Joshua Walsh of Memphis Thunder Aquatic Club has committed to the University of Tennessee in their class of 2021.
“I’m thrilled to announce my commitment to the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. I chose Tennessee because of the incredible coaching staff, the world class swim program, and prestigious business school. Every guy on the team was very welcoming and made me feel right at home. I’m beyond blessed to be able to swim under coach Kredich, coach Asti, coach Lundgaard, and coach Fenwick. GO VOLS!”
Walsh is primarily a sprint freestyler, with his 100 and 200 free being his best events. He’s still able to extend his range for solid value in the 50 and 500 free.
Top Times (SCY/LCM)
- 50 free – 21.28/24.39
- 100 free – 45.21/51.34
- 200 free – 1:38.01/1:52.20
- 500/400 free – 4:36.76/4:01.81
The last two seasons, Walsh has dropped about a second from his 100 free per year, and about two seconds from his 200 free per year. His long course 400 free (4:01.81) this summer was also far more impressive than his SCY best, suggesting he might transition more towards mid-distance over the next few years.
Swimming for Collierville High School, he put up two 2nd place finishes at the 2016 Tennessee HS State Championships. Walsh was 45.21 in the 100 and 1:38.11 in the 200, and split a 20.80 anchoring Collierville’s 3rd place 200 free relay. He also split a 44.57 anchoring their 3rd place 400 free relay.
While Walsh is not quite yet ready to score at the SEC level, his best bet will be in the 100 free and 200 free, where he’s not too far off C final cut offs from 2016. Nonetheless, he’ll add depth to the sprint free group in Knoxville when he gets to campus.
TN passing on swimmers for in-state?? Sad…
This is their first commit. I doubt they’re “passing on swimmers” because of where they live. They’re just trying to fill their spots with the kids that they will help the team the most.