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Mary Clarke has announced her verbal commitment to the University of Pittsburgh, beginning in the fall of 2024. Clarke, a USA Swimming Scholastic All-American, attends Snohomish High School in Snohomish, Washington. She also trains and competes year-round with the Bellevue Club Swim Team.
“I am so excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my athletic and academic career at the University of Pittsburgh! I want to thank all of my coaches, family, and friends for all of their love and support through my swim career. I can’t wait to be a part of the Pitt family! And in the wise words of coach Chase Kreitler “LETS GO!!” #H2P #H2oP”
Clarke is a quickly-improving sprint freestyle and backstroke specialist. She competed at Winter Juniors this past December in the 50 free, 100 free, and 100 back, earning her highest finish in the 100 free at 36th (50.73).
Earlier in the fall, Clarke picked up two 2nd place finishes at the Washington High School State Championship meet. She stopped the clock at 23.42 in the 50, and hit a 51.13 in the finals of the 100.
Most recently, Clarke wrapped up her short course season at Speedo Sectionals in Federal Way. Highlighting her meet was her 7th place finish in the 50 freestyle, where she logged a personal best time of 23.29 in finals. She also hit a best time by nearly a second in the 100 free, touching at 49.80 to finish 9th overall. Rounding out her personal best time performances was the 200 free (1:51.32), 500 free (5:02.20), and 200 back (2:04.37).
Top SCY Times:
- 50 free – 23.29
- 100 free – 49.80
- 200 free – 1:51.32
- 50 back – 26.22
- 100 back – 55.54
- 200 back – 2:04.37
Pitt is coming off an 11th place finish at the 2023 ACC Championships. Clarke is right on the edge of being in ACC scoring range in the 100 free, as it took a 49.59 to advance to the C-final at this season’s conference meet.
Clarke’s best time in the 100 free would have made her the team’s 2nd-fastest performer this season, meaning she’ll likely be an immediate contributor on relays. Leading the sprinters this year was junior Sophie Yendell, who took 6th at ACCs in the 50 free (21.89) and 19th in the 100 free (49.07). Yendell was one of two swimmers to go on and compete at the NCAA Division I Championships, where she earned as high as an 18th place finish in the 50 freestyle (22.02).
Pitt is led by head coach Chase Kreitler, who recently wrapped up his first year at the helm of the program. Joining Clarke in Pitt’s class of 2028 is Kimberly Shannon, Avery Hafele, and Anna Wiechertjes. Hafele and Wiechertjes both swim sprint events also, while Shannon focuses on mid-distance races.
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Congrats Mary, Pitt is getting a good one!
Congrats to Mary! Pitt is getting a good one!
Wonder how she will do with the quantity over quality training
Chase will give her what she needs. 90% of last year’s team, needed to get in shape and believe in the program. Problem was, they drank too much Har— Kool Ade.