Whitney Hedgepeth

Whitney Hedgepeth started her college career at the University of Florida, where as a freshman she won two NCAA titles, one in the 200-yard freestyle and one in the medley relay, and earned seven All-American honors. Hedgepeth then transferred to the University of Texas, where she won three more NCAA titles and 20 All-American honors, giving her 27 in all.

Hedgepeth had a long international career for the USA, competing at the 1988 and 1996 Olympics, winning three medals in 1996, including a gold in the medley relay and silvers in both backstrokes. She won a gold medal at the 1991 World Championships in the 4x100 free relay. At the 1987 Pan American Games, Hedgepeth won gold in the 4x200 free relay and a silver in the 200 freestyle. She won two relay golds at the 1991 Pan Pacific Championships, and four medals at the 1993 Universiade, including gold in the 200 back and 4x100 free relay.

After college, Hedgepeth taught sixth grade English for one year in Austin, Texas and then was an assistant coach at Clemson University. She then became a swim coach with Longhorn Aquatics. In 2011 she was named masters’ coach for Longhorn Aquatics. Hedgepeth was inducted into the Longhorns Hall of Honor in 2007.