Wolf Pack Gains Verbal Commitment From British Prospect Jaeger Turner

This report is courtesy of esteemed sports journalist Steve Buckley. Image is courtesy of Simon Wright at GBswimstars.com.

The University of Nevada became the latest U.S. College to cross the Atlantic and recruit from the pool of British junior talent as they received a verbal commitment from multiple age-group medallist Jaeger Turner.

A backstroke and freestyle sprint specialist, Turner swims with the City of Salford club in Manchester, England, and was a multiple finalist at this year’s British Youth championship, as well as being former age group national record holder and podium pacer in national age group competition. Her best event is probably the 100m backstroke where her long course best time of 1:02.79 is roughly equivalent to a 100 yard time of 55.9, potentially moving her close to the top of the Nevada all-time school rankings.  She will also bring long course best times of 26.87 and 57.92 in the sprint free events and a useful 29.24 50m backstroke with her to the Silver State.

The Wolf Pack over achieved in the 2012-13 season under first year coach Abby Steketee, placing 5^th in the Mountain West championships, but have been looking to strengthen in sprint back and free for the 2014 fall intake with five of their current roster graduating this year.  Turner fits the sprint bill neatly and should prove to be an asset for the 200 and 400 relays.

Turner has swum with the Salford club since the age of 11, initially swimming with coach Lee Holland who took her to a British national age group record in the 50m backstroke, and latterly under the guidance of John Stout.  It is her work with Stout that has brought her career high results, being national age group bronzes over 100 and 200m backstroke.