Sprint Freestyler Audra Smires Set To Become A Lehigh Hawk

Photo Courtesy: Audra Smires

Agon is the proud sponsor of all high school coverage (recruiting, results, state championships, etc.) on SwimmingWorld.com. For more information about Agon, visit their website AgonSwim.com.

Audra Smires won’t be traveling far to start her college career, heading about 100 miles northwest to Bethlehem, Pa., to attend Lehigh University and participate in Rob Herb’s swimming program.

Smires represents Ocean County YMCA in New Jersey, where she continues to make inroads in the sprint events. She had some massive improvements in the freestyle and backstroke events, including breaking 1:00 in the 100-meter freestyle at this summer’s YMCA championships. Her current best time in that event is 59.38. In the 50 free, she holds a best long course time of 27.37.

Her sprint freestyle prowess will make her a strong relay contributor at Lehigh. She has lifetime bests of 24.16 in the 50-yard free and 51.73 in the 100-yard distance. She’s got potential in the 200 free as well, and her 1:54.47 might be enough to be on Lehigh’s 800 free relays in the championship season.

“I chose Lehigh University because it offers the best combination of D1 athletics with a superior bioengineering program,” Smires said. “On my recruiting trip, I felt at home within the team and could envision myself spending the next four years training, learning and thriving there. I believe that all athletes look for a school that exhibits the perfect balance between academics and athletics. For every athlete that says that, there is a college that is a perfect match for them, and I know Lehigh is that school for me.”

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use