Lila Best, a senior at Riverwood International Charter School in Sandy Springs, Georgia, has made a verbal commitment to the United States Naval Academy for the 2015-16 season. Best told SwimSwam:
“I chose Navy because the atmosphere on campus is incredible- unlike any other school. The school itself drew me in with its rich history and traditions. Meanwhile the team is incredible and genuinely wants everyone to do well. These aspects combined with amazing coaches, made me realize that Navy was the school for me! Go Navy, Beat Army!”
Best has a lot of depth but her top events are likely the 100/200 free and 200 back. Swimming for Riverwood High School, she placed fourth in the 200 free and sixth in the 100 at the 2014 GHSA 1-5A State Swimming & Diving Meet.
Best swims for Stingrays Swimming in Atlanta. Her top short course times include:
50y free: 23.98
100y free: 51.48
200y free: 1:49.79
500y free: 4:56.57
200y back: 2:03.90
200y fly: 2:04.91
As a Midshipman, Best will likely add big points to an already-dominant squad in the Patriot League. Her 200 free time would have placed her in the top three, and would have been a big asset on Navy’s 800 free relay at 2014 Patriot League championships. Her 100 free and 200 back times would both have made B-finals.