NEW COMMIT: Huntington Beach, Calif. native Kailia Utley has given Vanderbilt University their first verbal commitment for the 2021-22 season and beyond.
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I am incredibly excited to announce my commitment to Vanderbilt University!! I can’t wait to continue my academic career and be apart of such an amazing team at Vandy. Thank you so much to all my friends, family, and coaches for all their support! ANCHOR DOWN!”
A Junior National qualifier in a number of different events, Utley does her club swimming with Irvine Novaquatics and finished third in both the 100 back and 100 fly at Carlsbad Sectionals after recording three top-18 finishes at Juniors West in December. Last summer, she raced three events at Mount Hood Futures.
Her best times include:
- 50 back – 26.60
- 100 back – 54.89
- 200 back – 1:58.89
- 100 fly – 53.66
- 200 fly – 2:00.06
- 200 IM – 2:05.10
- 400 IM – 4:42.48
Also competing for Mater Dei High School, Utley is a three-time CIF Southern DI Section Championship finalist. The USA Swimming Scholastic All-American placed ninth in the 100 fly and 10th in the 200 IM as a junior while taking 10th in the former event during her sophomore season. She also competed at the CIF State Championships in 2019.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.