NASA Wildcat Aquatics swimmer Olivia Andrew is headed to Los Angeles next fall, as she’s announced her verbal commitment to join the UCLA Bruins. Andrew, a native of Illinois, is the captain of her high school swim team, the Loyola Academy Ramblers.
When she arrives at UCLA, Andrew should have an immediate scoring impact for Bruins at the Pac-12 Championship meet. Her best time in the 200 free (1:48.04) would’ve landed her in the B-final last season, and puts her in contention for an 800 free relay spot. She’s also within C-final scoring range in the 100 fly (55.15) and 100 back (56.42).
The 200 free and 100 fly fall on the same day, so if she doesn’t want to double up, the 100 free is a viable 3rd event option. Andrew’s 50.89 in that event is within tenths of scoring range, and could make her a good candidate for the 400 free relay.
Andrew’s Top Times:
Event | Best time |
50 free | 23.69 |
100 free | 50.89 |
200 free | 1:48.04 |
100 fly | 55.15 |
100 back | 56.42 |
Having Andrew on the roster should help UCLA make up for some of their graduation losses. Their sprint free group will be losing school record holder Linnea Mack, a Pac-12 finalist and NCAA scorer for the Bruins. They’ll also be graduating Madison White, a member of all 3 free relays.
When she arrives on campus, Andrew will get to team up with a group that includes Pac-12 scorers Caroline McTaggart (100 free, 100 fly), Alex Hubel (200 free), and Katie Grover (100 fly, 200 free). Junior World Championship finalist Kenisha Liu, who just started her freshman year with the Bruins, will also make a good training partner.