{"id":437910,"date":"2020-06-30T11:36:27","date_gmt":"2020-06-30T18:36:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/?p=437910"},"modified":"2020-06-30T11:36:27","modified_gmt":"2020-06-30T18:36:27","slug":"duke-blue-devils-secure-2021-verbal-from-u-s-open-qualifier-mckenna-smith","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/duke-blue-devils-secure-2021-verbal-from-u-s-open-qualifier-mckenna-smith\/","title":{"rendered":"Duke Blue Devils Secure 2021 Verbal from U.S. Open Qualifier McKenna Smith"},"content":{"rendered":"

NEW COMMIT:\u00a0<\/strong>Duke University has received their first verbal commitment for the 2021-22 season and beyond from Land O Lakes, Fla. native\u00a0McKenna Smith<\/strong>. She will join the Blue Devils as a member of the class of 2025.<\/p>\n

Regarding her commitment, she said:<\/p>\n

“I am incredibly excited to announce my verbal commitment to Duke University where I will continue to further my swimming and academic career. I am thankful for my family, friends, and coaches for always supporting me through this process. I am so grateful for this incredible opportunity. Go Blue Devils!”<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

A talented sprint freestyler, Smith swims year-round with Florida Elite Swimming and owns the Junior National cuts in the 50 free and 100 free. She most recently placed eighth in the 50m free at Plantation Sectionals after racing the 50m\/100m free combo at the U.S. Open. Last summer, she finaled in two events at Gainesville Sectionals before going on to notch a best time at Junior Nationals.<\/p>\n

\"mckenna

Photo Courtesy: Florida Elite Swimming Facebook<\/p><\/div>\n

Her best times include:<\/p>\n