Kenneth McGlothen, a standout swimmer and Scholastic All-American from George Washington High School in Charleston, West Virginia, has verbally committed to swim for West Virginia University starting in the fall of 2026.
“I chose WVU for the amazing facilities, excellent coaching staff, and the opportunity to proudly represent my home state and the Flying WV,” McGlothen shared.
The commitment continues a proud family legacy in Division I swimming. Kenneth becomes the third generation in his family to compete at the D1 level. His sister, Madi McGlothen, currently swims at the University of Kentucky, and their grandfather, Greg Olson, was an All-American at Bucknell and longtime coach at Charleston’s HYCAT swim program. Their mother, Melissa Olson, was also an All-American at Kentucky and a silver medalist in the 400 IM at the 1997 SEC Championships.
Kenneth swims for the YMCA Kanawha Valley Kraken, coached by his mother. Over his high school career, he’s proven to be one of West Virginia’s top talents. His accomplishments include:
- 2x state champ in the 500 freestyle (4:42.62 in 2023, 4:39.78 in 2024)
- 2024 state champion in the 200 IM (1:51.92)
- 2025 state champion in the 200 freestyle (1:40.48) and 100 backstroke (50.34)
- Finalist at Winter Juniors East, with lifetime bests in the 100 back (50.50), 200 back (1:48.15), and 100 breast (58.09)
- Set the West Virginia state record in the 200 back (1:46.56) at the 2025 YMCA Short Course Nationals, placing 4th overall
He has also consistently performed at a high level in long course events, including top 8 finishes at Futures Championships and holding the West Virginia 15–18 state record in the 200 back (2:06.41).
Kenneth McGlothen’s Top Short Course Times:
- 200 Back – 1:46.56
- 100 Back – 50.34
- 200 IM – 1:51.50
- 500 Free – 4:39.78
- 200 Free – 1:40.48
- 100 Breast – 58.09
- 200 Breast – 2:08.44
Outside the pool, Kenneth enjoys playing guitar, gaming with friends, and traveling with his family. With talent, tradition, and a love for the sport, McGlothen looks poised to make a splash for the Mountaineers in the coming years.
