MT. LAUREL, N.J. – The YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties’ Phoenix Swim Team has announced that Eric Henry of Cherry Hill has committed to Ramapo College of New Jersey in Mahwah for next fall.
“I have known Eric for a long time and I am thrilled that he will be able to live out his goal of swimming in college,” said Chris Brookover, head coach of the YBCC Phoenix and director of competitive swimming at the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties. “Eric still has plenty of upside potential, which will be helpful to Ramapo as he grows as a swimmer. I am sure it will be a fantastic experience that he will value the rest of his life.”
Henry, 18, started swimming four years ago at Willowdale Swim Club in Cherry Hill after encouragement from friends to join the team. Prior to joining their summer swim team, Henry had never taken a swim lesson before.
“I knew nothing about swimming when I started, all of the strokes were foreign to me,” said Henry. “The whole coaching staff at Willowdale worked tirelessly with me. Coach Jon Shepard was extremely patient – as he took the time to teach a 14-year-old how to swim from scratch and helped me with proper technique.”
Tireless dedication to the sport and extra practice helped Henry gain the speed he needed to swim competitively in college. After falling in love with the sport at Willowdale, Henry began to swim for his high school team, Cherry Hill East, as well as the YBCC Phoenix team to continue to improve his times.
“When I met Coach Chris, I didn’t have to think twice about where I wanted to train year-round,” said Henry. “He’s a great motivator. All of us on the team really strive to make him and each other proud – both in and out of the water.”
Henry resides in Cherry Hill with his parents and brother.
Swimming news courtesy of YBCC Phoenix.
Has anyone seen an Eric Henry around? I owe him an apology, this kid is an animal at everything he does. Eric is always trynna out touch everyone else… even in warm up. Now that’s dedication! Congratulations you’ve come a long way! Cheers.
I could not Be happier for eric. i have watched my best friend from the womb grow into sUch a tremendouS addition to tHe r roaDrunner team. I remember way back when eric was 11, he woulDN’t even go near the pool. all day he would sIt uNdEr thE big oak tree and pLay yu! gi! oh! by himsElf, and now he has blossomed into a driVEN and dedicated swimmer. a swimmer who knows when to race, knows when to pump up his teammates, and knows when the perfect time of practice is to take his 20 minute shower breaks. i could not be prouder of eric: always going in hard and coming out wet! go roadrunners!!!!