Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Earn Verbals from Rachel Fulton, Defne Tacyildiz

rachel fulton Defne Tacyildiz georgia tech

Photo Courtesy: Racheul Fulton, Defne Tacyildiz

NEW COMMITS: Georgia Tech has earned two more verbal commitments for the 2021-22 season and beyond from in-state standout Rachel Fulton of Martinez, Ga. as well as Defne Tacyildiz of Turkey.

Both talented swimmers will join Sophie Murphy, Clarissa Sabin, Caroline Pape, Sarah Livingston and Lily Burke in Atlanta as a member of the Yellow Jackets’ class of 2025.

RACHEL FULTON

Photo Courtesy: Rachel Fulton Instagram

Regarding her commitment, she said:

“Happy to announce my verbal commitment to study and swim at Georgia Tech next fall. I am very grateful to my family, coaches, and friends for their encouragement and support over the years. Go Jackets!”

A Junior National qualifier, Fulton does her club swimming with Aiken-Augusta Swim League and raced the 50 free and 100 back at Juniors East in December after winning the 50 back at Georgia Seniors. Last summer, she placed 10th in the 50m free at Greensboro Futures.

Her best times include:

50 back – 25.57
100 back – 56.17
50 free – 23.42
100 free – 51.66

Also competing for Lakeside Evans High School, Fulton is a four-time Georgia 6A State Championship finalist. She won the 50 free and was the runner-up in the 100 back as a junior while taking third in the 50 free and fourth in the 100 free during her freshman season.

DEFNE TACYILDIZ

Photo Courtesy: Defne Tacyildiz Instagram

Regarding her commitment, she said:

“I am so excited and honored to announce my verbal commitment to swim and study at Georgia Tech! My family, coaches and teammates have been so supportive in this entire process and I could not be more thankful to have them in my life and by my side. I am so lucky to have the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing team. Can’t wait to be a part of the yellow jacket family!”

Tacyildiz represents the Turkish Swimming Federation internationally and placed seventh in the 200m fly at the FINA World Junior Championships in Budapest. She also finished fifth in that event at the LEN European Junior Championships in 2019.

Her best times include (LCM/SCY conversions):

50m fly – 29.37/25.66
100m fly – 1:01.71/54.73
200m fly – 2:10.95/1:56.76
200m IM – 2:19.16/2:02.04
400m IM – 4:55.41/4:18.77

At the Turkish National Team Selection Meet in December, Tacyildiz won the 200m fly, 200m IM, and 400m IM. She most recently recorded best times in the 100m fly and 200m fly at the Turkish National Meet in March.

If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.

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