Kentucky Swimming and Diving Signs Elite Class of 2019

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky swimming and diving program signed 18 athletes to the 2019-20 recruiting class, announced by head coach Lars Jorgensen. The decorated class consists of 17 swimmers and one diver, from a combined 11 states.
 
Three of the incoming Wildcats will join the Kentucky roster as the No. 1 prospect in their home state, while 12 of the athletes are considered top-five picks in their state, according to CollegeSwimming.com.
 
“The women’s class has the potential to be a very competitive team in the conference, but also at a national level,” Jorgensen said. “This class boasts a very impressive resume, and they will be significant in the program’s goal of being a top-10 program. We strive for an elite level of success at Kentucky, and this class has that same drive. On paper, this might be the best class we have signed out of high school.
 
“The men are going to have an outstanding team. We have some athletes coming in that are hidden gems who will develop into incredible swimmers, but we also have big talent joining us like Jacob Eismann who will have an immediate impact on our team. It’s a young crew, but with a lot of potential and I’m really excited about this group of men.”
 
Emily Baeth
Urbandale, Iowa | Central Iowa Aquatics
Freestyle/Backstroke

• Top times: 50 freestyle (23.35), 100 freestyle (51.32), 200 freestyle (1:48.20)
• No. 5 prospect out of Iowa
• Placed second in the 2017 Iowa Swimming LCS Short Course Senior Championships, after dropping four seconds in her 200 freestyle
• Qualified for Winter Juniors in 2017 and became a “B” finalist in the 200 freestyle
• Predicted to be a strong Southeastern Conference competitor in the 50, 100, 200 and 500 freestyle, as well as the 100 and 200 backstroke, also expected to perform well in relays
• Why she chose UK: “I chose Kentucky because I fell in love with the amazing team, coaching staff and campus! I can’t wait for all the opportunities that await in the classroom and pool. Go Wildcats!”
• Jorgensen on Emily: “I think she is an extremely versatile freestyler who we expect will make an immediate impact in the women’s program, both individually and in relays.”

 
Caitlin Brooks
Gainesville, Fla. | Gators Swim Club
Backstroke

• Top times: 100 backstroke (52.26), 200 backstroke (1:52.01), 100 butterfly (53.64)
• No. 2 prospect out of Florida, and a No. 13 prospect in her class nationwide
• Three-time defending Florida High School 4A State Champion in the 100 backstroke, having won state titles in each of her three high school seasons
• In the 2017 Winter Junior Championships, finished second in the 100 backstroke and third in the 200 backstroke
• Specializes in the 50, 100 and 200 backstroke, but is also an accomplished 100 butterfly and 100 freestyle swimmer
• Expected to contribute to relays, and will be competitive at both the SEC Championships and at the NCAA level
• Why she chose UK: “I felt like Kentucky was the perfect fit for me. In addition to it being a great academic institution, it has a strong swim program and an amazing atmosphere. Go CATS!”
• Jorgensen on Caitlin: “Caitlin is an elite athlete who will compete immediately at the NCAA level, and we’re really excited to have her join our program.”

 
Jakob Clark
Allen, Texas | Metroplex Aquatics
Freestyle/Individual Medley

• Top times: 200 freestyle (1:38.76), 500 freestyle (4:25.32), 400 IM (3:57.18)
• No. 7 prospect out of Texas
• Earned two career-best times in the 2018 Speedo Winter Junior Championships – West in December, saw a 4:25.32 in the 500 freestyle to earn 10th in finals, his best finish of the meet. Clark also saw a 3:57.18 in the preliminary bout of the 400 IM.
• Notably, he finished victoriously in two finals events – 200 freestyle and 500 freestyle – at the 2018 TISCA Lone Star Classic in November. With his first-place finish in the 200 freestyle, Clark set a personal-best time of 1:38.76.
• Why he chose UK: “I chose UK because as soon as I stepped on campus Kentucky was the right place for me, both academically and athletically. The team instantly made me feel at home, the coaches have been supportive through the recruiting process, and I believe there is no better place to help me improve as a person as well as an athlete. I can’t wait to spend the next four years with my new family.”
• Jorgensen on Jakob: “He is a fast rising middle-distance freestyler from Texas. Jakob had a really great showing at Junior Nationals, and he continues to improve. He will have great impact on the team next year, so we’re eager to get him in here.”

 
Gillian Davey
Urbandale, Iowa | Central Iowa Aquatics
Breaststroke/Individual Medley

• Top times: 200 IM (2:01.48), 100 breaststroke (1:01.97), 200 breaststroke (2:10.48)
• No. 1 prospect out of Iowa, and a No. 36 prospect in her class nationwide
• In the 2017 NCSA Summer Championship, won the 200 breaststroke, while earning runner up in the 100 breaststroke
• Multi-event qualifier and two-time “A” finalist in the 200 breaststroke and 400 IM at the 2017 Winter Juniors Championship
• Qualified and competed for the United States in the Irish Open Swimming Championships
• Expected to significantly contribute to Kentucky individually and in relays at both the SEC Championships and at the NCAA level
• Why she chose UK: “I chose to swim and study at the University of Kentucky for its amazing swim team, coaches and academics. I couldn’t be more proud to be a future Wildcat.”
• Jorgensen on Gillian: “Gillian is a phenomenal breaststroker and IMer. She is going to be very competitive on our team, and I think her future at Kentucky is extremely bright.”

 
Maddie Deucher
El Paso, Texas | Austin Swim Club
Backstroke

• Top times: 100 backstroke (56.53), 200 backstroke (1:59.75)
• No. 26 prospect out of Texas
• Maddie is one of the fastest improving swimmers in the country
• The Texas native is expected to make an impact at both the conference and NCAA level
• Competed in the 2018 Texas UIL 6A State Meet in the backstroke and in the preliminary medley relay race, leading off with a 27.06
• Why she chose UK: “I know that the University of Kentucky offers the perfect combination of competitive swimming and rigorous academics that I wanted in a school. I thank God, my family, coaches and teammates who have gotten me to this point in my career. My sincerest thank you to the coaching staff at the University of Kentucky for the opportunity to swim for such a great team. Go CATS.”
• Jorgensen on Maddie: “Maddie will have a bright future as a Kentucky Wildcat. She has shown a lot of promise of late, and she continues to improve. We’re excited to have Maddie.”

 
Jacob Eismann
Blacklick, Ohio | Ohio State Swim Club
Backstroke

• Top times: 50 freestyle (20.29), 100 backstroke (47.71), 200 backstroke (1:47.95), 100 freestyle (44.54)
• No. 2 prospect out of Ohio, and a No. 48 prospect in his class nationwide
• Place 3rd at Junior Nationals in December in the 100 backstroke
• Named to the USA Swimming 18-and-under top 100, as a top-ranked American junior swimmer
• 2018 marked his first year as a full-time, one-sport athlete
• Why he chose UK: “I am excited to announce that I will be pursuing my academics and athletic career at the University of Kentucky! I chose Kentucky because of the beautiful campus and great team environment. I am looking forward to getting on campus in the fall of 2019 to begin working with my teammates! Go Big Blue.”
• Jorgensen on Jacob: “Jacob is an outstanding prospect from Ohio. He is a really talented swimmer and has a really good shot at making NCAAs in his freshman year. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Jacob in our program and I’m just really excited to see how he develops at Kentucky.”

 
Tim Ellett
Rockville, Md. | Rockville Montgomery Swim Club
Backstroke/Breaststroke/IM

• Top times: 200 backstroke (1:48.80), 200 IM (1:49.49), 400 IM (3:52.86), 100 breaststroke (55.68), 200 breaststroke (2:03.27)
• No. 2 prospect out of Maryland
• A finalist for NCSA Junior National Championships in the summer of 2018
• Will add depth to the IM and backstroke groups as a Wildcat, expected to mold into a SEC scorer as a sophomore and improve each year
• Interested in pursuing a major in the Gatton College of Business and Economics, and earned academic scholarships to the University of Kentucky
• Why he chose UK: “I chose UK because of the awesome coaching staff, the amazing team and the beautiful campus! I’m super excited to come to Kentucky and get to work!”
• Jorgensen on Tim: “Tim will add so much to the program with his diverse skills and his incredible work ethic. I love that he can do IM, free, breast – he is overall a really good swimmer. That’s what we’re looking for at Kentucky.”

 
John Michael Gordon
Lynchburg, Va. | Lynchburg YMCA
Freestyle/IM/Backstroke

• Top times: 100 backstroke (49.67), 200 backstroke (1:47.21), 400 IM (3:56.56)
• No. 16 prospect out of Virginia
• Runner-up in the 500 freestyle (4:29.39) and placed third in the 200 freestyle (1:39.58) at the 2018 VHSL Class 4 Swimming and Diving Championships in 2018
• Multi-event qualifier at the Junior Qualifiers, and also competed in the summer of 2018 in Irvine, California
• Expected to be a multi-event scorer at the SEC Championships and an NCAA qualifier
• Why he chose UK: “When you strive most of your life to reach a goal it is very hard to put into words the excitement you feel when you reach that goal. The opportunity to swim and study at the University of Kentucky is one I will not take for granted. I thank my family and coaches for their commitment to my future. I can’t wait to join my fellow Wildcat teammates and get after new goals. Go CATS!”
• Jorgensen on John: “John is very talented in that he is an experienced freestyler, IMer and backstroker. He also has high character, a bonus for our team, plus he comes from a really great family. I’m excited about what John will add in the training pool. He will continue to get to that next level as an athletic performer.”

 
Max Hawton
Albuquerque, N.M. | Charger Aquatics
Freestyle/Backstroke

• Top times: 50 freestyle (20.74), 100 freestyle (45.32),100 backstroke (49.39), LCM 100 freestyle (51.14)
• No. 3 prospect out of New Mexico
• Hawton was a finalist at USA Swimming Junior Nationals in the summer of 2018
• Interested in studying engineering and going into Air Force ROTC, also a career consideration after college
• Expected to be a SEC Championships scorer and will also contribute in relays
• Why he chose UK: “I’m super excited to announce I have signed with the University of Kentucky to pursue my athletic and academic career. Kentucky is an amazing place to be and combined with a great coaching staff and team, it was a perfect fit for me! Go CATS!”
• Jorgensen on Max: “Max Hawton is a terrific sprint freestyler, which will be a great fit for our team. I can’t wait to see what he can bring to our relays. Already I can tell Max will have a very bright future at Kentucky.”

 
Michael Jones
Mt. Washington, Ky. | Cardinal Aquatics
Distance Freestyle

• Top times: 200 freestyle (1:42.30), 500 freestyle (4:32.14), 1,000 freestyle (9:41.11)
• No. 12 prospect out of Kentucky
• Considered one of the fastest rising distance swimmers in the country
• Made tremendous improvements in 2018
• Jorgensen on Michael: “Michael is a really good swimmer right here from Kentucky. He is a developing instate talent that we’re very excited to have on campus. I can’t wait to see him develop as a Wildcat.”

 
Beth McNeese
Katy, Texas | Katy Aquatics
Freestyle/Butterfly

• Top times: 200 freestyle (1:50.05), 500 freestyle (4:54.94), 200 backstroke (2:01.93)
• No. 11 prospect out of Texas
• U.S. Open qualifier in the 400-meter freestyle
• Winter Juniors qualifier in the 200 butterfly and 400 IM
• In the Summer Junior Nationals, had best times in the 400 freestyle, 200 butterfly and the 400 IM, while also making the “B” final in the 400 freestyle
• Expected to contribute to Kentucky individually and in relays at both the SEC Championships and at the NCAA level
• Why she chose UK: “I chose the University of Kentucky because of the great academics and amazing coaching staff and team. I felt so welcome and knew right away this was the perfect fit.”
• Jorgensen on Beth: “Beth had a great summer. She is really developing to be an outstanding swimmer. Beth is a great person and she’ll be a great teammate.”

 
Tori McCullough
Crofton, Md. | Nation’s Capital Swim Club
Distance Freestyle

• Top times: 500 freestyle (4:52.28), 1,650 freestyle (16:36.80)
• No. 3 prospect out of Maryland
• Primarily a miler swimmer
• Won the 1,650 freestyle at the ISCA Junior National Cup in 2018
• Joins the Wildcats with a 1,650 time in the SEC top 25
• Why she chose UK: “Kentucky has the best combination of athletics and education. I can’t wait to spend my next four years with the best team out there.”
• Jorgensen on Tori: “She is a great distance freestyler from one of the most esteemed clubs in America, and we are thrilled to have her. Her dad played football at UK, so she is keeping the legacy going.”

 
Henry Miller
Madison, Wis. | Badger Aquatic Club
Breaststroke

• Top times: 200 breast (2:02.58), 100 breast  (56.59)
• No. 5 prospect out of Wisconsin
• Made tremendous improvements over the past year
• Was the WIAA State Champion in the 100 breaststroke, and was a key component to his team’s relay
• Will contribute to Kentucky in conference championships, and at the NCAA level
• Why he chose UK: “Kentucky has everything I could ask for. Great coaches, a welcoming team, and a winning culture that I am excited to be a part of. Thanks to my coaches, parents and teammates for all their support. Go Cats!”
• Jorgensen on Henry: “Henry will make a direct impact for the men’s program. He adds valuable depth, and he is a great breaststroker. We expect Henry to contribute to the program at the SEC Championships, and also at the national level.”

 
Ashley Neas
Duluth, Ga. | Swim Atlanta
Distance Freestyle/Individual Medley

• Top times: 500 freestyle (4:51.42), 1,000 freestyle (10:09.19), 1,650 freestyle (16:39.11)
• No. 4 prospect out of Georgia
• USA Swimming Scholastic All-American
• As a Junior in high school, Neas placed third in the 500 freestyle at the 2018 Georgia High School Association 6-7A State Championships
• In her most recent long-course season, earned a U.S. Open cut in the 1,500 freestyle
• Also in long-course season, Neas earned a U.S. Open cut in the 800 freestyle during Summer Juniors, and at Winter Juniors she garnered a U.S. Open cut in the 400 freestyle
• Neas is expected to be a multiple-event scorer in the conference championships
• Why she chose UK: “I chose Kentucky because right when I stepped on campus I felt like I was home. The team atmosphere is amazing and they truly are a family. This combined with amazing coaches, a great program and great academics. I know I will be the best I can be in and out of the pool.”
• Jorgensen on Ashley: “Ashley is a distance freestyler form Georgia. We’ve been fortunate to have good swimmers on our team from Georgia, and I think she will continue to add to that. We’re excited to have her be a part of the Big Blue Nation.”

 
Lauren Poole
Crofton, Md. | North Baltimore Aquatic Club
Backstroke/Breaststroke/IM

• Top times: 100 backstroke (54.12), 200 backstroke (1:56.38), 100 breaststroke (1:03.20), 200 breaststroke (2:14.32), 200 IM (1:59.38), 400 IM (4:13.25)
• No. 1 prospect out of Maryland, and a No. 56 prospect in her class nationwide
• Poole won the 200 breaststroke and a runner-up in the 100, 200 backstroke and 200, 400 IM in the 2018 Maryland Swimming Short Course Senior Championships
• She became an “A” finalist in the 200 backstroke at Junior Nationals, and became a “B” finalist in the 400 IM
• Has made long-course strides in 2018, improving in the 100 and 200 freestyle, the 200 backstroke, the 100 and 200 breaststroke, the 100 and 200 butterfly and the 200 and 400 IM
• Expected to be a dominant force in individual races and in relays at the SEC Championships and at the NCAA level
• Why she chose UK: “I chose Kentucky because I felt so at home when I was on campus and with the team. I can’t imagine a better school for me to grow, both academically and athletically.”
• Jorgensen on Lauren: “Lauren is really an outstanding swimmer who is very accomplished. Lauren had a fantastic Junior Nationals this summer. I think she is really a future star for us, and she can contribute in many ways.”

 
Morgan Southhall
Amelia, Ohio | West Clermont High School
Springboard Diver

• Two-time High School All-American
• Earned sixth place in Ohio State High School Championships
• First diver to sign a DI scholarship from her high school
• Why she chose UK: “I chose UK because of the culture of the team and campus. I felt at home and I knew it would be a place I could excel and be supported, while having the time of my life. Go CATS!”
• Hautau on Morgan: “Morgan is an up-and-coming diver with a strong work ethic. We’re very excited to have Morgan join our diving program.”

 
Kaitlynn Wheeler
Laomi, Ill. | Springfield YMCA
Freestyle/Butterfly/Backstroke

• Top times: 100 freestyle (50.61), 200 freestyle (1:47.45), 500 freestyle (4:48.70), 100 butterfly (54.76), 200 butterfly (2:00.86), 200 IM (1:58.95), 400 IM (4:14.50)
• No. 1 prospect out of Illinois, and a No. 59 prospect in her class nationwide
• Winter Juniors qualifier in the 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 freestyle, and in both butterfly, backstroke and IM distances
• Wheeler is a multi-time “A” finalist at the YMCA National Championships
• Expected to be a multiple-event scorer and relay participant at the SEC Championships, while also a multi-event NCAA qualifier
• Why she chose UK: “I selected the University of Kentucky, not only for the remarkable academic programs, but also for the incredible swim team coaches who relentlessly strive to achieve the highest level. I cannot wait to be a part of this amazing team and Wildcat family! Go CATS!”
• Jorgensen on Kaitlynn: “Kaitlynn is a really versatile swimmer. She is super competitive and can help us in many areas, and I expect her to be an All-American her freshman year.”

 
Trinity Ward
Pittsburgh, Pa. | Mt. Lebanon Aquatic Club
Freestyle/Butterfly

• Top times: 100 freestyle (49.98), 200 freestyle (1:50.51), 100 butterfly (54.14)
• No. 3 prospect out of Pennsylvania
• A multi-event finalist at the Pennsylvania State Championships, while earning fourth in the 100 butterfly
• Ward is a Junior National qualifier in four events – 50, 100 and 200 freestyle and the 100 butterfly
• Expected to be a multiple-event scorer at the SEC Championships, and is expected to be an NCAA qualifier
• Why she chose UK: “Kentucky is the place where hard work in and out of the pool leads to lifelong success.”
• Jorgensen on Trinity: “Ward is really a great prospect for us. We’ve been fortunate to have some great swimmers from the Pittsburgh area and she’ll continue that trend. Perhaps she will be our best from that area. Trinity will be a factor for us on relays as well.”

 
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