Emily O’Neil, a senior at Chalmette High School in Chalmette, Louisiana, has signed to swim for LaGrange College in the fall; she plans to major in Animation.
“From the first time I stepped onto campus, LaGrange felt like home. I have already made some amazing friends and I could not imagine going anywhere else. The Animation program at LaGrange is exactly what I am looking for as well. I cannot wait to be a Panther in the Fall!”
O’Neil hails from Meraux, Louisiana. She was a three-time letterman for the Chalmette High swim team under coach Millie Soroe and holds the school record in the 200 IM. She also becomes the first Owl swimmer in school history to sign to swim in college. She swims year-round for the St. Bernard Swim Club Bluefins, where she is a multiple-year state qualifier in the 100 breast and 200 breast under head coach Adam Battaglia.
LaGrange, located in LaGrange, Georgia, is a member of the Sun Coast Swimming Conference (Division III). O’Neil’s best times would have scored in the B finals of the 100/200 breast and 200 IM at 2018 Sun Coast Conference Championships.
Top times:
- 100 breast – 1:21.99
- 200 breast – 2:58.51
- 200 IM – 2:47.21
- 50 free – 31.71
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Just thought I would come back to say that she finished her freshman year with personal or season bests in every event and a 7th place conference finish in 100 breast. More importantly she did so with a 3.55 GPA. I am sure this is sad news for the keyboard bullies who probably can’t swim a 25. Thanks to the rest of you for the support.
Thank you to all of you who recognize the sacrifice of someone who wants to continue swimming. I realized when I sent this that there was a good chance it wouldn’t even be posted. Thanks to SwimSwam for recognizing all student-athletes, regardless of how highly ranked they are. To those of you with a problem with it, feel free to send me an email at [email protected]. I would love to hear some of these comments face to face.
Not only will Emily get a great education she will make lifelong friends as well as continue to learn life lessons. Regardless of her speed, she is making the right decision. Proud of her for making this decision and proud of you for sharing this with other swimmers and parents to see!! Good luck Emily and good luck Panther Swimmers!
I wish her the best of luck! No matter the speed of the swimmer, to have the dedication to continue the sport that you love is a HUGE accomplishment!
Way too many people who won’t (not that they can’t) wish this young lady congratulations on her accomplishment. That’s really sad. Gotta give them a “thumbs down”??
congrats!!
I’m glad for her!! Wishing her the best in her college experience both in and out of the pool!!
Congratulations to her! Hope she has a great college swimming experience.
LaGrange gives kids opportunity to swim in college. It’s a very small school with a small swim team. Great opportunity for her.
Exactly! She is going there to get an education, something a lot of “great swimmers” forget about. She is excited to have a chance to keep swimming.