UVA Reloads Backstroke Group with Verbals from Abby Richter, Marcie Maguire

Photo Courtesy: David Rieder

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The University of Virginia has added two swimmers to the 2017-2018 roster who will help soften the blow of Courtney Bartholomew‘s graduation last spring. Abby Richter and Marcie Maguire are both strong backstrokers who have verbally committed to the Cavaliers’ Class of 2021.

Abby Richter

Photo Courtesy: Jeremy Richter

Richter swims for Boulder City Henderson Swim Team in Nevada. She is a USA Swimming Scholastic All-American at Green Valley High School and the 200 freestyle and 100 backstroke defending high school state champion.

She has swum yards best times of:

50 Back 25.48
100 Back 53.70
200 Back 1:54.88
200 IM 1:58.35
400 IM 4:14.10

Richter told Swimming World,

“Being from the West Coast, I’ve grown up around many prestigious universities, but none compare to the University of Virginia. What drew me to UVA were its academic excellence as well as a swim team that placed 5^th two years in a row at NCAA’s. The coaching staff is unparalleled, and I felt immediately at home. Following in the footsteps of Courtney Bartholomew and gold medalist Leah Smith, I am ecstatic to join this group of individuals. I am certain that UVA will undoubtedly help me achieve all of my goals- not only in the pool, but in the classroom as well. Go HOOS!”

Marcie Maguire

Photo Courtesy: Marcie Maguire

Maguire swims for Ridgefield Aquatic Club in Connecticut. She is a backstroker and a sprint freestyler. The USA Swimming Scholastic All-American at Ridgefield High School is the Connecticut Girls High School defending state champion in the 200 freestyle and 100 backstroke.

Her best times are:

50 Back 25.61
100 Back 54.13
200 Back 1:57.18
50 Free 23.52
100 Free 50.84
200 Free 1:49.10

“I chose UVA not only because of its exceedingly high standards of academics and athletics, but because it felt like home every time I stepped on campus. The team was welcoming, friendly and I love the family atmosphere . I am thrilled and excited to swim under these amazing group of coaches. GO HOOS!”

ACC Outlook

While American record holder Courtney Bartholomew leaves a big hole to fill, the Wahoos have put themselves in a solid position moving forward. At the 100 backstroke at ACCs last year, Richter would have been an A finalist and Maguire would have landed in the B final. UVA does not have any returning scorers in that event this year. In the 200 back last year Bartholomew took home gold and freshman Megan Moroney was fourth (1:52.65). Richter would have been an A finalist in that event as well.

To report a verbal commitment email HS@swimmingworld.com.

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