Ball State Earns First Class of 2025 Verbal Commitment from Lilia Newkirk
![Lilia Newkirk](https://vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/20191107_214432-1-1024x768.jpg)
NEW COMMIT: Ball State University has received their first early verbal commitment for the 2021-22 season and beyond from Evansville, Ind. backstroke Lilia Newkirk.
Newkirk does her club swimming with Boonville Aquatic Dolphins and raced three events at Greensboro Futures this past summer after finaling in a pair of events at Indiana LCM Seniors. Last winter, she finished fourth in the 100 back at Indiana SCY Seniors before going on to earn a best time at Indianapolis Sectionals. A current junior at Reitz Memorial High School, Newkirk has competed at the Indiana State Championships the past two seasons.
She told Swimming World:
“I am thrilled to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and swimming career at Ball State University. I look forward to competing for and being a part of the Cardinal family starting in the Fall of 2021! Thank you to my family, coaches, and friends for their continued support. Much appreciation to Coach J., his staff, and the BSU team for helping me through this exciting process. Go Cards! #baby bird #chirpchirp”
Her best times include:
- 50 back – 27.05
- 100 back – 56.54
- 200 back – 2:05.56
- 200 IM – 2:11.83
- 400 IM – 4:39.54
Newkirk will add valuable depth to the Cardinals’ lineup both individually and on medley relays. She’s just shy of scoring range at the MAC Championship level, but will surely see some more improvements with 1.5 years of club swimming still to go before arriving in Muncie as a member of the class of 2025.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.