NEW COMMITS: The University of Pittsburgh has scored a pair of verbal commitments from a pair of Sydneys: Sydney Atkins of Huntingtown, Md. and Sydney Rodriguez of River Edge, N.J. will arrive on campus in the fall of 2021.
Both swimmers will join Tess Mock, Avery McFadden, Jill Berger and Mia Sunseri as members of the Panthers’ class of 2025.
SYDNEY ATKINS
Photo Courtesy: Sydney Atkins
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I am so beyond excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Pitt! First I would like to give thanks to God for guiding my heart in the right direction as well as a huge thank you to my family, coaches, and friends for their unconditional support during this time!! I can’t wait to be a Panther!”
Primarily a backstroker, Atkins swims year-round with Naval Academy Aquatic Club and is a Futures qualifier. She most recently placed fifth in the 100 back and sixth in the 200 back at Maryland Seniors and registered six top-15 finishes at the NBAC Christmas Invite in December.
Her best times include:
- 100 back – 56.19
- 200 back – 2:02.80
- 100 fly – 57.00
- 400 IM – 4:27.87
Last summer, she had an incredibly strong showing at TYR Summer Seniors where her highest finish was a sixth-place showing in the 50m back. A rising senior at Huntingtown High School, Atkins won the 100 back and took third in the 100 free as a freshman at the Maryland State Championships.
SYDNEY RODRIGUEZ
Photo Courtesy: Sydney Rodriguez
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I am so excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at the University of Pittsburgh! I chose Pitt because of the incredibly supportive coaching staff, advisors, and athletes. Pitt meets all of my goals for the next 4 years, both academically and athletically, and I’m excited to be part of the family!! Thank you to my coaches, family, and friends who helped me through this process. Hail to Pitt!”
A Junior National qualifier, Rodriguez does her club swimming with Scarlet Aquatics and is a strong backstroker and IMer. She finished fifth in the 100m back at Plantation Sectionals in March where she recorded three new best times.
Her best times include:
- 200 IM – 2:06.50
- 400 IM – 4:23.88
- 100 back – 56.33
- 200 back – 2:03.33
Last summer, she placed seventh in the 400m IM at Geneva Futures and collected two golds at the NJ Junior Olympics. Also competing for River Del Reg High School, Rodriguez earned bronze in the 100 back at the New Jersey Meet of Champions as a freshman.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
