NEW COMMIT: The University of Kentucky has received a verbal commitment from Madilyn “Madi” McGlothen of Charleston, West Virginia, kicking off the Class of 2023 recruiting cycle.
Her mother, Melissa Olson, was an All-American for the Wildcats and earned silver in the 400 IM at the SEC Championships as a freshman in 1997. Her 400 IM program record stood for 16 years.
She’ll be a third-generation Division I swimmer as her grandfather, Greg Olson, was an All-American at Bucknell. He was the head coach at the University of Charleston from 1973 to 2002 and has led the HYCAT program for the past 43 years.
She told Swimming World:
“I’m incredibly excited to announce my commitment to study and swim at the University of Kentucky! I knew the minute I met the team and coaches that Lexington was home. Many thanks go out to all of my coaches throughout the years, my friends and family for all of their support, and the staff at UK for welcoming me to BBN! Looking forward to 2023. GO CATS!!!!”
McGlothen does her club swimming with YMCA of Kanawha Valley and most recently competed at Richmond Futures where she earned best times in all of her events, finishing ninth in the 800m free. She also won four events at the YKVK Spring Long Course Meet back in June.
A current junior at George Washington High School, McGlothen is a four-time individual West Virginia State Championship gold medalist. She won the 200 IM and 500 free during both her freshman and sophomore seasons and owns the school record in those events.
She has also earned both NISCA and USA Swimming Scholastic All-American honors for her efforts in the pool and in the classroom.
Her best times include:
- 100 free – 50.99
- 200 free – 1:50.34
- 500 free – 4:56.83
- 1650 free – 16:59.32
- 200 back – 2:00.54
- 200 IM – 2:03.26
- 400IM – 4:20.02
The 2020-21 season was one of the history books for the women’s team, culminating with the Wildcats winning their first-ever SEC title with a program-record 1,124 points under head coach Lars Jorgensen. At the conference meet, the Wildcats collected 12 medals, including three gold, three silver, and six bronze, in addition to breaking five school records. The 800 freestyle relay team also combined to give UK their first-ever SEC relay title.
A school-record 14 UK women were invited to the 2021 NCAA Championships, besting the previous record of 10 and tying for the third-most swimmers invited that season behind Virginia and Florida. Those 14 Wildcats combined for 35 entries total, which was also a school record.
UK finished 11th with 152 points at NCAAs, marking their best team finish in school history as well as the most points scored, and also their fourth-straight year in the top-15. Kentucky collected 23 All-America honors – eight First Team and 15 Honorable Mention – yet another school record.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
We are so happy for you Madi! Happy