NEW COMMITS: Villanova University has picked up two new verbal commitments for the 2021-22 season and beyond from Richmond, Va. native Aubrey Bowles and Joshua Brown of Winter Park, Fla.
Both swimmers will join Henry Halloran, Andrew Mitchell, and Carson Brockette as a member of the Wildcats’ class of 2025.
AUBREY BOWLES
Photo Courtesy: Aubrey Bowles Instagram
Regarding his commitment, he said:
“I am extremely excited to announce my verbal commitment to further my academic and athletic careers at Villanova University! Thank you to my family and coaches for their unending support.”
Primarily a distance freestyler, Bowles swims year-round with NOVA of Virginia Aquatics and owns the Junior National cut in the mile. He recorded five top-12 finishes at Virginia Seniors in March and earned the bronze medal in the 800m free last summer at Virginia LCM Seniors where he achieved 100% best times.
His best times include:
- 200 free – 1:44.19
- 500 free – 4:36.50
- 1000 free – 9:25.93
- 1650 free – 15:44.80
Also competing for St. Christopher’s School, Bowles is a five-time VISAA Championship finalist. He placed third in the 500 free and fifth in the 200 free as a junior while taking seventh and ninth, respectively, in those events during his sophomore season.
JOSHUA BROWN
Photo Courtesy: Joshua Brown
He told Swimming World:
“I am thrilled to share my verbal commitment to Villanova University. I am grateful to coaches Rick, Conor and Nate for believing in me, and giving me the chance to be part of their swim team next season. I can’t wait to see what I can achieve both academically and in the pool at NOVA. A huge thanks to Coach Todd for pushing me this far, and to my family and teammates for encouraging and supporting me poolside. Go Wildcats!”
Also a talented freestyler, Brown does his club swimming with Highlander Aquatics and is a Futures qualifier. He most recently earned four best times at the Florida OT Qualifier where he finished 12th in both the 400m IM and 300m free. Last summer, he grabbed silver in the 400m free and bronze medals in the 200m back, 200m IM, and 400m IM at Florida LCM Seniors.
His best times include:
- 100 free – 48.77
- 200 free – 1:42.87
- 500 free – 4:34.60
- 1650 free – 15:54.82
A current senior at Lake Highland Prep School, Brown has placed sixth in the 500 free and 13th in the 200 free as a junior at the Florida 1A State Championships. He also won both of those events at the FHSAA 1A Region 2 meet the week prior.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
Congratulations ??
Congrats! So proud!