NEW COMMIT: Texas has gained an in-state verbal for the 2020-21 season from Katy, Texas, sprinter Emma Sticklen. She announced her commitment via Instagram on Wednesday.
A talented sprinter and butterflyer, Sticklen does her club swimming with Katy Aquatic Team and owns a pair of U.S. Open cuts with three additional Summer National standards. She won the 100 fly and was the 50 free runner-up at Juniors West in December and recently recorded four best times at College Station Speedo Sectionals. At Junior Nationals this past summer, she placed sixth in the 100m fly and tenth in the 200m fly after racing four events at Phillips 66 Nationals.
Also competing for Taylor High School, Sticklen is a six-time UIL Texas 6A State Championship finalist. She won the 100 back and 100 fly as a junior after placing second and third, respectively, in those events during her sophomore season. The NISCA and USA Swimming Scholastic All-American broke the Texas state record in the 100 fly this past season.
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“Today I am officially announcing my verbal commitment to swim at THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS! I’d like to especially thank God, my family, my coaches, my teammates, and everyone else who has supported me in my journey to be the best I can be. HOOK ‘EM HORNS!”
Her best times include:
- 50 free – 22.54
- 100 free – 49.68
- 200 free – 1:47.86
- 100 back – 53.01
- 100 fly – 51.88
- 200 fly – 1:54.55
Even with 1.5 years of club swimming to go before suiting up for the Longhorns, Sticklen will make a huge impact as her best times are already at the top of Texas’ roster. She already is in scoring range at the NCAA Championships, and she’ll join Olivia Bray, Grace Cooper and Ellie McLeod in the class of 2024.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
Hook’em. Amazing program, fantastic Athletic Department and wonderful academics!
Jacob Won