NEW COMMIT: After originally committing to the University of Arkansas, Olympic Trials qualifier Olivia Mendenhall of Springfield, Mo. has changed her decision to another SEC school: The University of Kentucky.
She will join Caroline Benda, Kaelan Daly, Maddie Welborn, Megan Ciezczak, Annie Galvin, Emma Hermeston, Sydney Stricklin and Madeline Wenig as a member of the Wildcats’ class of 2025.
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I am beyond excited and grateful to announce my commitment to continue my athletic and academic career at the University of Kentucky! The moment I stepped on campus I knew that Kentucky would be somewhere where I could thrive in both academics and swimming! I want to thank my family, coaches, and friends for the support throughout this journey! I can’t wait to join such an amazing group in Lexington! GO CATS!??”
Mendenhall, who trains year-round with Springfield Aquatics, most recently raced the 100m breast in Wave I of the U.S. Olympic Trials. She finished third in that event, as well as second in the 200m breast, at Jenks Sectionals back in March and raced both breaststroke events at the Toyota U.S. Open last fall.
At the 18&U Winter Championships in Lees Summit, Mendenhall was the runner-up in both the 100 breast and 200 breast, notching a best time in the latter.
A recent high school graduate, Mendenhall is a two-time USA Swimming Scholastic All-American.
Her best times include:
- 50 breast – 29.73
- 100 breast – 1:02.03
- 200 breast – 2:12.78
- 200 IM – 2:08.15
- 400 IM – 4:30.30
Mendenhall will add valuable depth to the Wildcats’ lineup when she arrives in Lexington next month. She will join a talented training group led by Gillian Davey, Bailey Bonnett, Lauren Poole, Bridget Engel, and Anna Havens Rice.
The 2020-21 season was one of the history books for the women’s team, culminating with the Wildcats winning their first-ever SEC title with a program-record 1,124 points under head coach Lars Jorgensen. At the conference meet, the Wildcats collected 12 medals, including three gold, three silver, and six bronze, in addition to breaking five school records. The 800 freestyle relay team also combined to give UK their first-ever SEC relay title.
A school-record 14 UK women were invited to the 2021 NCAA Championships, besting the previous record of 10 and tying for the third-most swimmers invited that season behind Virginia and Florida. Those 14 Wildcats combined for 35 entries total, which was also a school record.
UK finished 11th with 152 points at NCAAs, marking their best team finish in school history as well as the most points scored, and also their fourth-straight year in the top-15. Kentucky collected 23 All-America honors – eight First Team and 15 Honorable Mention – yet another school record.
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