Nov. 21, 2017
THE FLATS – Georgia Tech swimming & diving head coach Courtney Shealy Hart has announced the signing of nine student-athletes to National Letters of Intent to continue both their academic and athletic careers at Georgia Tech in the fall of 2018.
Madeleine Hadd, Morgan Johnson, Jami Williams and Nicole Williams will join the women’s team, while Kyle Barone, Tyler Branscombe, Daniel Jacobs, Darren Lim and Gabriel Munoz are all set to join the men’s team. All nine signees are swimmers that will look to make an immediate impact for the Yellow Jackets next season.
“I am very excited about the class of 2018! They will come in and make an instant impact for our program. They fill a lot of our needs on the team and will help us move up in the ACC and nationally,” stated Coach Shealy Hart.
Newest Yellow Jackets – Women
Madeleine “Maddie” Hadd
Richmond, Va. – Mills E. Godwin High School
Nova of Virginia Aquatics
Distance Free/Fly
CollegeSwimming.com Bio
In the Water: A two-time finalist at the 2017 Virginia Short Course Senior Championships last March, Hadd comes to The Flats from Mills E. Godwin High School and the Nova of Virginia Aquatics swim team in Richmond, Va. Hadd finished third overall in the 1650 free (16:56.61) and sixth in the 500 free (4:57.31) at the 2017 VA SC Senior Championships. She also recorded a seventh-place finish in the 1650 free (16:43.49) at the 2016 NCSA Spring Championship meet as a sophomore. A Nova team record holder, Hadd has turned in personal best-times of 1:51.82 in the 200 free, 4:51.20 in the 500 free, 10:01.54 in the 1000 free and 16:43.49 in the 1650 free. She has also recorded personal-best marks of 59.43 in the 100 fly and 2:04.47 in the 200 fly.
Out of the Pool: Hadd is a member of the National Art Honor Society, German Club, French Club and Art Club. A 2015-16 USA Swimming Scholastic All-American, Hadd’s brother Owen swam at Old Dominion University (2014-15), while her grandfather, Harry Hadd, played football for the Naval Academy (1961-65) with Roger Staubach. She loves to make art and listen to music.
Why Tech: Hadd chose Tech because of the academics, athletics and location. She intends to major in industrial design.
“I chose Georgia Tech because of the academic and athletic capabilities their program offers me as a student-athlete. When visiting the campus and meeting the staff/team I felt at home and it surpassed my already high expectations. Tech’s Industrial Design program is one of the best in the country and is the perfect match for my educational interests. GO JACKETS!!!”
Coach Hart on Hadd: “We are thrilled to add Maddie to our program. She will be a key swimmer in our distance core.”
Morgan Johnson
Austin, Texas – Westlake High School
Lost Creek Aquatics
Distance Free
CollegeSwimming.com Bio
In the Water: A four-year letterwinner in the pool at Westlake High School under head coach Alison Soelter, Johnson has helped guide her team to three-straight district championship titles in 2015, 2016 and 2017. Last year, her team finished as the state runner-up after winning back-to-back state championships in 2015 and 2016. Johnson is a two-time National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association (NISCA) All-American in the 500 free (2016 and 2017) and an NISCA All-American in the 4×100 in 2016 as a sophomore. Tabbed the Westlake High School Most Improved Female in 2016, Johnson is a three-time Texas Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association (TISCA) All-State First Team selection in the 500 free (2015, 2016 and 2017) and also earned all-state honors in the 200 free in both 2016 and 2017. A three-time Texas 6A State finalist in the 500 free, and a two-time state finalist in the 200 free, she swam as the anchor leg in the 4×100 relay team in 2016 that won the state gold medal. She was also a finalist in the 1500 free at the 2016 Futures Meet A and a Capital 2K State High School Female Champion in 2015, 2016 and 2017. A Future Meets qualifier in the 200, 400, 800 and 1500 free events in each of the last two years, Johnson holds 25 Lost Creek Aquatics team records. Johnson has turned in career-best times thus far of 53.73 in the 100 free, 1:50.60 in the 200 free, 4:52.95 in the 500 free, 10:01.63 in the 1000 free and 16:46.34 in the 1650 free.
Out of the Pool: A 2016-17 USA Swimming Scholastic All-American, Johnson was also named to the 2017 TISCA Academic All-State Team. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and serves as a Challenge Club teacher and leader, as well as an EDGE weekly group teen leader. Johnson, who likes to sail, scuba dive, wakeboard, surf, read, sew and cook, also likes to restore classic cars with her dad.
Why Tech: Johnson chose Tech because of the incredible engineering program, as well as the many job opportunities for graduates. She loved the swim and dive program and the energy that each coach and student-athlete had, and appreciated the comforting atmosphere that embodied Georgia Tech. She plans to major in mechanical engineering.
“I chose Georgia Tech because I’m impressed with the opportunities that are available in both their academic and athletic programs. Georgia Tech has an incredible engineering school that will give me tools to succeed in the Mechanical Engineering field. I was blown away by the swimming community and staff that support each other in achieving their highest goals. I can’t wait to join the Swarm! Go Jackets!”
Coach Hart on Johnson: “We are thrilled to add Morgan to our family. She is a tall distance swimmer who will help us move up in the ACC in long freestyle events.”
Jami Williams
Marietta, Ga. – Walton High School
Swim Atlanta
Back/Free
CollegeSwimming.com Bio
In the Water: A senior captain this season, Williams is a four-year letter award winner for the swim team at Walton High School for head coach Ty Vernon. A Swimming Georgia All-County selection last year as a junior, Williams was a key part in helping her team when the 2016-17 Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Swimming & Diving 6-7A state championship. She placed third overall in the 100 back (56.80) at the 2017 GHSA 6-7A state championship meet, after taking sixth place overall in the same event (57.73) at the 2016 state meet. A finalist with a fifth-place finish at the 2016 Georgia Senior State Short Course Championships, Williams is a member of the 200 free relay team that holds the Cobb County record. A 2015 GHSA All-State selection, Williams has turned in personal-best times of 24.61 in the 50 free, 54.89 in the 100 free and 2:00.94 in the 200 free events. She also has personal-best marks of 26.82 in the 50 back, 56.42 in the 100 back and 2:02.86 in the 200 back events.
Out of the Pool: Williams is a member of the English Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Beta Club and the honor roll. A scholar-athlete award winner, Williams enjoys rock climbing, playing the cello and water sports. Her brother Jake is on the swim team at West Virginia University, while her father, Jim Williams, played football at the University of Dayton.
Why Tech: Williams chose Tech because of the business program, the swim & dive program and the location. She intends to major in business administration.
“I chose Georgia Tech because of the academic opportunities and athletic competition within the ACC. The team and coaches were supportive and inviting, which made me feel right at home. As a student-athlete, I am excited about the business program and its prestigious reputation. I am eager to pursue the next four years with an amazing team. Go Jackets!!”
Coach Hart on Williams: “Our team is excited to have Jami join us next season. She is a local talent that we are excited to keep in the state of Georgia. She continues to improve and will help us in backstroke events.”
Nicole Williams
Columbia, Mo. – Rock Bridge High School
Columbia Swim Club
Breast/IM
CollegeSwimming.com Bio
In the Water: Ranked the No. 1 female swimmer overall in the state of Missouri for the 2018 signing class, Williams is a four-year letterwinner in the pool at Rock Bridge High School for head coach Taylor Birsa in Columbia, Mo. A two-time National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association (NISCA) All-American in both the 100 breast and the 200 medley relay (2015 and 2016), Williams helped lead her team to back-to-back state championships in 2014 and 2015. Named the Team MVP last year in 2017 as a junior, Williams is also a three-time all-state selection in both the breaststroke and IM, as well both the 200 free and medley relay events. Williams was part of the 200 medley relay team that set the Missouri State High School Athletic Association (MSHAA) state record at the 2017 state championship meet. She also set the school record in both the 100 breast and 200 IM at the state championships last season. Williams has turned in personal-best times of 30.04 in the 50 breast, 1:01.38 in the 100 breast and 2:14.85 in the 200 breast events. She has also recorded times of 2:03.99 in the 200 IM and 4:21.75 in the 400 IM.
Out of the Pool: Williams is a two-time USA Swimming Scholastic All-American and a member of both the A honor roll and National Honor Society. She is also a member of the Mu Alpha Theta (math club) and the Spanish Club. Williams, whose brother Christian played football for the University of Missouri (2013-16) and grandfather, Robert Sucher, swam for Missouri-Rolla (Missouri S&T), enjoys reading and playing the guitar.
Why Tech: Williams chose Tech because of the engineering program, Atlanta and its job opportunities, the weather and the swim team and facilities. She plans to major in mechanical engineering.
Coach Hart on Williams: “We are ecstatic to have Nicole join our team. She is a fantastic breaststroker and IMer who will come in and help in individual events as well as on relays.”
Newest Yellow Jackets – Men
Kyle Barone
Cornelius, N.C. – Cannon School
Enfinity Aquatic Club
Back/Fly
CollegeSwimming.com Bio
In the Water: A four-year letter award winner in the pool at the Cannon School for head coach Nick Brunelli, Barone is serving as the team captain this season. A North Carolina Interscholastic Athletic Association (NCISAA) 3A State Champion in the 200 IM as a sophomore in 2016, Barone was named the Team MVP last year as a junior. Barone, who has also swam for the Enfinity Aquatic Club (2014-current) and the SwimMAC Carolina swim team (2007-14), has turned in personal-best times of 47.43 in the 100 free and 1:44.26 in the 200 free. He has also posted times of 23.10 in the 50 back, 49.41 in the 100 back, 1:49.42 in the 200 back, 49.15 in the 100 fly and 1:53.27 in the 200 fly.
Out of the Pool: A 2016-17 USA Swimming Scholastic All-American, Barone has been awarded the Honors Award in advanced placement calculus, chemistry and pre-calculus. He also likes to mountain bike and whitewater kayak. His father, Tom Barone, played sprint football at Cornell from 1984-87.
Why Tech: Barone chose Tech because of the amazing academics and great athletics program. He intends to major in engineering.
“I chose Georgia Tech because of the amazing academics and great athletic program. I felt right at home on campus and with the team and I am very excited for my next four years at Georgia Tech. Go Jackets!”
Coach Hart on Barone: “Kyle is a fast developing swimmer who will help us in our backstroke and fly events both individual and on relays. We are excited to have him joining our team next fall.”
Tyler Branscombe
South Windsor, Conn. – South Windsor High School
Northeast Connecticut Aquatics
Sprint Free
CollegeSwimming.com Bio
In the Water: A four-year letterwinner at South Windsor High School under head coach Rob Ensling, Branscombe is a two-time all-state selection (2016 and 2017) and a three-time all-conference honoree (2015, 2016 and 2017). He is the school record holder in the 200 medley relay (1:38.04), 200 free relay (1:24.74), the 100 free (45.79) and the 50 free (21.28). He has posted top times of 21.28 in the 50 free, 45.79 in the 100 free and 1:42.55 in the 200 free. In 2016, he finished as the runner-up in the 100 free with a time of 48.62 at the 2016 Connecticut Boys L Championships.
Out of the Pool: A 2016-17 USA Swimming Scholastic All-American, Branscombe is a member of the Math Team, the National Honor Society and has been named to the honor roll all quarters of his high school academic career. Branscombe, who enjoys hiking, has an uncle, Steve Branscombe, who is a 1977 Georgia Tech graduate.
Why Tech: Branscombe chose Tech because of the highly ranked engineering program, the quality of the athletic program and the location and campus. He plans to major in mechanical engineering.
“I chose Georgia Tech because it was the perfect combination of engineering and athletics. I loved the campus when I visited and the facilities are incredible. Go Jackets!”
Coach Hart on Branscombe: “We are thrilled to announce the signing of Tyler. He is a tall and athletic swimmer who we believe will develop into a great sprinter for us.”
Daniel Jacobs
Oranjestad, Aruba (Boca Raton, Fla.) – NSU University School (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.)
Team Aruba and Pine Crest Swim Team
Free
CollegeSwimming.com Bio
In the Water: An Aruba native, Jacobs has lettered for three years at the NSU University School in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. after swimming one season for Coleigo Arubano in Aruba. A senior captain this year, he placed second overall in the 500 free (4:28.38) and third in the 200 free (1:39.37) at the 2017 Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) 1A State Championships after taking first place overall in both the 500 free (4:41.12) and 200 free (1:43.07) events at the FHSAA 1A Region 4 Meet. A 2016-17 National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association (NISCA) All-American, he also was champion in the 400 free (4:08.69) at the FG POMP Jesse Vassallo Invite and was a three-time finalist in the 500 fee (4:37.45), 200 free (1:42.65) and 100 free (47.83) at the FGC Senior Championships. At the 2016 Florida 1A State Championships, Jacobs finished third in the 200 free (1:39.67) and fourth in the 500 free (4:30.64), after placing eighth at the 2015 state championships in the 100 free (47.03) as a freshman. A 2016-17 Broward County Athletic Award recipient, he was also awarded the Athletic Leadership Award as a sophomore. He is also a 200 free and 400 free Aruba National Age Group record holder as part of the Aruba National Swim Team, won the gold medal in both the 200 and 400 free events at the 2017 Central American and Caribbean Championships in Trinidad and won the silver medal in both the 400 and 1500 free events in Barbados at the 2016 Caribbean Island Swimming Championships.
Out of the Pool: Jacobs, who enjoys snorkeling, water crafting, body boarding, surfing, paintball, kayaking and watching movies, is a two-time honor roll member and a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. Awarded the Rising Star Student Award as a junior, he also received the Honor Roll Award for outstanding Academic Achievement as a sophomore in 2015-16.
Why Tech: Jacobs chose Tech because of its strong swimming program and great academics. He plans to major in mechanical engineering.
“I chose Georgia Tech because it has a strong swimming program in addition to great academics. The coaches and the team made me feel right at home. Extremely excited for my upcoming four years at Georgia Tech. Go Jackets!!”
Coach Hart on Jacobs: “We are looking forward to Daniel join our program next fall. He will bring energy and depth in our mid-distance group.”
Darren Lim
Singapore, SIN – Plymouth College (Plymouth, U.K.)
Plymouth Leander/Singapore Swimming Federation
Sprint Free
CollegeSwimming.com Bio
In the Water: A native of Singapore and member of the Singapore Swimming Federation, Lim comes to Georgia Tech from Plymouth College in Plymouth, United Kingdom. At the Asian Youth Games in 2013, Lim won the gold medal in the 50-meter free and the silver medal in the 50-meter fly events. He also won the bronze in the 100-meter free at the 2017 SEA Games. Lim, who holds the 50-meter free short course national record at 22.62 which he set at the 6th Singapore National Swimming Championships in 2016, also has posted times of 51.03 in the 100 free, and 25.15 in the 50 fly events.
Out of the Pool: Lim earned his full colours at Plymouth College, one of only three to receive the honor in his entire school in 2016. He enjoys photography, driving and trying out new technology gadgets. His sister, Shana Lima, was a swimmer at the University of Arkansas from 2011-14.
Why Tech: Lim chose Tech because of its well renowned engineering programs, the elite swimming team and that it is located in a lively city like Atlanta. He intends to major in either mechanical or computer engineering.
Coach Hart on Lim: “Darren will make a direct impact in our sprint events both as an individual and on relays. He is a game changer for us and we are looking forward to him joining us on The Flats.”
Gabriel “Gabe” Munoz
Irvine, Calif. – Northwood High School
Irvine Novaquatics
Fly/IM
CollegeSwimming.com Bio
In the Water: A three-time National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association (NICSA) All-American, Munoz comes to The Flats from Northwood High School in Irvine, Calif. Last year as a junior, Munoz helped to lead Northwood to a third-place team finish at the 2017 CIF Southern Section Division 1 Championships by placing sixth in the 200 IM (1:49.63), 10th in the 100 back (50.17). He also swam on the second place 200 medley relay and fourth place 400 free relay teams at the CIF meet. He has etched his name in Northwood’s record books for the 200 IM (1:49.63), 100 back (50.17), and participated in both the 200 medley (1:32.51) and 400 free (3:04.04) relay records during his high school career. This past summer, he had an outstanding long course season with the year-round club Irvine Novaquatics, garnering lifetime bests in the 100 and 200 free, 100 and 200 fly, and 200 IM events. He has posted personal-best times of 21.31 in the 50 free, 46.92 in the 100 free and 1:40.25 in the 200 free. In perhaps his best two events, the fly and IM, he has recorded times of 49.83 in the 100 fly, 1:49.42 in the 200 fly, 1:49.63 in the 200 IM and 4:05.76 in the 400 IM.
Out of the Pool: Munoz is a two-time USA Swimming Scholastic All-American earning the recognition in both 2015-16 and 2016-17.
Why Tech: Munoz chose Tech because of the excellent swim program, the fact that it has one of the best engineering programs in the country and its beautiful facilities. He plans to major in either mechanical, aerospace or industrial engineering.
“I chose Georgia Tech because of the outstanding environment consisting of an excellent swim program, the best engineering programs in the nation and beautiful facilities. All of these factors made me realize this would be the best step towards my success. I feel extremely privileged to be part of the Georgia Tech family and I would like to thank those who have supported me in this journey. GO YELLOW JACKETS!!!!!”
Coach Hart on Munoz: “We are eager to welcome Gabe to the Jacket family. He is an exceptional swimmer who is going to help us in the fly and IM events.”
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