Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Welcome Will Coady, Ben Gerhard to Class of 2026

Photo Courtesy: Will Coady / Ben Gerhard

NEW COMMITS: Georgia Tech has picked up two new verbal commitments for the 2022-23 season and beyond from Milton, Ga. native Will Coady and Ben Gerhard of Reading, Pa.

Both talented swimmers will join Chris Richardson and Stephen Jones as a member of the Yellow Jackets’ Class of 2026.

WILL COADY

Photo Courtesy: Will Coady

Regarding his commitment, he said:

“I am excited to announce my commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Georgia Tech. I am honored to be a part of such a prestigious school and swim program. Thank you to my family, friends and my Dynamo and Flood Aquatic coaches for your support and to the Georgia Tech Coaching staff for your confidence in me. Go Jackets!”

Coady, who trains year-round with Dynamo Swim Club, earned four best times at Georgia Seniors in March where his highest finish was a pair of eighth-place finishes in both the 50 free and 50 back. He has made big improvements over the last two years, dropping an impressive nine seconds in the 200 free.

His best times include:

50 free – 20.85
100 free – 45.63
200 free – 1:40.85
500 free – 4:42.88
100 fly – 53.94
50 back – 25.01
100 back – 55.48

A rising senior at Milton High School, Coady placed fourth in the 100 free and sixth in the 50 free as a junior at the 2021 Georgia 7A State Championships. Previously racing for The Kinds Academy in Florida, he was on relays that were the first in school history to earn All-American status.

BEN GERHARD

Photo Courtesy: Ben Gerhard

Regarding his commitment, he said:

“I am proud to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Georgia Tech! Thanks to all my family, friends, and coaches for helping me accomplish my goals in and out of the pool! Go Jackets ?!!”

Gerhard trains with Governor Mifflin Aquatic Club and is primarily a sprint/mid-distance freestyler. He is a two-sport athlete, having opted to swim in college rather than play water polo. He has been named the Berks County Player of the Year for water polo twice.

His best times include:

100 free – 49.32
200 free – 1:38.87
500 free – 4:30.25

Also competing for Governor Mifflin, Gerhard is a four-time individual Pennsylvania 3A State Championship finalist. He earned silver in the 500 free and bronze in the 200 free as a junior while taking fourth and ninth, respectively, in those events during his sophomore season.

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

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