Nikol Popov Gives Lady Vols First Verbal Commit for the Class of 2021

Photo Courtesy: Nikol Popov (Instagram)

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Nikol Popov has given Tennessee their first verbal commitment for the Class of 2021. Popov is a breaststroker set to make an immediate impact for the Lady Vols.

The Californian swims for Canyon Aquatics Club and has short course yards lifetime bests of 59.64 in the 100 breaststroke, 2:08.92 in the 200 breaststroke and a 1:58.78 in the 200 IM.

Popov would have been a C finalist in the 200 IM at the 2016 SEC Championships, but in the 100 breaststroke she would have finished third. Tennessee did not have any woman clear a minute at the meet last year.

She has dropped eight seconds in the 200 breaststroke since 2014. In that event Popov would have finished seventh. Meghan Small, who just started her freshman year, will likely be the Vols’ top breaststroker this year, though that is not her top event and she has yet to break a minute, making Popov a welcome addition when she arrives in Knoxville next fall.

In her Instagram post announcing her commitment Popov said, “Beyond excited to announce my verbal commitment to swim for the University of Tennessee! I can’t wait to start my journey with this incredible team. Its great to be a Tennessee Vol!!”

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A post shared by Nikol Popov (@nikolpops)

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