Knightly News

“Middle school me, who did not want to swim, would not believe that I have signed to swim in college.” Rylee Simoneaux

Academic and Athletic Excellence

After a tremendous high school swimming career, Rylee Simoneaux will continue swimming for the University of Houston next year. She says the school offers the perfect balance of academics and athletics, areas in which she has excelled. Rylee was recently named an LHSAA Academic All-State Swimmer and a USA Swimming 2024 Scholastic All-American Team Swimmer. 

Athletically, Rylee’s accolades are impressive. She is the top-ranked swimmer in the state and goes into the upcoming state swim meet as a defending state champion in multiple events. She is the 2023 All-Metro Swimmer of the Year, NISCA All-America in 100 yard backstroke and an Advocate Star of Stars honoree. Rylee is the Episcopal record holder in the 100 back, 100 fly and 100 free.

Episcopal Athletic Director Randy Richard points out the dedication and commitment it takes for a swimmer to perform so well in the pool and the classroom. At Rylee’s signing announcement, he recalled Rylee’s ability to dive in head first and emerge well in front of competitors. “It sounds easy until you do it,” he says. “Once you learn the work required, you respect the sport even more.” Richard and Rylee’s Crawfish Aquatics coaches describe her as talented, eloquent and committed to setting and achieving goals. Swimming at an elite level requires the discipline to attend frequent 4 am practices and travel to a range of meets. Rylee has consistently done this while maintaining a commitment to academic excellence.

An Unexpected Love for Swimming

Looking back, Rylee is still surprised at where she is now. “I joined the Episcopal swim team in 6th grade but did not start swimming really competitively until 8th grade when I joined Crawfish Aquatics.” She says she loves swimming because the sport requires athletes to compete with themselves and others. In addition, she’s found a community of friends among the swim squad.

Rylee has this advice for friends and classmates hoping to realize their collegiate dreams. “If you want to pursue something or achieve a goal you have to go all in with it. You can’t just halfway try to do something; you have to put in effort each time you practice or compete.”

The Future of a Champion

At the University of Houston, Rylee plans to study exercise science with the goal of pursuing a career in physical therapy. “With Houston being one of the medical capitals of the nation, I got the sense that it was the perfect place for me because it was in the middle of so many opportunities,” says Rylee. “Aside from academics, the athletic department at UH has begun to grow immensely in the past two years, and I was really able to see how they value their student-athletes in a way that is more than just their athletic performance.”

Rylee has given it her all as a Knight, and it has been exciting to watch her compete at such a high level. Join us in congratulating her as she prepares for her next adventure. 

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2025-2026 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.