West Virginia University's women's swimming and diving team is set to welcome three new recruits to their 2026 class: Aivleen Walsh, Evelyn Quick, and Abby Hill. These talented swimmers bring a wealth of experience and potential to the team, and their arrival promises to add depth and strength across the board.
Aivleen Walsh: The Versatile Performer
Walsh, a Pennsylvania native, currently trains year-round with the York and York County YMCA, specializing in the IM events. Her performances at the 32nd Annual YOTA/Arena Capital meet and the 2026 YMCA National Short Course Championships showcased her versatility and speed. Walsh's best times in SCY (Short Course Yards) are impressive, with a 2:05.10 in the 200 IM, a 4:19.37 in the 400 IM, and a 1:50.23 in the 200 free. These times not only demonstrate her prowess in individual events but also her ability to excel in multiple disciplines.
Evelyn Quick: The Sprint Specialist
Quick, another Pennsylvania native, attended Wilson High School and swims year-round with the Wilson Aquatic Club. Her strengths lie in the shorter distances of free and fly, as evidenced by her performances at the 2026 PIAA 3A State Championship. Quick's personal best times in SCY include a 53.26 in the 100 fly and a 51.19 in the 100 free. Her ability to excel in sprint events and her role as the leadoff swimmer in the 400 free relay highlight her versatility and leadership skills.
Abby Hill: The Freestyle Ace
Hill, an Illinois native, recently graduated from Saint Charles North High School and swims year-round with the Barrington Swim Club. Her primary focus is on freestyle, with some breast stroke experience. At the 2026 Sectionals meet in West Fargo, Hill demonstrated her versatility by placing 26th in the 50 breast and 17th in the 100 breast. Her best times in SCY include a 55.37 in the 100 free and a 1:52.24 in the 200 free. Hill's performances at the Westmont Sectionals further showcased her strength in freestyle events, with times that rival her previous season's records.
Adding Depth and Strength
The arrival of Walsh, Quick, and Hill will undoubtedly strengthen WVU's women's swimming and diving team. Their individual performances and versatility in different strokes will provide added depth across the board. With their talent and dedication, these recruits are poised to make an impact on the team and contribute to the program's success in the Big 12 Conference.
A Strong Training Partnership
WVU's 2026 class also includes Lizzie Yon, Gabriella Marim, Maggie Wright, Ireland Gilligan, Taylor Clements, Scoutyn Jackson, Abby Foskey, Sara Mason, Andrea Gonzalez Herrera, Gabbie Panichella, Stefany Amorim, Abby Clark, Grace Greenhalf, and Rowan Baglole. This group of swimmers will form a strong training partnership over the next four years, further enhancing the team's depth and potential for success.
In conclusion, the addition of Walsh, Quick, and Hill to WVU's women's swimming and diving team is an exciting development. Their talent, dedication, and versatility will undoubtedly contribute to the team's success and help shape the future of the program.
