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Reid O’Connell from Syosset, New York has announced his commitment to continue his academic and athletic careers at Penn State beginning in fall 2027. He kicks off the class of 2031 for the men’s program.
“I am extremely excited and grateful to announce my commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Penn State University! Thank you to my family, friends, and everyone at LIAC for always supporting and pushing me to be my best. A huge thank you to the Penn State coaching staff for this amazing opportunity, I can’t wait for what’s ahead! WE ARE”
O’Connell swims for Long Island Aquatic Club and finished his long course season at Summer Juniors. His highest finish came in the 200 IM as he was 24th in a 2:07.23 for 24th. In mid-July, he posted numerous lifetime bests at the Senior Mets Summer Championships. His highest finish was 3rd in the 200 back as he swam to a 2:06.37, a season best time.
This past spring, he finished his short course season at NCSAs. He swam to a best time of a 2:05.02 in the 200 breast and also swam a best time 46.75 in the 100 free.
O’Connell’s Best SCY Times Are:
- 200 IM: 1:50.18
- 400 IM: 3:57.05
- 200 free: 1:40.75
- 100 breast: 56.48
- 200 back: 1:49.64
The Penn State men finished 9th out of nine teams at the 2025 Big Ten Championships with 512.5 points, less than 100 points behind Purdue who was 8th in a 597 points.
O’Connell still has two years until his arrival. It took a 1:45.89 in the 200 IM, a 3:50.47 in the 400 IM, and a 1:36.52 in the 200 free to make it back at Big Tens. Penn State scored 13 points in the 200 IM and 19 in the 400 IM this past season.
O’Connell is the first commit for Penn State’s class of 2031. The team just finished its first season under head coach Hollie Bonewit-Cron who previously spent time as head coach at Miami-OH.
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