NEW COMMITS: The University of Alabama has recently received a pair of verbal commitments for the fall of 2021 from Newburgh, Ind. native Braden Rollins and William Watson of High Point, N.C..
Both swimmers will join Ben Hines, Mateo Miceli, Nikolas Lee-Bishop and Holden Smith in Tuscaloosa as members of the class of 2025.
BRADEN ROLLINS
Photo Courtesy: Braden Rollins Instagram (@braden_rollins)
Regarding his commitment, he said:
“I am very happy to announce my verbal commitment to University of Alabama! Thank you to my family, friends, teammates, and my coaches for getting me to this level and being able to continue my swimming career! ROLL TIDE!”
A talented sprinter, Rollins swims year-round with the Newburgh Sea Creatures and owns a trio of Junior National standards. He recently raced four events at Juniors East in December and finaled in the 50 free at the Southern premier Invitational last short course season. This past summer, he notched three best times at Indiana LCM Seniors before racing three events at Junior Nationals.
His best times include:
- 50 free – 20.18
- 100 free – 43.84
- 100 fly – 49.33
- 100 back – 51.54
Also competing for Castle High School, Rollins is a five-time Indiana State Championship finalist. He grabbed gold in the 50/100 free combo as a junior while placing fourth in the 50 free and seventh in the 100 fly during his sophomore season. Rollins also raced to ninth place in the 100 fly during his rookie campaign.
WILLIAM WATSON
Photo Courtesy: William Watson via CollegeSwimming
Regarding his commitment, he said:
“I am extremely proud to announce my verbal commitment to swim for The University of Alabama! Thanks to everyone throughout the years who have helped me achieve my goals. I can’t wait to give my all for Bama. Roll Tide!”
Primarily a butterflyer, Watson does his club swimming with Star Aquatics and has achieved a pair of U.S. Open cuts. He most recently earned bronze in the 200 fly at North Carolina Seniors after racing three events at Juniors East. Last summer, he registered two best times at Greensboro Sectionals before going on to finish fifth in the 100m fly at Greensboro Futures.
His best times include:
- 100 fly – 49.02
- 200 fly – 1:50.53
- 200 IM – 1:54.26
- 50 free – 21.57
A current junior at Southwest Guilford High School, Watson is a six-time North Carolina 3A State Championship finalist. He was the runner-up in both the 50 free and 100 fly as a junior while taking sixth in the 100 free and third in the 100 fly during his sophomore year. The USA Swimming Scholastic All-American also earned bronze in the 100 fly during his rookie season.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
