NEW COMMIT: Distance freestyler Ashley Neas has announced her intention to swim for the University of Kentucky beginning in the fall of 2019.
A native of Duluth, Ga., Neas does her club swimming with Swim Atlanta and has earned a U.S. Open cut in the mile. She placed 18th in the 800m free at Junior Nationals in a new personal best time. She raced in three events at Juniors East last December and competed at the Atlanta TYR Pro Swim Series.
Neas is a three-time Georgia 6A State Championships 500 free qualifier for Duluth High School. She earned the bronze medal in the event as a junior. The USA Swimming Scholastic All-American placed fourth in the event as a sophomore and fifth during her rookie campaign.
She told Swimming World:
“I chose Kentucky because right when I stepped on campus I felt like I was home. The team atmosphere is amazing and they truly are a family. This combined with amazing coaches, a great program, and great academics, I know I will be the best I can be in and out of the pool.”
Her best times include:
- 500 free – 4:51.42
- 1000 free – 10:09.19
- 1650 free – 16:44.01
Neas will provide valuable depth for the Wildcats when she arrives in Lexington for the 2019-20 season following the graduation of three top Kentucky distance swimmers. Under head coach Lars Jorgensen, Kentucky finished fourth in the team standings at the 2018 SEC Championships.
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Laura Ann Collins Neas – Yea Ashley!
Well done! Congratulations!