ABOVE) Coaches, administrators and family surround Lily Baumgartner in the Ada Schools media center on November 13 as she signs to swim at Ohio University.
Ada senior has qualified for 2024 USA junior nationals
By Cort Reynolds
Ada High School senior swimming ace Lily Baumgartner made official what she verbally announced a year ago by signing a letter-of-intent to attend and swim at Ohio University next year. She also considered attending Marshall and Bowling Green, but decided on OU due to the comfort level and academic program.
“I really liked the team atmosphere at Ohio,” said Baumgartner of her visit to the Athens campus. “I knew that their swim program was perfect for me. I liked how the coaches interacted with the team.
“I felt so welcome, and the coach (Mason Norman) acted like he really wanted me to come there,” she added.
Baumgartner plans to major in OU’s renowned sports management program, one of the first and best of its kind nationally. She said she isn’t sure of her future job plans, but that she might want to become a college athletic director.
The focused Baumgartner has qualified for the state swim meet in all three of her seasons. She has finished as high as third in the 100 butterfly at the state meet. She also has gotten on the podium in the 100 backstroke.
Her main goals this season are “to have fun and enjoy my last year, and to swim fast,” she said. She and her mother Sheila added that it would be great to finish in the top two of an event at state.
Lily agrees with AHS head swim coach Ashley Robey that she needs to improve on underwater kicking and turns to further prepare for the Bobcat swim program.
“I couldn’t be prouder of her,” said Robey. “I think she will do great in college, and will excel in everything she does. I am also excited for her senior season at Ada.”
Baumgartner practices one night a week with the Ada team at the Ohio Northern natatorium, then swims the other nights at the Lima YMCA under the direction of former BGSU assistant coach Cody Graham.
She received a half-athletic scholarship to attend Ohio U., the maximum given to swimmers there. She also will receive some other merit scholarship aid.
Ohio University has a fine, recently-renovated facility for swimming that features a 50-meter pool.
Baumgartner has also qualified to swim in the USA junior nationals meet December 11-14 at North Carolina. She will compete in the 100 butterfly, 100 backstroke and 200 backstroke events at nationals.
“Making it to nationals has been a goal since her freshman year,” said Sheila Baumgartner.
Graham’s tutelage has helped prepare her for the national event.
