News Summary
Blakely Hammel, a talented sprint freestyler from Jacksonville, Florida, has announced her verbal commitment to the University of Florida for the 2027-28 swimming season. As a top recruit in her class, Hammel has shown exceptional skill in freestyle and butterfly events, achieving impressive times at competitions. Her commitment reflects her dedication to the sport and the growing trend of young swimmers securing collegiate placements early in their careers.
Jacksonville, Florida – Blakely Hammel, a sprint freestyler from Jacksonville, has made waves in the swimming community by announcing her verbal commitment to the University of Florida for the 2027-28 swimming season. This decision underscores her dedication to the sport and her recognition as a top recruit in the high school class of 2027.
Currently, Hammel swims year-round with the Episcopal AmberJax club and attends the Episcopal School of Jacksonville. Her expertise lies in sprint freestyle and butterfly events, where she has demonstrated exceptional talent and determination. Hammel has consistently posted impressive times that have positioned her among elite young swimmers.
To show her appreciation for those who have supported her journey, Hammel took to social media to extend her gratitude towards her parents, teammates, friends, and coaches, including Coach Zubero, Coach Zach, Coach Chris, Coach Nesty, Coach Alex, Coach Jack, Coach Whitney, and Coach Kristen. Such acknowledgment reflects the collaborative effort behind her achievements.
As a sophomore at the FHSAA Class 1A Swimming and Diving Championships, Hammel excelled in both the 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle events. She claimed victory in the 50 freestyle with a remarkable time of 22.90 seconds, marking the fastest in the meet, and won the 100 freestyle with a time of 50.17 seconds. Her strong performance also included participation in both freestyle relays.
Hammel’s competitive spirit did not wane at the Florida Swimming LSC’s Spring Senior Championships, where she finished among the top 8 in multiple events. She placed 4th in the 50 free, 3rd in the 100 free, 6th in the 200 free, and 7th in the 500 free. Additionally, she had a top 8 finish in the 100 butterfly and the 200 individual medley, cementing her reputation as a versatile swimmer.
In the long-course season at the Ocala Sectionals, Hammel showcased her prowess by winning the 100 free with a time of 56.61 seconds and finished as runner-up in the 50 free. She also achieved personal bests in the 200 free and 400 free events at this meet, with times of 2:00.88 and 4:16.69, respectively.
At the Junior Nationals in Irvine, Hammel continued to shine, achieving personal bests in the 200 free (2:00.83) and the 400 free (4:15.92), along with competing in the 50 free, 100 fly, and 200 IM. Her exceptional times contributed significantly to her recruitment by the University of Florida, who are seeking athletes capable of competing at high levels, especially those with sub-23 second speeds, which Hammel has proven she can achieve.
Prior to Hammel’s commitment, the Florida Gators already had five sub-23 sprinters on their team, and following her arrival, only Addison Reese would remain in that category. This highlights the competitive nature expected at the collegiate level and the caliber of athlete Hammel is bringing to the program.
The decision by Hammel to commit to the University of Florida represents a significant milestone not only for her swimming career but also for a growing trend of young swimmers securing collegiate spots at prestigious programs earlier in their athletic journeys. Her ongoing development and imminent transition to collegiate swimming will be closely watched by fans and aspiring athletes alike.
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Additional Resources
- SwimSwam: Blakely Hammel Verbals to Florida
- Wikipedia: Swimming (sport)
- SwimSwam: Ocala Sectionals Day 2 – Blakely Hammel
- Google Search: Blakely Hammel
- Jacksonville.com: FHSAA High School Swimming Previews
- Google Scholar: Swimming Training
- Jacksonville.com: FHSAA High School Region Previews
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Swimming
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
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