NEW COMMIT: Laramie, Wyo. native and current high school junior Olivia McPherson has verbally committed to the University of South Carolina as a member of the class of 2024.
McPherson owns a trio of Winter Juniors time standards and swims year-round with Laramie Swim Club. She most recently competed at Federal Way Speedo Sectionals where her highest finish was a 23rd-place showing in the 100 breast after earning three golds at the Wyoming Championships. She competed in three events at Juniors West in December and won a pair of events at the Gillette Invitational in January.
Also competing for Laramie High School, McPherson is a six-time Wyoming 4A State Championship finalist. During her junior season, she was named Athlete of the Meet and Athlete of the Year after breaking the 4A State record in the 100 free in addition to winning the 50 free. The NISCA All-American also won the splash-and-dash and was the 100 free runner-up during her sophomore campaign after finishing first and third, respectively, in those events as a freshman.
She told Swimming World:
“I’m excited and proud to announce my verbal commitment to the University of South Carolina to continue my athletic and academic career! I loved the coaches, team, and school. Everyone made me feel at home and was very welcoming. Thank you to my coaches, family, friends, teammates, and everyone who has supported me throughout the years.”
Her best times include:
- 50 free – 22.94
- 100 free – 50.15
- 100 breast – 1:03.40
- 200 IM – 2:07.08
McPherson is a huge get for South Carolina in both individual events and relays: even with well over a year to go before arriving in Columbia, her best 50/100 free times would’ve ranked second on their lineup last season behind rising senior Christina Lappin.
The Gamecocks have been on top of their recruiting game for next fall, snagging three in-state recruits in Emma Sullivan, Gabi Reed and Riley Parker who will join McPherson next fall, in addition to Megan Armstrong, Meredith Berglund and Kaitlyn Porter.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
