Cayman Islands National Record Holder Jillian Crooks Verbally Commits to Tennessee For 2024
NEW COMMIT: The University of Tennessee has picked up its first verbal commitment for the fall of 2024 from Cayman Islands National Teamer and Olympian Jillian Crooks of George Town, Cayman Islands.
Her older brother, Jordan Crooks, is currently a sophomore for the Vols, so the two siblings will overlap for one year in Knoxville. Jordan had a standout rookie season last year.
She told Swimming World:
“With great excitement, I announce my verbal commitment to pursue my academic and swimming career at the University of Tennessee. I want to thank God, my parents, family friends, and coaches for supporting me.”
While representing the Caymanian Swimming Federation, Jillian raced the 50m and 100m free at the FINA World Championships in June. She also earned three best times at the Bahamas National Championships.
She is the currently national record holder in the 50m free, 100m free, 200m free, 50m back, 200m back, 50m fly, 100m fly and all four relays.
Jillian was a five-time gold medalist at the XXV CARIFTA Championships in April, also taking second in a pair of other events to finish top-2 in all her races. She also placed 41st in the 100m free at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
In LCM, her best times include:
- 50m free – 26.34
- 100m free – 56.56
- 200m free – 2:03.67
- 50m back – 30.02
- 200m back – 2:22.17
- 50m fly – 28.72
- 100m fly – 1:03.67
In SCY, her best times include:
- 50 free – 23.06
- 100 free – 50.09
- 200 free – 1:49.49
- 50 back – 25.73
- 100 back – 55.26
- 50 fly – 25.03
- 100 fly – 55.06
A talented sprinter like her brother, Jillian trains with Camana Bay Aquatic Club in the Cayman Islands and TS Aquatics in South Florida. She placed second in the 100m free and 10th in the 50m free at Cary Sectionals this past summer. Back in March, she won three events at Florida Gold Coast Senior Championships.
Jillian is a huge addition to the Lady Vols’ roster both individually and on relays. She’ll arrive on Rocky Top as a member of their Class of 2028.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
Congrats Jillian, all the best