Courtesy: UNC Asheville Athletics
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The UNC Asheville Swimming & Diving team announced Thursday the addition of six new student-athletes that will join the Bulldogs this fall. The six newest Bulldogs are: Grace Adams (Staten Island, N.Y.), Morgan Coughlen (Frisco, Texas), Riley Edmundson (Flower Mound, Texas), Caitlin Hefner (Mt. Holly, N.C.), Julie Lahiff (Raleigh, N.C.), and Chloe McDonald (Louisville, Ky.).
“On paper, this is one of the strongest recruiting classes in program history,” said Head Coach Elizabeth Lykins. “They have the ability to help rewrite our record book, win dual meets and place highly at the Conference Championships. The even better news, these six ladies are incredible women who bring smart, creative minds to UNC Asheville. Their contributions will elevate our program and the University for years to come.”
Grace Adams – Back/Free – Staten Island, N.Y.
About Adams – Broke the pool record in the 100-yard freestyle at the College of Staten Island’s pool twice. Adams is a two-time GCHSAA league record holder and the 2020 GCHSAA League MVP. Adams is also a National Honors Society member.
| 100y Back | 200y Back | 50y Free | 100y Free | 200y Free |
| 56.49 | 2:03.60 | 24.37 | 52.02 | 1:54.80 |
Why UNC Asheville – “I chose UNC Asheville because of the rigorous academics, beautiful campus and very welcoming team,” said Adams. “I am so excited to begin my college career as a Bulldog student-athlete this fall.”
Morgan Coughlen – Diver – Frisco, Texas
About Coughlen – Coughlen holds her high school 1 Meter records for both 6 and 11 dives; she also was named her team’s Diver of the Year during her time as a prep athlete. Coughlen is also a Scholastic All-American.
| 1-meter (6 dives) | 1-meter (11 dives) | 3-meter (9 dives) |
| 201.35 | 375.40 | 284.05 |
Why UNC Asheville – “I chose UNC Asheville because of the high level of academics and the family feel of the team,” Coughlen said.
Riley Edmundson – Fly/Breast/IM – Flower Mound, Texas
About Edmundson – Edmundson holds her high school’s record in the 100-yard butterfly. A National Honors Society member all four years in high school, Edmondson was named her team’s ‘Rookie of the Year’ as a freshman.
| 100y Fly | 200y Fly | 100y Breast | 200y Breast | 200y IM | 400y IM |
| 56.20 | 2:01.66 | 1:03.96 | 2:22.77 | 2:07.36 | 4:26.60 |
Why UNC Asheville – I chose UNC Asheville because of the smaller class size which allows for more interaction with professors and classmates,” Edmundson said. “Asheville is a gorgeous city and I cannot wait to be a Bulldog!”
Caitlin Hefner – Free – Mt. Holly, N.C.
About Hefner – Hefner has been selected to compete on the North Carolina Open Water Zones team. She attended Open Water Junior Nationals in 2019 as a 15-year-old and is currently on the Central Piedmont Community College President’s list.
| 200y Free | 500y Free | 1000y Free | 1650y Free | 400y IM |
| 1:53.20 | 4:55.95 | 10:06.42 | 16:50.70 | 4:33.68 |
Why UNC Asheville – “I chose UNC Asheville because I really liked the campus and the location of the college,” said Hefner. “I also like the athletic opportunities that it has for me.”
Julie Lahiff – Breast/IM/Free – Raleigh, N.C.
About Lahiff – Lahiff is a 2021 NC 4A east regional qualifier in the 100-yard breaststroke and 500-yard free events and is a NCSA Junior National Qualifier. Lahiff, who also coaches swimming during the summer, is a member of the National Honors Society and Spanish National Honors Society.
| 100y Breast | 200y Breast | 200y IM | 400y IM | 500y Free |
| 1:05.76 | 2:22.16 | 2:06.92 | 4:29.90 | 5:03.39 |
Why UNC Asheville – I chose UNC Asheville because the team and coaches were super welcoming, and the program seems like a great fit for me,” Lahiff said. “I also love the campus!”
Chloe McDonald – Fly/Free – Louisville, Ky.
| 100y Fly | 200y Fly | 50y Free | 100y Free | 200y Free |
| 55.92 | 2:06.15 | 24.11 | 52.70 | 1:56.68 |
Why UNC Asheville – “I chose this school first and foremost for the swimming and diving program,” said McDonald. “The school made my decision so easy, as the community is extremely comforting and accepting. Additionally, I absolutely adore the beautiful scenery of Asheville.”