Iowa Hawkeyes Snag Verbal From Sprinter Ariel Wooden

Photo Courtesy: Elizabeth Wooden

NEW COMMIT: Chino Hills, Calif. sprinter Ariel Wooden has given her verbal commitment to the University of Iowa and will join the Hawkeyes in the fall of 2019.

Wooden swims year-round with Brea Aquatics and concluded her summer season with three gold medals at the SMSC Junior Olympics after placing tenth in the 50m free at Santa Clarita Sectionals. She won the 100 free and 500 free at the Winter Age Group Champs in December and raced five events at Carlsbad Sectionals in March. Also swimming for Ayala, Wooden has competed at the CIF State Championships each of her three high school seasons so far. She placed fourth in the 50 free and sixth in the 100 free at CIF-Central Sections during her junior season and placed fifth in the latter as a sophomore.

She told Swimming World:

“I could not be more thrilled to be swimming for the Universtiy of Iowa class of 2023! When I went to visit the campus I absolutely fell in love with the team and coaching staff. They welcomed me with open arms and could not have been more helpful through my decision making process. I’d like to thank all of my friends and family for always being supportive of me. I can’t wait to start my journey as a baby Hawkeye next fall! Go hawks!”

Her best times include:

50 free – 23.71
100 free – 51.22
200 free – 1:51.76
100 fly – 57.24

When she suits up for the Hawkeyes as a member of the class of 2023, Wooden will add her talents to a sprint group that includes Hannah Burvill and Sarah Schemmel. Although she’s not quite in scoring range at the Big Ten Championships yet, she has made significant improvements each season with a year of club swimming still to go before arriving in Iowa.

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JimJ

5 years ago

Way to go Ariel!