The Tennessee Volunteers added a versatile swimmer to next year’s squad with the verbal commitment from SwimMAC Carolina’s Erika Brown.
“The process of picking a school was not easy,” Brown said. “I am grateful to have had the opportunity to visit some of the great schools, coaches and athletes that represent our sport. I knew Tennessee was the right fit for me as soon as I visited. The interaction between the coaches and athletes creates an environment which inspires excellence both in and out of the pool. The support for student athletes and the facilities are impressive and the sense of family made me feel immediately welcomed. Looking forward to my future as a Lady Vol!”
Brown’s talents are mainly in freestyle, where she has Olympic Trials cuts in the 100 free (56.24) and 200 free (2:00.29). That gives Tennessee a strong relay swimmer, a crucial aspect for any college team. But she is also a great backstroker and butterflyer, with Trials cuts in the 100 and 200 back as well as the 100 fly within reach.
In the short course yards pool, she has a lot of potential in the 100 and 200 freestyles. Her lifetime best of 1:46.47 in the 200 free would already rank her fifth among Tennessee’s best in history, while her 49.86 personal best in the 100 free would be just outside the top 10. Her strengths in the butterfly and backstroke (54.44 100 back, 55.94 100 fly) gives head coach Matt Kredich a few options for dual meets.
Brown was the bronze medalist in the 200 free at this summer’s junior nationals with a 2:01.07 and 11th in the 100 free with a 56.66.
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