NEW COMMITS: The University of Notre Dame has recently received two new verbal commitments for the 2021-22 season and beyond from Jess Geriane of North Aurora, Ill. and Fort Mill, S.C. native Madeline Menkhaus.
Both swimmers will join Sophia Karras, Mary Cate Pruitt and Maggie Graves as members of the Fighting Irish’s class of 2025.
JESS GERIANE
Photo Courtesy: Jess Geriane Instagram (@jessgeriane)
Geriane, who owns four Junior National standards, swims year-round with Academy Bullets Swim Club and raced four events at the U.S. Toyota Open last month. This past summer, she won the 100m back with four additional top-6 finishes at Illinois Seniors before going on to earn silver in the 100m back at NCSAs. Last season, she achieved six best times at NCSAs where her highest finish was a sixth-place showing in the 50 back.
A current junior at Rosary High School, Geriane is a four-time Illinois State Championship finalist. The USA Swimming Scholastic All-American finished third in the 100 back and seventh in the 100 free as a junior after taking fifth and seventh, respectively, in those events as a sophomore.
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I am beyond thrilled to announce my verbal commitment to further my athletic and academic career at the University of Notre Dame!! SO grateful for my friends, family, coaches, and mentors who have supported me on this journey and helped me get where I am today. I am extremely blessed to have this opportunity to join such an incredible team and cannot wait to call Notre Dame my home for these upcoming years! GO IRISH!!!”
Her best times include:
- 100 back – 53.82
- 200 back – 1:58.57
- 50 free – 23.24
- 100 free – 50.09
MADELINE MENKHAUS
Photo Courtesy: Madeline Menkhaus
Representing SwimMAC Carolina, Menkhaus owns four Junior National standards and most recently placed 13th in the 200 fly at Juniors East in December and earned a trio of best times at Greensboro Sectionals this past summer. Last short course season, she grabbed bronze in the 200 back at North Carolina Seniors before going on to finish eighth in the 100 fly at Indianapolis Sectionals.
Also competing for Charlotte Catholic High School, Menkhaus is already a four-time North Carolina 3A State Championship finalist. The two-time USA Swimming Scholastic All-American earned silver in both the 100 fly and 200 IM as a sophomore while taking sixth and fourth, respectively, in those events during her rookie campaign.
Her older sister, Julia Menkhaus, is currently a sophomore at Virginia and her uncle, Scott Jaffe, was a member of the U.S. Olympic Team in 1992 where he earned a bronze medal as part of the men’s 4x100m free relay.
She told Swimming World:
“I am so EXCITED to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and swimming careers at the University of Notre Dame! I would like to give a special thanks to all of my family, friends and coaches for their support and guidance along the way! #GoIrish”
Her best times include:
- 100 fly – 54.76
- 200 fly – 2:00.90
- 200 IM – 2:05.30
- 400 IM – 4:28.76
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
