Seidt, Jorgensen named to 2018-19 National Team

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky junior swimmer Asia Seidt was selected to join the 2018-19 USA Swimming National Team, a roster that includes top-ranked swimmers in the country. Head coach Lars Jorgensen also earned honors, chosen to the 2018-19 National Team coaching staff, USA Swimming announced Tuesday. 

"It's a great honor for Asia to be recognized for all of her hard work," Jorgensen said. "She had a great summer and we look to keep getting better as we lead up to the 2020 Olympic trials.  We are proud that UK continues to have swimmers at the highest level in our sport. "

The Wildcats celebrate five-consecutive years with representation on the National Team. The 2018-19 roster will feature 111 members, starring the top six athletes in each of the individual Olympic events. The selection criterion was based off the combined results of the 2018 Phillips 66 National Championships, 2018 Pan Pacific Championships and 2018 Junior Pan Pacific Championships. 

Seidt's record-setting season landed her a well-deserved spot on the National Team in the 200-meter backstroke. In the junior's most recent performance, Seidt finished sixth at the 2018 Phillips 66 National Championship in two separate events – 200-meter backstroke (2:09.20) and 200-meter butterfly (2:09.62). A two-time Southeastern Conference champion in the 200-yard backstroke, she capped her sophomore year finishing as national runner-up in the 200-yard backstroke with a new school record (1:49.27).

The 2018-19 National Team slate will mark the third-consecutive appearance for Jorgensen as a National Team coach.

Kentucky's 2018-19 swimming and diving season will begin Oct. 5 with the annual Blue-White intrasquad, followed by the season opener against Indiana and Notre Dame in Bloomington, Indiana.

For the latest on the Kentucky swimming and diving program, follow @UKSwimDive on Twitter, on Facebook at Facebook.com/UKSwimDive, and on the web at UKathletics.com.