Kentucky Dips Into 2028 Recruiting With Verbal From Virginia State Champion Maddie Bynum
NEW COMMIT: The University of Kentucky has kickstarted its Class of 2032 recruiting with a verbal commitment from Maddie Bynum of Richmond, Va. A Junior National qualifier. Bynum excels in sprint butterfly and freestyle.
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I’m beyond excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at the University of Kentucky!! This would not be possible without the endless support from my parents, family, friends, teammates, and coaches over the years. I’d also like to give a BIG thank you to the @ukswimdive coaches for giving me this incredible opportunity. Thank you as well to the swimmers for being so welcoming! I can’t wait to join the family! GO CATS!!!”
Bynum does her club swimming with NOVA of Virginia Aquatics and most recently competed at Junior Nationals where she finaled in the 100m fly after racing three events at Summer Nationals. She earned silver in the 50m fly and bronze in the 100m fly at Virginia Long Course Seniors in July, too.
Last winter, Bynum competed at Juniors East before going on to record four top-6 finishes at Virginia Short Course Seniors, highlighted by a third-place showing in the 50 fly. She then placed seventh in the 100 free and 15th in both the 50 fly and 100 fly at NCSA Spring Championships.
Her best times include:
- 50 fly – 24.77
- 100 fly – 54.39
- 200 fly – 2:01.27
- 100 free – 50.09
- 200 free – 1:48.52
Currently a junior at Mills E. Godwin High School, Bynum won the 100 fly and was the runner-up in the 200 free at the 2026 Virginia Class 5 State Championships. She placed second in the 100 fly and sixth in the 500 free at the state meet as a freshman in 2025. She has earned USA Swimming Scholastic All-American honors.
Bynum is a great pickup for the Wildcats, as her best 50 fly time would’ve ranked first on their roster last season while her top 100 fly and 100 free times would’ve been second. She also would’ve ranked fourth in the 200 free a season ago. Kentucky finished 12th at the 2026 Southeastern Conference Championships.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
