NEW COMMITS: Missouri State has recently received a pair of verbal commitments from Anika Lam and Anna Lucas, both of whom will suit up for the Bears as members of the class of 2024.
Both swimmers are talented sprint freestylers and each boast a strong 200 IM, and they’ll likely be excellent training partners during their college careers in Springfield. Under head coach Dave Collins, the Missouri State Bears earned their third-straight, and 15th overall, Missouri Valley Conference Championship title last season.
ANIKA LAM
Photo Courtesy: Anika Lam
The Olathe, Kansas native swims year-round with Empire KC Swim Club. At Columbia Speedo Sectionals in March, she raced six events en route to finishing 22nd in the 200 IM after placing 17th in the 500 free at the Missouri Valley SCY Championships. She also competed in three races at 2018 Rochester Futures.
A current senior at Olathe North High School, Lam is a six-time Kansas 6A State Championship finalist. She finished fourth in the 200 IM and fifth in the 100 free as a junior after earning gold and silver, respectively, in those events during her sophomore season. She also won the 200 IM during her rookie campaign.
She told Swimming World:
“I am beyond excited to announce my decision to further my athletic and academic careers at Missouri State University! I’m so thankful to have the opportunity to compete under such amazing coaches and alongside great teammates, and can’t wait to bear up!”
Her best times include:
- 50 free – 24.36
- 200 free – 1:52.98
- 100 free – 51.82
- 200 IM – 2:04.33
- 100 back – 58.41
ANNA LUCAS
Photo Courtesy: Anna Lucas
Hailing from Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, Lucas does her club swimming with Central Minnesota Aquatics. She finished 10th in the 50m free, 11th in the 200m free, and 12th in the 400m free this past summer at Minnesota LCM Seniors after recording a pair of best times at Minneapolis Sectionals. Last winter, she raced six events at Indianapolis Speedo Sectionals.
Also competing for Sauk Rapids Rice High School, Lucas is a five-time Minnesota Class A State Championship finalist. She placed third in the 200 IM and sixth in the 100 free during her junior season after racing to fourth and seventh, respectively, in those events as a sophomore. She also finished 12th in the 200 IM as a rookie.
She told Swimming World:
“I’m beyond excited to announce my verbal commitment to Missouri State to continue my academic and athletic career!! I’m incredibly thankful for my family, friends, coaches and teammates who have supported me throughout this journey.. I’m excited to see what the future holds!! Bear Up!!”
Her best times include:
- 50 free – 24.78
- 100 free – 51.76
- 200 free – 1:52.57
- 500 free – 5:04.94
- 200 IM – 2:06.15
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
