Missouri State Gets Verbal From Great Britain National Junior Team’s Ellie Southward

Photo Courtesy: Ellie Southward

NEW COMMIT: Ellie Southward will make her way from England to Missouri in the fall of 2019 after giving her verbal commitment to swim for Missouri State. She will join the Bears as part of the class of 2023.

Southward competes for the Ellesmere College Titans under head coach Alan Bircher and has represented Great Britain as a member of their National Junior Team. At the Scottish National Open Championships earlier this summer, she finished tenth in the 100m back (1:05.14) and 12th in the 50m back (30.73). She also earned the bronze medal in the 100m back at the 2015 European Youth Olympic Festival.

She told Swimming World:

“Missouri State offers me everything from great coaches, to an amazing team atmosphere, and impressive academics to say the least! I knew instantly that MSU was the place for me as I felt so welcomed by everyone. I trust Coach Dave in helping me achieve my full potential! I can’t wait for the next few years, go Bears!”

Her best times in LCM:

100 back – 1:02.44
200 back – 2:14.32
100 fly – 1:02.65
200 IM – 2:20.55

Her best times converted to SCY:

100 back – 54.51
200 back – 1:57.79
100 fly – 55.57
200 IM – 2:03.26

Her coach, Alan, told Swimming World:

“Ellie has some amazing qualities as a swimmer and individual which will serve her really well swimming for Missouri State. I’m extremely lucky to have coached her for all these years as she’s extremely hard working, skillful and passionate about the sport.”

Southward will be a huge addition to Missouri State’s roster for the 2019-20 season, and her converted SCY times rank her at the top of the Bears’ lineup. She will have one year to train with Sarah Allegri, who finished second in the 100 back and sixth in the 200 back and the 2018 Missouri Valley Conference Championships. Missouri State is the reigning MVC champions for the past 14 seasons.

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