University of Illinois-Chicago has received a commitment from Freeport Aquatic Swim Team’s Lexie Joy for the 2015-16 season.
Joy is a well-rounded talent who can contribute to the Flames in a number of areas. At last weekend’s Illinois High School Girls Championships, Joy went a lifetime-best 1:51.29 in prelims and qualified for the championship final representing Freeport High School. She also went a PB in the 100 (52.17) which just missed qualifying her for a second swim. Joy’s top short course times over the past two seasons include:
50y free – 24.65
100y free – 52.17
200y free – 1:51.49
100y back – 58.22
200y back – 2:05.83
100 fly – 58.26
200y IM – 2:10.35
Joy is a nice pick-up for Illinois-Chicago. Her 200 free time would have made her the lone Flame in the A-final at 2014 Horizon League championships, while her 100 free would have added a third UIC sprinter to the B-final. She should be a nice replacement for senior Kelsey Millin, who was their highest scorer in sprint events last year. Joy will have a strong training group with Katherine Hare, Brianna Hines, and Erika Martinez.
Joy should also score at conference in the 100 and 200 back and the 100 fly, giving the Flames a lot of leeway in their roster decisions. She will also add strength to UIC’s relays.
