Carolynn McHugh Heyl, a 2001 graduate of Oak Hills High School, is one of the most accomplished swimmers in school history. A four-year varsity letter winner and team captain her senior year, Carolynn earned two Ohio State Championships in 2001 — individually in the 50-yard freestyle and as part of the 200-yard medley relay team. Over her high school career, she became a 16-time state placer, including seven top-three finishes at the Ohio State Championship meet in Canton.
As of 2025, she continues to hold Oak Hills’ records in the 50-yard freestyle, 100-yard freestyle, and 200-yard freestyle relay. Beyond high school, Carolynn also competed with the Gamble Nippert YMCA Gators, achieving multiple first-place finishes and helping the women’s team capture the 2001 YMCA Long Course National Championship.
At the University of South Carolina, where she earned a swimming scholarship, Carolynn built on her success. She became a school record holder in the 200-yard freestyle relay, 400-yard freestyle relay, and 200-yard medley relay, while also ranking among the program’s all-time best in the 100-yard freestyle. In 2004, she anchored the 200-yard freestyle relay team that placed 3rd at the SEC Championships and 5th at the NCAA Championships, setting school records that stood for more than 15 years. That same year, she was a three-time All-American. Carolynn was also named an Academic All-American in her sophomore, junior, and senior years.
After graduating with a degree in business, Carolynn pursued a career in healthcare and is now a registered nurse with The Urology Group. She resides in Green Township with her husband, Mark, and their three daughters — Adeline, Alayna, and Audrey — all students at J.F. Dulles. A proud Highlander, she is remembered not only as a record-setting swimmer, but also as a multi-sport athlete who represented Oak Hills in both swimming and soccer.
MEET
2001
Jackie Cornelius Bedel
Induction
2012
Sports
Women's Basketball, Volleyball
Graduation
2001
Jackie Cornelius Bedel was a three sport varsity letter winner at Oak Hills, graduating in the Class of 2001. She was a three year varsity letter in winner in both basketball and volleyball. Jackie was a captain of the 2000-2001 GMC Champion and District Champion basketball team and was named first team all-league and first team all-city in her senior season. As a member of the Oak Hills softball team, Jackie was a four year varsity letter winner. In her season she was named all-conference, all city, all southwest district and honorable mention allstate. She continued her softball career on scholarship at Cleveland State University where she graduated from in 2005. During her collegiate career Jackie was named to the Horizon League 1st team in 2005 and well as to the Horizon All-Tournament Team. She was a three time Academic All-Conference Selection. Jackie continued her playing career after college by competing in the Vienna Wanders European Pro League and with the Michigan Ice in the US Women's Fast Pitch League.
