NEW COMMIT: The University of Tennessee has picked up a new verbal commitment for the 2021-22 season and beyond from Griffin Hadley of Carmel, Ind.
Hadley swims year-round with Carmel Swim Club and owns the U.S. Open standard in both backstroke events with four additional Summer Juniors cuts. He earned two best times at Junior Nationals this past summer after placing sixth in both the 200m back and 400m free at Indiana LCM Seniors. Last winter, he finaled in the 200 back at Juniors East before going on to record 100% best times at Indianapolis Sectionals.
A current junior at the legendary Carmel High School, Hadley helped his team secure their fifth-straight Indiana State Championship title last season and was a member of the record-setting 4×100 free relay. The two-time USA Swimming Scholastic All-American placed fourth in both the 100 free and 100 back at the state meet during his sophomore season while taking 13th and fifth, respectively, in those events as a freshman.
He told Swimming World:
“I am beyond excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic careers at The University of Tennessee. I’d like to thank my family, teammates, coaches, and all the people who made this dream possible. Knoxville feels like home and I can’t wait to become part of the family in the fall of 2021. This team is on a mission and I can’t wait to be a part of the journey. Go Vols!”
His best times include:
- 50 back – 23.35
- 100 back – 48.85
- 200 back – 1:48.02
- 50 free – 21.27
- 100 free – 45.34
- 200 free – 1:41.48
- 200 IM – 1:54.09
Hadley is just outside scoring range at the conference level as it took a 47.71/1:44.31 to place in the 100/200 back at the 2019 SEC Championships, but he has consistently made improvements each season with just under two years of club swimming still to go before arriving at Rocky Top. When he suits up for the Vols as a member of the class of 2025, he will add much-needed backstroke depth and will become a valuable asset for Tennessee.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
