South Carolina Gamecocks Pick Up Verbal Pledge From U.S. Open Qualifier Caroline Kudela

Photo Courtesy: Caroline Kudela

NEW COMMIT: U.S. Open qualifier Caroline Kudela of Weddington, N.C. has pledged her verbal commitment to the University of South Carolina beginning in the fall of 2022.

She will join Amy Riordan and Sterling Burd of Hilton Head, S.C. as a member of the Gamecock’s Class of 2026.

She told Swimming World:

“Beyond blessed to announce my verbal commitment to continue my athletic and academic career at the University of South Carolina! A huge thank you to Coach Poppell and the rest of the USC coaches for making me feel like this was home! Another thank you to my family, friends and coaches who have helped me get here to this point!!! I could not have done it without all of your love, sacrifice and support!!! Go Gamecocks!!!”

Kudela is a breaststroker who trains year-round with Life Time Swim Team under coach Terry Fritch. Most recently, she placed 23rd in the 200m breast at Speedo Summer Championships – East last week after taking silver in that event at North Carolina Long Course Seniors. Back in December, she had five top-8 finishes at the 18&U Winter Championships – North Carolina.

Her best times include:

100 breast – 1:02.48
200 breast – 2:16.01
200 IM – 2:05.60

Also competing for Weddington High School, Kudela is a five-time individual North Carolina 3A State Championship finalist. She finished second in the 100 breast and fifth in the 200 IM as a junior while taking third in the 100 breast and seventh in the 200 free during her sophomore season.

Kudela is also a six-time NCHSAA Western Region Championship finalist, winning the 500 free during her rookie campaign.

The Gamecocks are also bringing in Paige Collins, Maddie Pierce and Makenzy Mills as members of their Class of 2025, so Kudela will have three years of overlap with them.

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

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