Former USA National Team member Ali DeLoof has announced she will be making the move from San Diego, where she trains with David Marsh‘s Team Elite, to join the Tennessee Elite group at the University of Tennesee, where she will train under the University of Tennessee’s head coach Matt Kredich.
Deloof represented the United States at both the 2016 Short Course World Championships and the 2017 World University Games. In 2016 she was a member of the World Record-setting 200 medley relay, leading it off with an American record-setting 50 backstroke. She added an individual bronze medal in the 50 back as well as a gold medal as a prelims only member of the 400 free relay.
At the 2017 WUG’s she tied for gold in the 50 back with former Tennessee Vol Kira Toussaint.
In the current Olympic quad Deloof holds the 6th fastest American time in the 100 back. The race is one of the most highly contested in the American scheme, with Regan Smith and Kathleen Baker leading a crowded field of contenders for Olympic births next summer.
Last year Tennessee swimming had it’s best season in history, winning the SEC Championship and entering the NCAA Championships seeded as the 2nd best team in the country. Their pro group currently includes American record holder Erika Brown, 2016 Olympian (200 breast) Molly Hannis, and Deloof’s fellow Fike swimming ambassador Maddy Banic.
Last year Deloof competed in the ISL as a member of the New York Breakers. Throughout the season she held the 9th fastest time in the league in both the 50 and 100 backstrokes.
Deloof is the eldest of four sisters, all of whom swam for the University of Michigan. Last summer her sister Gabby announced that she would be making the move to Team Elite from Club Wolverine, joining both Ali and sister Catie Deloof. Neither Gabby nor Catie have announced that they will be making the move to join Ali at Tennessee Elite.
The youngest sister, Jackie, just completed her NCAA career at the University of Michigan.
Why????
When does Lia Neal join the exodus?
It might have already occurred. From social media, Lia appears to be in NYC frequently, if not all the time. I really admire her and wish her the best wherever she chooses to train.