IOWA CITY, Iowa – Penn State transfer Molly Pedersen will join the University of Iowa women’s swimming and diving program for the 2022-23 season, it was announced Wednesday by head coach Nathan Mundt. Pedersen will have three seasons of eligibility remaining.
“Molly is a competitor and has a strong desire to improve at a high level,” said Mundt. “We can’t wait for her to join the Hawkeyes this fall.”
During her lone season in Happy Valley, Pedersen had season-best times in 50 free (24.00), 100 free (51.81), 200 free (1:50.51), 500 free (5:11.23), 100 back (58.67) and 200 back (2:07.24).
“I chose the University of Iowa because of the amazing staff, their vision for me and this program and the great group of girls I get to practice with,” said Pedersen.
Before enrolling at Penn State, Pedersen was a four-year All-American at Hamilton Southeastern High School in Fishers, Indiana. She was team captain as a junior and senior and the team MVP from her sophomore through senior year.
Pedersen tallied 13 top-eight finishes at the Indiana State Championships, finishing fourth in the 100 free in 2019 and as the state runner-up in the 200-medley relay in 2021. She finished her prep career as the school record holder in the 200-free and 200-medley relays. She was the recipient of the Nathan King Outstanding Mental Attitude Award in 2021.
While competing for the Southeastern Swim Club, Pedersen was a five-time club record holder in the 100, 200 and 500 free and 200 and 400-free relays. She was also a member of Team Indiana.
After competing with 13 student-athletes during the 2021-22 season, the Hawkeyes are retooling their roster. Pederson will be one of 15 student-athletes, thus far, that will join the program next season, including three transfers.
