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Lauren Priest has announced her decision to continue her education and swimming career at Southern Methodist University (SMU) this fall. Priest is wrapping up her senior year at Hinsdale Central High School, located in Hinsdale, Illinois.
“I am super excited to announce my commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at SMU. A huge thanks to my parents, awesome teammates, Coach Krotiak, Coach Adams, and Coach Schweer. I chose SMU because of the amazing team atmosphere, outstanding coaches, the incredible facilities including the brand new outdoor pool, as well as the top notch Cox School of Business. I can’t wait to get to the Hilltop to start my career as a Mustang! Pony Up.”
Priest swims with FMC Aquatic Club in Willowbrook, Illinois. She focuses primarily on backstroke events, but also swims IM. Priest most recently competed at the NCSA Spring Championships, where she earned her highest finish in the 200 backstroke at 98th (2:05.71).
Prior to NCSAs, Priest raced at the Illinois Swimming Senior Championships. She had a strong race in the 200 IM, logging a 2:10.95 to record her first best time in the event since 2020. Additionally, she set season best times in the 200 backstroke (2:04.61) and 400 IM (4:41.81) to finish 13th and 28th, respectively.
Top SCY Times:
- 50 back – 27.58
- 100 back – 58.10
- 200 back – 2:04.30
- 200 IM – 2:10.95
- 400 IM – 4:41.81
The Mustangs recently finished 3rd out of 9 teams at the 2023 American Athletic Conference (AAC) Championships. Freshman Lucrezia Napoletano led the way for SMU with three individual AAC titles, earning her AAC Most Outstanding Swimmer award.
It took a 2:03.99 to advance to finals in the 200 backstroke at this year’s conference meet, putting Priest just outside of scoring range for now. Leading the way in the event for SMU this year was Jimena Leguizamon Leal, who earned 6th at conference (1:59.27). Kate Janzen also scored for the Mustangs in the 200 back, clocking a 2:00.70 to finish 17th. Both Janzen and Leal will still be in Dallas when Priest arrives, which should create some good backstroke depth for SMU.
With Priest’s commitment, she joins Madison Patel, Erin McGrath, and Caroline Nickel in the Mustang’s incoming class. SMU is currently without a head coach, as Steve Collins announced his retirement last month after leading the women’s program for 37 years. His replacement has not yet been named.
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lauren made the right decision to commit to a powerhouse with such a storied tradition