Princeton Launches Class of 2026 Recruiting With Verbals from Megan Reich, Heidi Smithwick

Photo Courtesy: Megan Reich / Heidi Smithwick

NEW COMMITS: Princeton University has officially launched their Class of 2026 recruiting after receiving a pair of verbal commitments* for the fall of 2022 from North Hampton, N.H. native Megan Reich and Heidi Smithwick of Jupiter, Fla.

Under head coach Bret Lundgaard, the Tigers clinched their 23rd conference championship title in program history last season, an Ivy League best.

MEGAN REICH

Photo Courtesy: Megan Reich

Regarding her commitment, she said:

“I am BEYOND excited to announce my commitment to the application process of Princeton University!!! I am so grateful to my family, friends, coaches and teammates for their endless support! GO TIGERS”

A talented distance freestyler, Reich does her club swimming with Phoenix Swimming and was the runner-up in the 500 free at New England Seniors last December after finishing fourth in that event at Juniors East. In Summer 2019, she placed second in the 200m free, seventh in the 400m free, 11th in the 1500m free, and 14th in the 800m free at Geneva Futures.

Her best times include:

1650 free – 16:42.95
1000 free – 9:59.94
500 free – 4:48.87
200 free – 1:49.07
100 free – 51.80

Currently a junior at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Reich won the 200 free and 500 free at the New Hampshire DII State Championships during her sophomore season. The two-time USA Swimming Scholastic All-American is also the state record holder in both of those events.

HEIDI SMITHWICK

Photo Courtesy: Heidi Smithwick

Regarding her commitment, she said:

“I am absolutely thrilled to announce my commitment to the application process at Princeton University!! I can’t wait to be part of such an amazing team at this incredible university. Thank you so much to all of my coaches, teammates, friends, and family for supporting me! Go tigers!! ”

An Olympic Trials qualifier, Smithwick trains year-round with the Jupiter Dragons Swim Team and most recently earned two best times and posted four top-6 finishes at the 18&U Winter Championships. She competed at the U.S. Open in November and grabbed six gold medals at Florida Gold Coast LCM Seniors in Summer 2019.

Her best times include:

50 free – 23.12
100 free – 50.97
200 free – 1:51.64
100 breast – 1:03.02
200 breast – 2:21.78
100 fly – 54.58
200 fly – 2:00.33
50 back – 27.34
100 back – 58.75
200 back – 2:08.84
400 IM – 4:27.55

Also competing for Jupiter High School, Smithwick finished third in the 50 free and seventh in the 100 breast as a freshman at the Florida 4A State Championships. Two weeks prior, she won both of those events at the FHSAA 4A District 8 meet.

*IVY LEAGUE DISCLAIMER:* A “verbal commitment” does not guarantee admission. An Ivy League coach cannot guarantee admission but can only commit support in the admissions process.

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

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