NEW COMMITS: The University of Cincinnati has picked up a pair of verbal commitments for the 2021-22 season and beyond from St. Charles, Ill. native Payton Baxter and Maddy Hensler of Cleves, Ohio.
Both talented swimmers will join Annabelle Young as a member of the Bearcats’ class of 2025.
PAYTON BAXTER
Photo Courtesy: Payton Baxter
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I’m so excited to announce my verbal commitment and that I will be furthering my academic and athletic career at the University of Cincinnati! I owe a huge thank you to my coaches, family, and friends for the support throughout this process. Can’t wait for the next 4! GO BEARCATS❤️?”
A talented breaststroker and IMer, Baxter does her club swimming with Saint Charles Swim Team and most recently placed fifth in the 400 IM at Illinois Seniors after earning two best times at NCSAs in 2019. Last summer, she took fifth in the 400m IM at Illinois LCM Seniors while also taking 12th in the 200m fly.
Her best times include:
- 100 breast – 1:05.61
- 200 breast – 2:22.82
- 200 IM – 2:04.39
- 400 IM – 4:23.38
Also competing for St. Charles North High School, Baxter has competed at the Illinois State Championships the last two seasons. She placed seventh in the 200 IM as a junior while taking first in that event as well as fourth in the 100 breast at the Sectional Meet the week prior.
MADDY HENSLER
Photo Courtesy: Maddy Hensler
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I am so ecstatic and blessed to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and swimming careers at the University of Cincinnati! I cannot thank my family, coaches, teachers, teammates, and friends enough for all the love and support they have provided to me over the years. GO BEARCATS ❤️?”
Primarily a backstroker and freestyler, Hensler swims year-round with Cincinnati Marlins and placed ninth in the 50 back and 14th in the 100 back at TYR ISCA Junior Nationals in March 2019. Last long course season, she recorded three best times at Cleveland Sectionals en route to finishing 21st in the 50m back.
Her best times include:
- 50 back – 26.08
- 100 back – 56.10
- 200 back – 2:04.10
- 200 free – 1:53.39
A rising senior at Seton High School, Hensler has competed at the Ohio State Championships each of her three seasons thus far. She finished 16th in the 100 back as a sophomore while winning that event at Keating Sectionals during her junior campaign.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
