NEW COMMIT: Villanova University has officially started their Class of 2026 recruiting after picking up a pair of verbal commitments from Greenville, S.C. native Mary Kate Farrell and Arabella Lee of Marlboro, N.J.
Under head coach Rick Simpson, the Wildcats clinched their eighth-straight BIG EAST title this past season.
MARY KATE FARRELL
Photo Courtesy: Mary Kate Farrell
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I am beyond excited to announce that I have verbally committed to continue my academic and athletic career at Villanova University! I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and am so thankful for everyone who has helped me to achieve this dream! I can’t wait to be a Wildcat! #Vsup✌️”
Swimming for Team Greenville, Farrell recorded seven top-10 finishes at South Carolina Seniors in February before going on to take 19th in the mile at Cary Sectionals. She also had a stellar showing at the 18&U Winter Championships in December, picking up six lifetime bests.
Her best times include:
- 1650 free – 17:13.38
- 500 free – 4:59.37
- 200 free – 1:51.04
- 100 free – 51.96
- 400 IM – 4:26.77
- 100 fly – 56.73
- 100 breast – 1:06.48
Also competing for St. Joseph’s Catholic High School, Farrell won the 200/500 free at the South Carolina 3A State Championships as a junior. She also won the 100 breast and 200 free as a sophomore.
ARABELLA LEE
Photo Courtesy: Arabella Lee
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I’m super excited to announce my verbal commitment to further my academic and athletic career at Villanova University! A big thank you to my coaches, family, and friends for helping me get here. V’s up, go cats!”
Lee does her club swimming with YMCA of Greater Monmouth County and won two events at the SJAC First Chance Meet in February. At YMCA Long Course Nationals in 2019, she flew to eighth in the 100m fly and placed 20th in the 50m back. She also took sixth in the 100 fly at YMCA Nationals in April 2019.
Her best times include:
- 100 fly – 54.47
- 200 fly – 2:02.99
- 100 back – 55.32
- 200 back – 2:01.25
- 200 IM – 2:08.90
- 100 breast – 1:09.12
- 50 free – 24.55
- 100 free – 55.39
- 200 free – 1:58.18
A rising senior at Colts Neck High School, Lee is a USA Swimming Scholastic All-American.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
