Hometown Backstroke Talent Mary Cardwell Commits To Georgia

Hometown swimmer Mary Claire Cardwell plans to stay in Georgia for the next four years, setting things in stone by giving her commitment to the University of Georgia.

I chose UGA because it’s a great academic school and I absolutely love the team and coaches. I also feel very comfortable there because it’s where my club team practices. I’m so excited to be a Bulldog!!

Training with the Athens Bulldog Swim Club, Cardwell has put her focus predominately on the backstroke events. She earned her first Junior Winter Nationals cut last season, dropping a 56.18 at the Georgia 5A State Championships.

That performance earned her a silver medal in the event representing Morgan County High School.

While her focus has been on the backstroke events Cardwell also boasts solid times in sprint freestyle events.

Cardwell’s best times 

  • 100 back SCY – 56.18 (1:07.22 LC)
  • 200 back SCY – 2:08.29 (2:28.23 LC)
  • 50 free SCY – 24.95 (28.84)
  • 100 free SCY – 54.22 (1:04.38)

Cardwell will be entering a program which is already rich with backstroke talent. She will be starting her freshman year while Olivia Smoliga, one of the team’s top backstrokers, is in her senior year.

Cardwell will also have backstrokers such as Kylie Stewart to look up to.

With an entire season to continue chopping off time and improving, Cardwell will be a great addition to Georgia when she joins the team in the fall of 2016.

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antonio bell
8 years ago

Hey, in 1996-97 i was a Metro Dolphins Swim Team Nominee for the Most Improved in Practice and for Training Year-round, wait a go
Enjoy the Experience is meant for a life time.

About Mitch Bowmile

Mitch Bowmile

Mitch worked for 5-years with SwimSwam news as a web producer focusing on both Canadian and international content. He coached for Toronto Swim Club for four seasons as a senior coach focusing on the development of young swimmers. Mitch is an NCCP level 2 certified coach in Canada and an ASCA Level …

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