NEW COMMITS: Ball State University has scored a pair of verbal commitments for the 2021-22 season and beyond from Abby Hartshorne of Sydney, Australia, and Avon, Ind. native Hannah Jones.
Both swimmers will join Gracey Payne and Lilia Newkirk as members of the Cardinals’ class of 2025 in Muncie.
ABBY HARTSHORNE
Photo Courtesy: Phillip Hartshorne
She told Swimming World:
“I’m super excited to announce my verbal commitment to Ball State University to further my athletic and academic career. I would like to thank my family, Coach Bobby Hurley, the swimmers at Loreto Normanhurst Swim Club and everyone else who has helped me get to this point. Coach J and the team made me feel so welcome and I can’t wait to begin the next chapter of my life. Go Cardinals!”
Hartshorne does her club swimming with Loreto Normanhurst Swim Club under head coach and former backstroke World Record Holder and World Champion Bobby Hurley. She most recently earned bronze in the 200m free with five additional top-10 finishes at the NSW Senior Age Group Championships in December.
Her best times include (in LCM):
- 50m free – 26.59
- 100m free – 58.26
- 200m free – 2.05.27
- 50m fly – 28.80
- 100m fly – 1.01.86
- 200m fly – 2.20.25
Hartshorne currently ranks fourth in the 100m fly, fifth in the 200m fly, eighth in the 400m IM, 10th in the 50m fly, 11th in the 50m free, 12th in the 200m free, and 13th in the 100m free among all 17-year-olds in Australia. She is also an Australian Olympic Trials qualifier in the 50/200m freestyle and the 100/200m fly.
HANNAH JONES
Photo Courtesy: Hannah Jones via College Swimming
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I am beyond excited to announce my commitment to Ball State University where I will continue my academic and swimming career. BSU felt like home the moment I walked onto the campus, and I am extremely grateful for my coaches, family and friends for supporting me and my decision. Go Cardinals!”
A talented backstroker and freestyler, Jones swims year-round with Avon Community Swim Team and owns the Junior National standard in the 100 back. Last summer, she earned 100% best times at Indiana LCM Seniors before going on to place 16th in the 100m back at Geneva Futures.
Her best times include:
- 50 back – 26.54
- 100 back – 55.33
- 200 back – 2:04.60
- 50 free – 23.64
- 100 free – 51.75
A rising senior at Avon High School, Jones is a three-time Indiana State Championship finalist. She placed sixth in the 100 back and took 12th in the 50 free as a junior while racing to 13th in the former event during her sophomore season.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
