NEW COMMIT: The University of Kentucky has picked up their fourth early verbal commitment for their growing Class of 2026 from U.S. Open qualifier Grace Frericks of Cedar Falls, Iowa.
She will join Marin McKee, Jordan Agliano and Breckin Gormley in Lexington at the start of the 2022-23 season.
She told Swimming World:
“I’m so excited to announce my verbal commitment to the University of Kentucky to further my academic and swimming career. Thank you to my family, friends & coaches for the endless support. GO CATS!!”
Primarily a backstroker, Frericks does her club swimming with Black Hawk Area Swim Team and finished 14th in the 200m back at the TYR Pro Swim Series – Des Moines in March after recording six top-4 finishes at Iowa Seniors in February.
In Summer 2019, she won the 100m back at Iowa LCM Seniors before going on to finish third in the 200m back, fifth in the 100m back, and eighth in the 50m free at Des Moines Futures. Frericks also competed in three events at Junior Nationals.
Her best times include:
- 50 back – 26.41
- 100 back – 55.06
- 200 back – 2:00.24
- 50 free – 23.40
- 100 free – 51.30
- 200 free – 1:50.81
Currently a junior at Cedar Falls High School, Frericks is a six-time individual Iowa State Championship finalist. She placed second in the 50 free and third in the 100 back as a junior while securing bronze in both of those events during her sophomore.
The USA Swimming Scholastic All-American also placed fourth and second, respectively, in those events in her rookie campaign.
Frericks will add valuable depth both individually and on relays when she arrives on campus at the start of the 2022-23 season, and will join a training group led by Lauren Poole. Under head coach Lars Jorgensen, the Wildcats finished third at the 2020 SEC Championships.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
Congratulations Grace!
Congratulations Grace!!
Congratulations Grace!!!!!
Yay!! Congratulations, Grace!!!
Alison Berry Clem
Congratulations Grace!