NEW COMMIT: Albuquerque, New Mexico native and rising senior Jake Hand has verbally committed to the University of Arizona and will arrive in Tucson in the fall of 2020.
Primarily an IMer and breaststroker, Hand owns four Winter Juniors standards and does his club swimming with Charger Aquatics. He placed 15th in the 100 breast at Federal Way Speedo Sectionals in March after recording a pair of best times at Juniors West in December. Last summer, he placed fifth in both the 200m IM and 400m IM at the American LCM Championships.
Also competing for Albuquerque Academy, Hand is a four-time New Mexico State Championship finalist. He was the 100 breast runner-up and took fifth in the 100 fly as a junior after earning bronze in the former event as well as silver in the 200 IM during his sophomore season. Hand has also earned both NISCA and USA Swimming Scholastic All-American honors for his efforts.
He told Swimming World:
“Excited to announce my verbal commitment to the University of Arizona. I’m thankful for the help my parents and coaches have given me and can’t wait to be a part of such an amazing coaching staff and team! Bear Down!”
His best times include:
- 200 IM – 1:51.44
- 400 IM – 3:57.59
- 100 breast – 57.27
- 200 breast – 2:02.22
When he suits up for the Wildcats as a member of the class of 2024, Hand will add his talents to a breaststroke group that’ll include Sam Iida and David Schlicht. Hand has made significant improvements over the past two seasons, dropping eight seconds in the 100 breast, 10 in the 200 breast, and nine seconds in both IMs.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
