West Michigan’s Sydney McDowell has recently announced her college decision to become a Golden Grizzly at Oakland University next fall. She shared with SwimSwam:
“I chose Oakland University because of the welcoming team and the excellent reputation. The campus and facilities are beautiful, and I felt at home the instant I was with the team. I feel confident that at Oakland I can achieve my goals as a student athlete in and out of the pool. Go Grizzlies!”
McDowell swims under coach Don Kimble at Byron Center most of the year, and competes for Rockford High School each fall. She holds the Rockford school records in the 200 IM and 100 breast, and is a member of the quartet that owns the 200 medley relay record. At the 2015 MHSAA Division 1 Girls’ State Meet, McDowell won the state title in the 100 breast with a personal best time of 1:03.84. She also placed 12th in the 200 IM and helped Rockford’s 200 medley and 200 freestyle relays to their 3rd and 2nd place finishes. Through three years of high school swimming, McDowell achieved five All-American nods and was voted a team MVP.
McDowell capped off a strong junior year of club swimming with an excellent meet at Columbus Sectionals, where she finaled in the 200 breast (13th) and also competed in the 100 free and 100 breast, and earned personal bests in each of her events.
Best times (SCY/LCM):
- 100 breast – 1:03.84 / 1:14.63
- 200 breast – 2:21.03 / 2:40.87
- 200 IM – 2:08.65 / 2:34.34
- 50y free – 24.59 (24.11 relay split) / 28.63
- She has also split a 29.06 50 breast on a relay.
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Wow, what an excellent article! Kudos to you Sydney. Always strive for being the best version of you whenever and wherever you are. Great job!
Grandpa and Grandma Smith are super proud of their wonderful granddaughter. She is beautiful both inside and out. Sydney excels at everything, and does not settle for second best. She is also very kind and loving with everyone she knows. We love Sydney with all our heart.