{"id":445230,"date":"2020-08-30T05:45:58","date_gmt":"2020-08-30T12:45:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/?p=445230"},"modified":"2020-08-30T05:45:58","modified_gmt":"2020-08-30T12:45:58","slug":"ashley-plantenberg-becomes-university-of-st-thomas-first-verbal-commit-as-they-embark-on-di-era","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/ashley-plantenberg-becomes-university-of-st-thomas-first-verbal-commit-as-they-embark-on-di-era\/","title":{"rendered":"Ashley Plantenberg Becomes University of St. Thomas’ First Verbal Commit As They Embark on DI Era"},"content":{"rendered":"

NEW COMMIT:\u00a0<\/strong>The University of St. Thomas has received their first verbal commitment for the 2021-22 season and beyond from in-state standout\u00a0Ashley Plantenberg\u00a0<\/strong>of Eden Prairie, Minn.<\/p>\n

Plantenberg marks the Tommies’ first commitment as they become the only program in recent NCAA history to transition directly from DIII to DI<\/a>. Under head coach\u00a0Scott Blanchard<\/strong>, St. Thomas has won four Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships and will join the Summit League next year.<\/p>\n

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

“I am extremely excited to announce my verbal commitment to study and swim D1 at the University of St. Thomas! I am so thankful for my family, coaches, friends, and teammates for all of their support over the years! I can\u2019t wait to be a Tommie! #ROLLTOMS ?”<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

A talented breaststroker, Plantenberg is currently a senior at Eden Prairie High School. She is a four-time finalist at the Minnesota Class 2A Sectional Championships, having raced the 50 free\/100 breast combo as a junior and the 100 free\/100 breast during her sophomore season.<\/p>\n

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