NEW COMMITS: The University of Pennsylvania has earned a pair of verbal commitments* from Matthew Leblanc and Jaden Olson, who will join the Quakers in the fall of 2020.
Leblanc, a breaststroker, and Olson, a backstroker, will both add valuable depth to their respective training groups when they arrive in Philadelphia as members of the class of 2024. The Quakers finished third overall in the team standings at the 2019 Ivy League Championships.
Matthew Leblanc
Photo Courtesy: David Leblanc
A native of Scottsdale, Arizona, Leblanc swims year-round with Scottsdale Aquatic Club and owns the U.S. Open cut in the 100 breast with the Winter Juniors standard in the 200 IM. He most recently recorded 100% best times at Mount Hood Speedo Sectionals where his highest finish was an eighth-place showing in the 100m breast. Last winter, he raced five events at Juniors West before going on to earn silver in the 200 breast at Arizona Senior Opens.
A current senior at Chaparral High School, Leblanc is a four-time Arizona DI State Championship finalist. He won both the 100 breast and 200 IM and was a member of his team’s victorious 4×50 medley relay team as a junior. The USA Swimming Scholastic All-American also earned gold and was the 200 IM runner-up during his rookie campaign.
He told Swimming World:
“I am thrilled to announce my verbal commitment to swim at the University of Pennsylvania! I’m so thankful for this opportunity and would like to thank my family, friends, coaches, and teachers for all their support. Go Quakers!!!”
His best times include:
- 50 breast – 25.96
- 100 breast – 55.89
- 200 breast – 2:02.08
- 200 IM – 1:50.67
- 400 IM – 4:01.17
Jaden Olson
Photo Courtesy: Jaden Olson
Olson, who does his club swimming with Chicago Wolfpack Aquatic Club, owns the Olympic Trials cut in the 100m back with an additional pair of U.S. Open standards. Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, he earned gold in the 50m back and silver in the 100m back at LCM NCSAs and placed 14th in the 100 back at Juniors West in December. While representing the Philippine Swimming Federation, Olson raced all three backstroke events at the FINA World Junior Championships this past summer.
Also competing for Jones College Prep High School, Olson is a three-time Illinois State Championship finalist. The NISCA and USA Swimming Scholastic All-American placed sixth in the 100 back and 10th in the 100 fly as a junior after racing to 11th in the former event during his sophomore season.
He told Swimming World:
“I’m more than excited to announce my verbal commitment to the University of Pennsylvania! After taking a visit, I knew it was a great fit athletically and academically. I’m thrilled to be a part of such an amazing team and to have the opportunity to study at the Wharton School of Business. I would like to thank my family, friends, coaches, and teammates who have supported me. GO QUAKERS!!”
His best times include:
- 50 back – 22.80
- 100 back – 49.11
- 200 back – 1:50.09
- 100 fly – 50.25
- 50 free – 21.17
*IVY LEAGUE DISCLAIMER:* A “verbal commitment” does not guarantee admission. An Ivy League coach cannot guarantee admission but can only commit support in the admissions process.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
