{"id":642631,"date":"2026-04-22T05:01:30","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T12:01:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/?p=642631"},"modified":"2026-04-22T05:01:30","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T12:01:30","slug":"southern-methodist-gets-2027-verbal-nod-from-sophia-richard","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/southern-methodist-gets-2027-verbal-nod-from-sophia-richard\/","title":{"rendered":"Southern Methodist Gets 2027 Verbal Nod From Sophia Richard\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

Southern Methodist Gets 2027 Verbal Nod From Sophia Richard\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

NEW COMMIT:\u00a0<\/strong>Southern Methodist University has picked up a new verbal commitment for the 2027-28 season and beyond from in-state standout Sophia Richard\u00a0<\/strong>of The Woodlands, Texas. Richard specializes in butterfly.<\/p>\n

She will join Annabelle Nawrocki<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>as a member of the Mustangs’ Class of 2031.<\/p>\n

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

“I’m so blessed to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Southern Methodist University! I would like to thank God for His constant guidance, and my family, especially my parents, for their endless support and love. I also want to thank Coach Laura, Coach Ross, Coach Mike, Coach Matt, and Coach Eric for their dedication in helping me succeed both in and out of the pool. A special thank you to Coach Ozzie and the SMU coaching staff for believing in me and giving me this amazing opportunity. Pony Up!”<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Richard does her club swimming with Swim Streamline at Northampton. She most recently competed at Justin Speedo Sectionals where she placed 12th in the 200 fly and earned a new best time in the 50 fly. Last summer, she earned silver in the 100m fly at Gulf Long Course Senior Championships where she also took third in the 50m fly and fourth in the 200m fly.<\/p>\n

Internationally, Richard represents Colombia under Club Deportivo CRP and just got back from competing at the IV South American Youth Games. Back in December, she won the 100m fly and 200m fly at Campeonato Nacional Interclubes.<\/p>\n

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