Wisconsin Lands 2028 Verbal Commitment from Aquajets’ Claire Wilkey
NEW COMMIT: The University of Wisconsin has received a new verbal commitment for the 2028-29 season and beyond from Claire Wilkey of Minnetonka, Minn. Wilkey is a Junior National qualifier who excels in backstroke and sprint freestyle.
She will join Violet Rutter and Addy Koenig-Song in Madison as a member of the Badgers’ Class of 2032.
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I’m thrilled to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at the University of Wisconsin–Madison! First, I would like to thank my family for their endless support, encouragement, and belief in me throughout this journey. I also want to thank my friends who have supported me every step of the way. I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without all of you! Additionally, I would like to thank Coach JB and Coach Dan for standing by my side and supporting me throughout all these years. A very special thank you to Coach Kate for being my mentor and biggest cheerleader throughout my years at Aquajets. I couldn’t have asked for a better person or coach to have by my side on this journey. I am so grateful for everything you have done for me and all the memories we’ve made along the way. Lastly, a huge thank you to Coach Jack and Coach Jennah at Madison for believing in me and giving me this incredible opportunity. I’m so grateful for the chance to represent UW-Madison, and I can’t wait to be a Badger! 🦡❤️🤍 On, Wisconsin!”
Wilkey, who does her club swimming with Aquajets Swim Team, earned bronze in the 200m back this past summer at Junior Nationals where she also placed 14th in the 100m back and 18th in the 50m back. She won the 400m IM at Minnesota Long Course Seniors and finaled in seven events at Westmont Speedo Sectionals.
Last winter, Wilkey competed at Juniors West before going on to earn four best times at NCSA Spring Championships. She placed seventh in the 50 free at NCSAs and won the B-final of the 200 back.
Her best times include:
- 50 free – 22.99
- 100 free – 50.43
- 50 back – 26.27
- 100 back – 54.67
- 200 back – 1:56.55
- 200 IM – 2:04.47
Currently a junior at Minnetonka High School, Wilkey earned silver in the 100 free and bronze in the 50 free – as well as gold in the 4×50 free relay – at the 2025 Minnesota Class AA State Championships. The NISCA All-American took fourth in the 50 free and fifth in the 100 free at the state meet as a rookie in 2024.
Wisconsin finished fourth at the 2026 Big Ten Championships and 13th at the 2026 NCAA Championships.
Wilkey’s best time in the 200 back would’ve ranked third on the Badgers’ roster last year and would’ve scored in the C-final at the conference meet.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
