NEW COMMIT: Minnesota has recently gained a verbal commitment from Mount Horeb, Wis. native Grace Bennin, who will join the Golden Gophers as part of the class of 2023.
Bennin does her club swimming with Madison Aquatic Club where she is a U.S. Open qualifier. At both the 2016 and 2017 Wisconsin State Championships, she was a three-time champion and was also named a NISCA All-American.
Also competing for Verona Area High School, Bennin won the 50 free (23.27) and 100 breast (1:02.17) at the 2017 WIAA Girls Division I State Meet and will look to defend her titles this upcoming fall as a senior. She also won the 100 breast (1:02.13) in 2016 as a sophomore.
She told Swimming World:
“I’m so excited to announce my verbal commitment to the University of Minnesota to continue my academic and swimming career! I am so thankful to be given the opportunity to be part of this amazing team and program. Thank you to my coaches, family, and friends who have supported me through my journey to becoming a Gopher!”
Her best times include:
- 100 breast – 1:02.13
- 200 breast – 2:17.76
- 200 IM – 2:02.69
- 50 free – 23.06
- 100 free – 51.28
Bennin will be a great addition to Minnesota’s breaststroke group for the 2019-20 season. She will have one year to train with soon-to-be seniors Tara Chapman, Lindsey Kozelsky and Madison Preiss, adding much-needed talent after the Golden Gophers will graduate five of their top breaststrokers. Minnesota finished fourth at last season’s Big Ten Championships.
