{"id":475656,"date":"2021-06-10T19:47:45","date_gmt":"2021-06-11T02:47:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/?p=475656"},"modified":"2021-06-10T19:47:45","modified_gmt":"2021-06-11T02:47:45","slug":"defending-mac-champions-buffalo-score-verbal-pledge-from-karen-austin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/defending-mac-champions-buffalo-score-verbal-pledge-from-karen-austin\/","title":{"rendered":"Defending MAC Champions Buffalo Score Verbal Pledge From Karen Austin"},"content":{"rendered":"

NEW COMMIT:\u00a0<\/strong>The University at Buffalo has received their first early verbal commitment for the 2022-23 season and beyond from Futures qualifier Karen Austin<\/strong> of Southfield, Mich.<\/p>\n

She told\u00a0Swimming World:<\/em><\/p>\n

“I’m ecstatic to announce my verbal commitment to the University at Buffalo to swim and study neuroscience! I can’t wait to be a part of the Bulls family. Thank you Coach Andy and Coach Bridgette for welcoming me to the team. I am grateful to my parents, teammates, and coaches for the endless hours of support over the past few years, especially this last one. Horns up!”<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

A versatile swimmer, Austin trains year-round with Atlantis Swimming and earned silver in the 1500m free at the ISCA International Senior Cup where she also placed fifth in the 800m free and seventh in the 400m IM. She also won the 50 free and 100 breast at the Michigan Junior Olympics in February 2020.<\/p>\n

\"karen

Photo Courtesy: Karen Austin<\/p><\/div>\n

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