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Sectionals finalist Kate Heffernan will be sticking close to home this fall, as she has announced her commitment to swim for Southern Methodist University beginning in the fall of 2026.
“I’m so excited to finally announce my verbal commitment to continue my athletic and academic career at Southern Methodist University. Thank you to my family, friends, teammates, and coaches at LAC for the endless support. A huge thank you to Coach Ozzie, Alice, and Mike for this amazing opportunity. This past year has really taught me how to trust God’s plan even when it’s hard to understand. His timing is always perfect. I’m beyond blessed for the ability to do what I love and pursue my dreams. I can’t wait for the next 4. PONY UP!!”
The Texas native graduated from Celina High School, where she competed for the school’s swimming and diving team her junior and senior years. She currently trains year-round with Lakeside Aquatic Club and primarily specializes in back and fly.
Heffernan kicked off her 2025-2026 short course season in style, turning in a series of lifetime best performances at the LAC Fall Classic back in November. She won the 100 back (55.28) and placed 7th in the 50 back (26.46) and 11th in the 100 fly (57.19), setting personal best times in all three. She also contested the 50 free (24.62) and 200 back (2:05.24), logging two more personal best times.
Heffernan lowered some of her times again at the end of the season at the 2026 Justin Sectionals, where she earned a second swim in all but one event. She placed 6th in the 100 back (55.68), 25th in the 50 back (26.34) and 50th in the 50 fly (26.21 – PB). She also placed 14th in the 200 back in 2:01.84 after clocking a lifetime best time of 2:01.71 during prelims, and she posted a best time in the 50 back (25.99) as the leadoff on the 200 medley relay.
Best Times SCY
- 50 back – 25.99
- 100 back – 55.28
- 200 back – 2:01.71
- 100 fly – 57.19
A Division I program in the Atlantic Coast Conference, SMU’s women’s team finished 14th out of 15 teams at the 2026 conference championships in February. To earn a second swim at the ACC Championships this past season, it took times of 52.61/1:55.26 in the 100/200 back and 53.31 in the 100 fly, putting Heffernan outside the cutoff in each of her top events.
On the team itself, Heffernan is poised to be the Mustangs’ fastest competitor in the 50 and 200 back and 2nd-fastest competitor in the 100 back this coming season, although that does not account for the other incoming freshmen.
Joining Heffernan in SMU’s class of 2030 are Wren Smith, Emma Hagberg, Anna Bonecka, Ella Houston, Tessa Christiansen and Emma Bibza, who should all make for strong training partners over the next four years.
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