Chattahoochee Gold's Wimberly Targets Tampa

Rising high school senior Morgan Wimberly knows where she'll take the next big step in her swimming & academic careers in a year's time: the University of Tampa in sunny Florida. "I chose UTampa for many reasons, but I started my college search with a heavy emphasis on Florida because of the warm climate and the ability to swim outdoors year-round. I researched many schools and always came back to UTampa. I thought that it would be a great fit for me athletically and academically. The size of the school was just right, the academics are great, I loved the coaches, and the proximity to the beach is a big plus."

How did the University of Tampa pick Morgan? "I think UTampa chose me because I will be able to impact the team. I expect to be swimming a lot of distance freestyle! I expect my main events will be 500 Free, 1000 Free, 1650 Free, 200 Back and 400 IM. I’m hoping to swim at (Sunshine State) Conference (championship meet) and NCAAs (Division II Swimming and Diving Championships) all 4 years. I was looking for a program that I felt I was adding value to, and I am excited to try and score points for the team!" In committing to swim for UT, Morgan also sets her sites on breaking a swim team record.

For now, Morgan is ready to start her 12th year competing for Woodstock-based club team Chattahoochee Gold at the team's practice site in Marietta, Mountain View Aquatic Center.

Looking back on her tenure with the team, she says her proudest achievements include qualifying for national meets like USA Swimming's Futures Championships & National Club Swimming Association's Swimming Championships and being awarded Chattahoochee Gold's coveted "Gold Award" (the highest award given by the team - for excellence in character & work ethic), "...but above all, I’m so thankful for the lifelong friendships that I have built at Gold."

"I credit my coaches and teammates at Gold for helping me achieve this opportunity. My teammates push me every day to be the best I can be, they encourage me at practices, and keep a smile on my face through the tough days. My first coach at Gold, Coach Kathy (Lim Sang) kept 6 year old me coming back to practice every day. She made practices fun and encouraged my love of swimming. My current coach, Coach Mike (Wardwell), has had a significant impact on me as a swimmer and a person. I’m so thankful for his guidance and advice during this process. He has taught me many things that I will remember for the rest of my life."

Coach Mike says the Spartan swim team is getting a heckuva swimmer. "Morgan’s work ethic in the pool coupled with her kind and empathetic heart for her teammates, make her an amazing addition to the University of Tampa roster."

Morgan affirms, "For everyone who has been a part of this journey for me, words cannot express how grateful I am. The support system I have is second to none, and I cannot wait to head down to Tampa to continue to grow as both a swimmer and a person. Thank you to Coach Mike for always pushing me to be the best I can be and to my family, friends, and teammates for their endless support. I can’t wait to see what the future holds! Go Spartans!"

Formed in 1992, Chattahoochee Gold is one of the first teams in the nation to be awarded USA Swimming's Level 4 status.