James Madison Scores In-State Verbal from Machine Aquatics’ Emily Drakopoulos

Photo Courtesy: Emily Drakopoulos

NEW COMMIT: James Madison University has earned an in-state verbal commitment for the fall of 2020 from Clifton, Va. native Emily Drakopoulos, who will join Madison Cottrell and Cameron Gring as a member of the Dukes’ class of 2024.

Primarily a sprinter freestyler and backstroker, Drakopoulos swims year-round with Machine Aquatics and recently raced six events at NCSAs after earning 100% best times at the Potomac Valley SCY Championships. Last summer, she notched four lifetime bests at Eastern Zone Seniors where her highest finish was a 15th-place showing in the 100m back.

Also competing for Centreville High School, Drakopoulos is a five-time Virginia 6A State Championship finalist. She took 11th in the 50 free and 14th in the 100 back as a junior after finishing ninth in the latter during her sophomore season.

She told Swimming World:

“I’m excited to announce my verbal commitment to study and swim at JMU! Huge thanks to my family, coaches, and friends who have all helped me get to where I am today. Go Dukes!”

Her best times include:

50 free – 23.90
100 free – 53.44
50 back – 26.53
100 back – 56.59

Drakopoulos will add valuable sprint free and back depth to the Dukes’ lineup when she arrives on campus at the start of the 2020-21 season. She would’ve scored in the B-final of the 100 back at the 2019 CAA Championships where James Madison earned the team title.

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

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