Northwestern Kicks Off 2022 Recruiting With Verbal from U.S. Open Qualifier Riley Huddleston

Photo Courtesy: Riley Huddleston

NEW COMMIT: U.S. Open qualifier and National Age Group relay record holder Riley Huddleston of Columbus, Ohio has pledged her verbal commitment to Northwestern University beginning in the fall of 2022.

She is the Wildcats’ first public verbal commitment for their Class of 2026.

She told Swimming World:

“I’m super EXCITED to announce my verbal commitment to continue my athletic and academic career at Northwestern University! I am so thankful for everyone who has supported me along the way. GO ‘CATS”

A talented sprint freestyler and backstroker, Huddleston trains year-round with Upper Arlington Swim Club and is a Junior National and U.S. Open qualifier. She last competed at the MAKO Senior Circuit in February where she won three events and earned the gold medal in the 50 free and the 100 back at the Ned Reeb Invitational in December.

In summer 2019, she placed ninth in the 100m back and 10th in both the 50m free and 200m free at Geneva Futures. She then went on to race three events at Junior Nationals.

When she was competing with the Ohio State Swim Club, Huddleston was part of three 11-12 NAG record-breaking relays that still hold those marks: 4x100m free, 4x50m medley, and 4x100m medley. She also held NAG 10&U records in the 4x50m free and 4x50m medley relays, but those have since been lowered.

Her best times include:

50 free – 22.98
100 free – 50.63
50 back – 25.75
100 back – 55.04

Currently a junior at Upper Arlington High School, Huddleston is already a four-time Ohio State Championship finalist. She was the runner-up in the 50 free and raced to fourth place in the 100 back as a sophomore while taking fourth in the 100 free and sixth in the 50 free during her freshman season.

Huddleston will make a big impact both individually and on relays when she suits up for the Wildcats as a member of their Class of 2026. She would’ve been their fourth-fastest 50 freestyler and fifth-fastest 100 freestyler last season.

Katie Robinson has recently been tabbed Northwestern’s new head coach.

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

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Kristin Ray

3 years ago

Amazing!!! Congrats Riley!!! ?

Carol Ann Biggs

3 years ago

CONGRATULATIONS, Riley!!