NEW COMMIT: The University of Virginia has wasted no time putting together a stellar Class of 2026, and their latest addition comes from Junior National qualifier Madeline Smith of Greenville, N.C.
She will join Carly Novelline, Emma Weber, Sophia Knapp, Izzy Bradley, Claire Tuggle and Zoe Skirboll as a member of the Cavaliers in the fall of 2022.
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I’m super excited to announce that I will be continuing my academic and athletic career at the University of Virginia! Big thank you to my coaches, family, & friends for always holding me accountable and continuing to push me to reach my goals. WAHOOWA!!”
Primarily a freestyler, Smith does her club swimming with East Carolina Aquatics for coach Casey Charles. She most recently placed sixth in the 200 free and ninth in the 100 free at Cary Sectionals in March after racing three events at Juniors East in December. At the Southeastern Classic last November, she swam away with five gold medals.
In Summer 2019, she recorded three best times at North Carolina LCM Seniors where she finished fifth in the 100m free, seventh in the 200m, free and tenth in the 100m back.
Her best times include:
- 50 free – 23.63
- 100 free – 50.15
- 200 free – 1:49.10
- 50 back – 27.47
- 100 back – 56.64
- 200 back – 2:00.43
- 200 IM – 2:07.35
Currently a junior at Junius H. Rose High School, Smith is already a four-time individual North Carolina 3A State Championship finalist. She won both the 100 free and 200 free as a sophomore while taking first and second, respectively, in those events during her freshman season.
She was also named the NCHSAA 3A State Swimmer of the Year in 2020.
Smith continues the ECA-to-UVA pipeline, becoming the fourth swimmer in 12 years from the club to suit up for the Cavaliers along with Meredith Perdue, Lauren Perdue, and Matt Houser.
Under head coach Todd DeSorbo, Virginia dominated the ACC Championships last season. The Cavaliers placed sixth at the 2019 NCAA Championships and were seeded to win the national title in 2020 before the meet was canceled due the coronavirus pandemic.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
Yay Madeline!!
Congrats Madeline!!
Nice job Madeline!! I can wait to see you go to the next level!!
Congratulations Madeline!
Congrats Madeline!