One of Dominion’s most accomplished athletes, champion swimmer Matthew Popovich committed to Pennsylvania State University on October 20^th.  At the 2016 VHSL State Championships, Popovich placed in the top ten for several events and won the state championship in the 200 Freestyle.

Popovich excels in his sport and is ranked 22^nd in the state of Virginia.  He was heavily recruited by several colleges, including the University of Buffalo.  Popovich ultimately chose Penn State due to “amazing academics and swim program” and the “welcoming and accepting” coaches and athletes.

Popovich is happy to be able to continue to do something he loves at an even more competitive level.  He said he is looking forward to swimming in college due to “immediate family, a great academic support system, and free tutors.”

He also cites the support of his coach Jim Rumbaugh as instrumental in his development as an athlete and said, “he’s helped me go from an average swimmer to a collegiate level one in only a few short years.”

Popovich hopes to make his last season at Dominion memorable.  “I would like to help lead my team to another successful season, get some personal best times at states, and hopefully break some more school or state records,” he said.