the Potomac Valley Senior Championships. Last summer, she finaled at Potomac Valley LCM Seniors before going on to race six events at NCSAs.
Her best times include:
- 50 back – 26.69
- 100 back – 56.30
- 200 back – 2:02.99
- 100 fly – 55.93
A rising senior at Bethesda Chevy Chase High School, Smith is a six-time Maryland 3A/4A State Championship finalist. She won the 100 back and was the 100 fly runner-up as a junior while taking second and third, respectively, in those events during her sophomore season.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
Yes!!!!!
Congrats MK???
Yes Powers! BC is lucky to gain Samantha!