Texas A&M Secures First 2020 Verbal from Breaststroker Alaya Smith

Photo Courtesy: Chandra Smith

NEW COMMIT: Rockwall, Texas breaststroker Alaya Smith has given Texas A&M their first verbal commitment as part of of the class of 2024.

Smith, who has the U.S. Open cut in the 100 breast, does her club swimming with Rockwall Aquatic Center of Excellence under head coach Neil Walker. She placed 11th in the 100 breast at Juniors West in December and raced that event at Junior Nationals this past summer as well. Smith finished fourth in her signature event at College Station Speedo Sectionals last March.

While competing for Rockwall-Heath High School, the NISCA All-American placed third in the 100 breast at the Texas UIL 6A State Championships during her sophomore season. Currently attending iUniversity Prep online, Smith will be back at Rockwall-Heath for her senior year.

She told Swimming World:

“I know this is an awful picture of me but just look past it, so I can announce my verbal commitment to continue my swimming career in 2020 at Texas A&M!!!! I want to give a big thanks to my teammates, friends, family, parents and most importantly to all my coaches throughout the years and Coach Neil Walker and Stewart who helped me get to where I am right now.”

Her best times include:

100 breast – 1:01.94
200 breast – 2:18.45
50 free – 23.96
100 free – 53.55

Smith will add valuable depth for the Aggies following the graduation of the top breaststrokers and will have two years of overlap with Kylie Powers. Even with 1.5 years of club swimming still to go before arriving in College Station, Smith would’ve scored in the C-final of the 100 breast at the 2018 SEC Championships.

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

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use