NEW COMMITS: Virginia Tech has gained a talented set of siblings for the fall of 2019. Twins Rose Pouch and AJ Pouch both announced their commitments to the Hokies as part of the class of 2023.
Natives of Henderson, Nev., both Rose and AJ swim for Team Rebel Aquatics and are rising seniors at Boulder City High School. Rose specializes in back and fly while AJ’s best stroke is breast.
Rose had record-breaking performances at the 2018 NIAA Division 3A State Championships, winning both the 200 IM (2:03.80) and 100 fly (55.63) to rewrite the record book in both events. As a freshman, she was victorious in the 100 free and 200 free at the NIAA Division 1A State Meet.
Rose just wrapped up a successful long course season, competing in the 200 IM (2:22.93), 100 fly (1:03.07) and 400 IM (5:06.59) at the Speedo Junior National Championships and qualified for the US Open in the 200 IM at the TYR Pro Swim Series – Mesa earlier this spring.
She told Swimming World:
“I’m super excited to continue my swim career at Virginia Tech! The coaches are so welcoming and great, I can’t wait to see how this program progresses! I wouldn’t be here without my supportive family and coaches.”
Her best times include:
- 100 back – 56.07
- 200 back – 2:01.59
- 100 fly – 55.63
- 200 IM – 2:03.80
- 400 IM – 4:22.84
AJ has also had great success in his high school career thus far, winning the 100 breast as a freshman at the NIAA Division 1A State Meet. In his sophomore and junior years, he won both the 100 breast and 200 IM at the NIAA Division 3A State Championships.
AJ was recently crowned champion in the 200 breast at the 2018 Speedo Junior National Championships, stopping the clock in 2:12.52 in addition to placing sixth in the 100 breast (1:02.95). He posted a 200 breast time of 2:11.96 a week prior at Nationals, which ranks third on the all-time list for boys 17-18.
He told Swimming World:
“Excited and proud to announce my commitment to swim at Virginia Tech! Thank you to my friends,family, and coaches for pushing me and believing in me throughout my swimming career! Thank you to my mom for forcing me to swim, my coaches Lorena and Randy for believing in me and seeing my potential, and my family for making huge sacrifices to make this all happen! I am excited to continue this next chapter of my life as a hokie!”
His best times include:
- 100 breast – 54.81
- 200 breast – 1:56.47
- 200 IM – 1:50.46
- 400 IM – 3:58.46
- 100 fly – 50.60
The twins are a great addition to the Hokies’ roster for the 2019-20 season and will each join talented training groups. At their respective Atlantic Coast Conference Championships last season, the Virginia Tech women finished third while the men took sixth.
That’s awesome! Good for them!