For Ivy Martin and Aja Van Hout, competing on the same swimming and diving team this fall at the University of Wisconsin will continue a long and successful friendship in and out of the pool for the Madison East seniors.

"We're both very excited to continue swimming together at Wisconsin," Martin said after she and Van Hout participated in a ceremonial National Letter of Intent signing Thursday at East.

"We've had so much fun swimming together at East and even before that. We're both excited to continue swimming together."

Van Hout, a four-time WIAA Division 1 state champion in the 200-yard individual medley, graduates as one of the most decorated swimmers in state history. Her 13 state titles are the fourth-most in WIAA state history behind Hartland Arrowhead's Andrea Bortizke (16), MaggieZblewski of Arrowhead (14) and Michelle Jesperson of Madison West (14).

"I'm super-pumped about it," Van Hout said of her decision to be a Badger. "It all came down to being close to home. I love the Badgers. I love this environment. I love Madison. It's a great feeling to know where I'm going and think about next year."