NEW COMMIT: Cooper Lucas, arguably the most sought-out recruit in his class, has announced his verbal commitment to the University of Texas and will remain in-state, joining the Longhorns in Fall 2024.
Lucas, a member of the U.S. National Junior Team, currently owns the top times in his class in the 200 fly, 400 IM and 500 free.
Regarding his commitment, he said:
“I’m super excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at the University of Texas! I would like to thank everyone who has helped me along the way! I can’t wait to join the Longhorn tradition! Hook ‘em ?”
Most recently competing for Team USA at the Junior Pan Pacific Championships, he finished sixth in the 400m IM, 10th in the 200m fly and 400m IM, and 11th in the 800m free.
Lucas trains year-round with Lakeside Aquatic Club and had four top-20 finishes at the Phillips 66 International Team Trials, highlighted by an 11th-place showing in the 400m IM.
Last December, he was the 400 IM runner-up at Juniors West, also placing in the top-12 in five different events, proving his versatility. He then went on to win a trio of events at College Station Sections in March.
His best times include:
- 400 IM: 3:46.21
- 500 free: 4:18.65
- 1000 free: 9:04.39
- 1650 free: 15:16.22
- 200 fly: 1:44.51
- 100 fly: 48.69
- 200 free: 1:35.29
- 100 free: 44.29
- 200 back: 1:47.21
- 200 breast: 1:58.46
- 200 IM: 1:47.28
Currently a junior at Keller High School, Lucas won the 200 free and 500 free at the Texas UIL 6A State Championships last season. He earned gold and silver, respectively, in those events during his freshman season.
Texas is set to join the Southeastern Conference in 2025 at the start of Lucas’ sophomore year in Austin. Even with two years of club swimming still to go, he would’ve scored in the A-final of the 200 fly and 400 IM, B-final of the 500 free and C-final of the 200 free at the 2022 SEC Championships with his current best times.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
