Grace Frericks Sets New Personal Best, Bridget Engel Posts Top 30 Finish at NCAA Championships

ATHENS, Ga. – Representing Kentucky women’s swimming & diving, Grace Frericks and Bridget Engel completed their first day of the 2024 NCAA Championships at the Jack Bauerle Pool at Gabrielsen Natatorium on the campus of the University of Georgia on Friday. 

Both UK representatives competed in an event on Friday morning. Senior Bridget Engel placed 30th in the 100 breaststroke, where she swam a 59.79. Her finish in the event improves five places from the 2023 NCAA Championships. 

In the event following, sophomore Grace Frericks swam a new personal best in the 100 yard backstroke. Her 52.54 swim earned her 37th place, improving seven spots from last year’s event. Her time also set a new top-10 time in UK program history, as she now holds the ninth fastest time in the event.

Both swimmers will compete in their final events on Saturday. Frericks will start competition for the day in her best event this season, the 200 yard backstroke, where she is currently ranked 19th in the nation. Engel will conclude her senior season in the 200 yard breaststroke. 

The preliminary round for Saturday’s events is set to commence at 10 a.m. E.T., with the championship rounds beginning at 6 p.m. All sessions will be broadcasted live on ESPN+. Live stats, streaming, event schedule and other info can be found here. 

For the latest on UK Swim & Dive, follow the Wildcats on Twitter and Instagram at @UKSwimDive, and on Facebook at Kentucky Swimming and Diving.