NEW COMMIT: Butterfly and backstroke specialist Olivia Smith from Spanish Fort, Ala. has announced her commitment to swim for Kenyon College beginning this fall.
Smith swims year-round for the City of Mobile Swim Association and most recently competed at the Auburn Aquatics Invitational last month where she won the 200 back. She recorded a trio of lifetime bests at the Southeastern LCM Championships this past summer where her highest finish was a tenth-place showing in both the 50m back and 100m back. She had three top-5 finishes at the Southeastern SCY Championships in February and raced six events at NCSAs in March.
Also representing Daphne High School, Smith is an eight-time Alabama State Championship finalist. She won the 100 fly and 100 back as a senior after placing second in both events during her junior season. Smith has also earned both NISCA and USA Swimming Scholastic All-American honors for her efforts.
She told Swimming World:
“I am thrilled to announce my commitment to study and swim at Kenyon College in the fall! I knew from the minute I stepped on campus that Kenyon was the perfect fit for me academically and athletically. The atmosphere and camaraderie of the team was unprecedented and the coaching staff is dedicated to the success of the student-athletes. In addition, the campus is beautiful and the athletic facilities are incredible. I cannot wait to be a Lady in the fall! Go Lords and Ladies!!”
Her best times include:
- 50 back – 26.34
- 100 back – 55.52
- 200 back – 2:02.92
- 50 fly – 26.48
- 100 fly – 56.40
- 200 fly – 2:07.53
When she arrives on campus as a member of the class of 2023, Smith will make an immediate impact in the Lady’s backstroke group and will have two years of overlap with three-time National champion Crile Hart. She would’ve scored in the A-final of the 100 back as well as the B-final of the 200 back at the 2018 NCAA DIII Championships where Kenyon finished second overall in the team standings.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
Congratulations and best of luck as you continue your tremendous swimming career!
Congratulations Olivia and to you you family!!!
Go ladies!!
Congratulations Emmie, we are all so proud of you!