Big Blue Nation Gets Even Bigger: Kentucky Gets Another For 2023 From Libby Grether

Photo Courtesy: Libby Grether

NEW COMMIT: Big Blue Nation just got that much bigger – and faster – after the University of Kentucky’s latest verbal commitment for 2023 from Libby Grether of Dublin, Ohio.

She will join Megan Hutchins, Elizabeth Tilt, Cassie Howell, Paige Housman and Madi McGlothen in Lexington at the start of the 2023-24 season.

Regarding her commitment, she said:

“I’m beyond excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at the University of Kentucky! I’d like to thank my family, friends, and coaches who helped me get to this point in my swim career! I can’t wait to be a part of such an amazing program! GO BIG BLUE!”

A backstroker who will fit in well at #BackstrokeU, Grether does her club swimming with Dublin Community Swim Team and placed 14th in the 200m back and 15th in the 400m free at Richmond Futures this past summer, also earning bronze in the 200m back at Geneva Sectionals.

Grether also collected four gold medals at the Ohio Long Course Championships, concluding her stellar summer by finaling in the 200m back at the Speedo Summer East Championships. Last December, she took third in the 200 back at the 18&U Winter Championships – Oxford.

Currently a junior at Jerome High School, Grether placed seventh in the 100 back and 10th in the 200 free at the Ohio State Championships as a sophomore. The USA Swimming Scholastic All-American raced to 11th in the 200 free during her rookie campaign.

Her best times include:

200 back – 1:59.20
100 back – 56.60
50 back – 26.50
200 free – 1:51.64
100 free – 53.02
100 fly – 57.43

The 2020-21 season was one of the history books for the UK women’s team, culminating with the Wildcats winning their first-ever SEC title with a program-record 1,124 points under head coach Lars Jorgensen. At the conference meet, the Wildcats collected 12 medals, including three gold, three silver, and six bronze, in addition to breaking five school records. The 4×200 free relay team also combined to give UK their second SEC relay title.

A school-record 14 UK women were invited to the 2021 NCAA Championships, besting the previous record of 10 and tying for the third-most swimmers invited that season behind Virginia and Florida. Those 14 Wildcats combined for 35 entries total, which was also a school record.

UK finished 11th with 152 points at NCAAs, marking their best team finish in school history as well as the most points scored, and also their fourth-straight year in the top-15. Kentucky collected 23 All-America honors – eight First Team and 15 Honorable Mention – yet another school record.

If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.

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