Reid Jackson’s strengths as a sprint backstroker have been crucial for the Asheville Women’s Swim Team. Both her individual and relay points have driven the Bulldogs to dual meet wins and improved relay seeding.
Background
Jackson grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina with her parents, older brother and older sister. Early on, Jackson began specializing in backstroke events.
Jackson swam for and attended Enloe High School as freshman and sophomore where she was named Swim Team Rookie of the Year. She then transferred to Sanderson High School where she set the 100 backstroke school record. She was an Academic All-Conference swimmer all four years of high school. Jackson was also a member of the New Wave Swim Team for 14 years, qualifying for Junior Nationals. Throughout high school, Jackson was a member of Key Club, String Ensemble, FIST Club and was the director for the Sanderson High School Drama Department.
Freshman Year
Jackson enjoyed a successful first year for the Bulldogs, scoring third place points or better in the 100 backstroke at nearly every dual meet. Securing her spot on the backstroke leg of relays, Jackson lead off the 200 and 400 medley relays for Asheville. She helped the relays score first place points at three dual meets in the regular season. Her most successful meet of the season was the 2014 CCSA Championships. Jackson raced a best time of 59.95 in the 100 butterfly. She touched the wall with another best time in the 100 backstroke at 58.51. Jackson set a new freshman record for Asheville in the 200 backstroke, racing to the wall at 2:09.14. She was also a member of the 200 freestyle relay, 400 medley relay and 400 freestyle relay. Jackson finished her season with CCSA All-Academic Honors.
Sophomore Year
Jackson was especially successful on relays during the regular season for Asheville. She continued to be a member of the first place scoring 200 medley relays and 200 freestyle relays. At the Bulldogs mid season invitational, Jackson was a member of the eighth place 200 medley relay team, the highest scoring relay for Asheville. She also raced a season best time in the 100 backstroke at the meet. At the 2015 CCSA Championships, Jackson continued her success on relays. She was a member of the 200 freestyle relay and the 200 medley relay, setting varsity records in both. Jackson also swam a season best in the 200 backstroke at 2:11.97. She finished the season with CCSA All-Academic Honors.
Junior Year
Jackson continued to race sprint events for the Blue and White at dual meets. Her strengths as a relay swimmer are where she was utilized most. At the 2016 Coastal Collegiate Swimming Association Championships Jackson was a member of three relays. She helped the Bulldogs set a new Varsity Records in the 200 freestyle relay and scored top 10 points on the 200 medley relay. She was also a member of the 400 freestyle relay that scored Asheville valuable 6th place points. Individually, Jackson raced to a season best by over five seconds.
UNC Asheville Volunteering/Extracurricular Activities
MLK Day of Service
Future Bulldogs Program
Rocky’s Readers Program
Asheville City Half Marathon Water Station
Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Member and Treasurer
National Leadership Society Member
National Girls and Women in Sports Day
Manna Food Bank Food Packaging Day
Best Times
-200 backstroke: 2:08.41 2012 NC Senior Championships 2.23.12
-100 backstroke: 57.85 NC Senior Championships 2.23.12
-200 Freestyle Relay 1:35.46 (Rulevich, Jackson, Kennedy, van Dorsten) (team record)
-200 Medley Relay 1:44.68 (Jackson, Troncoso, van Dorsten, Ireland) (team record)
