Rachel Strickland Transfers from ECU to Liberty after Program Cut

Fitter and Faster Swim Camps is the proud sponsor of SwimSwam’s College Recruiting Channel and all commitment news. For many, swimming in college is a lifelong dream that is pursued with dedication and determination. Fitter and Faster is proud to honor these athletes and those who supported them on their journey.

Rachel Strickland, an incoming college sophomore from Clayton, North Carolina, has committed to swim for Division I Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Strickland is transferring from East Carolina University after its swim team was cut this year. Strickland will officially join the Flames in fall 2020 with 3 years of eligibility remaining.

Before joining the ECU Pirates, Strickland swam for the Marlins of Raleigh along with swimming for her high school team at Corinth Holders. The 2018 USA Swimming Scholastic All-American placed 7th in the 200 backstroke (2:03.17) at the 2019 Speedo Champions Series – Greensboro. She also placed 6th in the 100 backstroke at the NCHSAA 4A State Championships.

In addition, Strickland is a Junior National qualifier and three-time Futures qualifier.

During her time at ECU, Strickland specialized in the backstroke events. She had five top three finishes during the Pirate’s dual meet season.

“I am excited to announce my verbal commitment to swim and continue my studies at Liberty University. Losing my team at ECU was devastating but I knew I wanted to continue my swimming career. After talking with Coach Jake Shellenberger about the program and all of the opportunities Liberty provides both in and out of the pool, I knew it was a perfect fit. I am thankful for all my teammates and coaches at ECU for such an incredible freshman year. I will miss everyone and all the memories made but I am excited for what is ahead at LU!”

At the 2020 CCSA Championships with the Liberty Flames, Strickland would have had multiple finals performances with her current best times. She would have placed 5th in both the 100 (55.95) and 200 backstrokes (2:00.25) and 7th in the 200 butterfly (2:05.34).

With these times, Strickland would have been Liberty’s 2nd fastest swimmer in the 200 butterfly behind junior Lindsey Cohee, who placed 1st with a time of 1:59.21. She also would have been the 3rd fastest in the 100 backstroke and 4th fastest in the 200 backstroke at CCSA.

Top SCY Times

  • 100 backstroke – 55.95
  • 200 backstroke – 2:00.25
  • 100 butterfly – 56.92
  • 200 butterfly – 2:05.34

At the CCSA Championships this year, the Liberty Flames were the conference victors for the second year in a row—over 100 points ahead of the 2nd place team.  Under coaches Jake Shellenberger and Jessica Barnes, the team had 4 swimmers named to the CSCAA Individual Scholar All-American team. The whole team was named to the CSCAA Scholar All-American team, with the team’s average GPA being 3.76.

If you have a commitment to report, please send an email with a photo (landscape, or horizontal, looks best) and a quote to [email protected].

About the Fitter and Faster Swim Tour

Fitter & Faster Swim Camps feature the most innovative teaching platforms for competitive swimmers of all levels. Camps are produced year-round throughout the USA and Canada. All camps are led by elite swimmers and coaches. Visit fitterandfaster.com to find or request a swim camp near you.

FFT SOCIAL

Instagram – @fitterandfasterswimtour

Facebook – @fitterandfastertour

Twitter – @fitterandfaster

FFT is a SwimSwam partner.

6
Leave a Reply

Subscribe
Notify of

6 Comments
newest
oldest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
James
3 years ago

Wait..didn’t ecu just uncut their team?

Admin
Reply to  James
3 years ago

They did. This article is from July.

Coach Silver
3 years ago

Congratulations Rachel. Liberty is fortunate to have u. Tremendous young lady and Ecu’s loss

Austinpoolboy
3 years ago

Happy to see ECU swimmers finding new homes

Pez
3 years ago

From major party school to anti-party! hopefully a good change of pace

Bossanova
Reply to  Pez
3 years ago

Hopefully, no more parts of the pool collapse!