Kentucky Lands Huge Verbal For 2028 From U.S. National Junior Teamer Brinkleigh Hansen
NEW COMMIT: The University of Kentucky has landed a huge verbal commitment for Fall 2028 from Brinkleigh Hansen of St. Petersburg, Fla. Hansen, one of the top recruits in the class, owns the fastest times in the cohort in the 500 free (4:38.51) and 1000 free (9:38.87).
She will join Maddie Bynum in Lexington as a member of the Wildcats’ Class of 2032.
Her older sister, Karrington Hansen, is currently a freshman on UK’s team.
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“After lots of thought, prayer, and time to reflect, I’m beyond excited to announce that I’m going to be a WILDCAT!
First, thank you to God for all my blessings, to my amazing family for always being my biggest and loudest cheerleaders and supporting me every step of the way, and to Fred for always believing in me, pushing me to be my best, and encouraging me to dream big! Thank you to my teammates for being part of this journey! A HUGE thank you to Coach Bret and the entire Kentucky coaching staff for believing in me and my dreams! There is something special building in Lexington, and I couldn’t be more excited to be part of it! I believe in the vision, the coaches, and the momentum behind this program. The future is bright, and I’m ready to get to work and help make some big things happen! GO CATS!
Hansen is a member of the 2026-27 U.S. National Junior Team in the 400m, 800m and 1500m free. She trains year-round with Saint Petersburg Aquatics.
This past summer, Hansen placed ninth in the 10k open water at Pan Pac Championships. She finished fourth in the 400m free and in the 1500m free at Summer Nationals. She was the runner-up in the 500 free, 1000 free and 1650 free at Juniors East last winter.
Her best times include:
- 500 free: 4:38.51
- 1000 free: 9:38.87
- 1650 free: 16:18.11
- 200 free: 1:46.27
- 400 IM: 4:15.85
- 200 fly: 1:59.88
Currently a junior at Saint Petersburg High School, Hansen is the three-time defending Florida 3A state champion in the 500 free. The NISCA All-American won the 200 free as a freshman and junior, taking second as a sophomore.
Kentucky finished 12th at the 2026 Southeastern Conference Championships.
Hansen’s best time in the 500 free would’ve placed seventh at SECs and 13th at NCAAs. He top time in the mile would’ve placed eighth at SECs and 28th at NCAAs.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
