Kate McKinnon, Junior Pan Pacs 50 Free Runnerup, Chooses Tennessee for 2028
NEW COMMIT: The University of Tennessee has secured a new verbal commitment for Fall 2028 from standout sprinter Kate McKinnon of Centennial, Colo. McKinnon is a member of the 2026-27 U.S. National Junior Team in the 50 and 100 free.
She will join Jianna Amores in Knoxville as a member of the Vols’ Class of 2032.
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I am beyond excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at the University of Tennessee! 🧡🤍🩵 First I want to thank my family and friends for their love and support. Coach Sean, who’s help me become the swimmer and person I am today. Coach Chris, Coach Laura, and Coach Karin for their support throughout the seasons, and to all of my teammates and mentors who have been part of this journey. A HUGE thank you to Coach Matt, Coach Rob, Coach Sarah, Coach Rich, Coach Ashley, and Coach Caleb for believing in me and welcoming me into the Volunteer family. I am honored to have the opportunity to compete for such incredible people under an amazing program! Lastly, I also want to thank every coach and university who invested their time in recruiting me throughout this process. I am truly grateful for the relationships, opportunities, and support I received along the way.”
McKinnon, who does her club swimming with Aquawolves Colo Swim Team, earned a silver medal in the 50m free at Junior Pan Pacs this summer where she also took 11th in the 100m free. She earned bronze in the 50m fly at Junior Nationals after taking 18th in the 50m free and 20th in the 100m free at Summer Nationals.
Last winter, McKinnon sprinted to fourth in the 100 free, won the B-final of the 200 free and took 17th in the 50 free at Juniors West. She then went on to secure runner-up showings in the 50 free, 100 free, 200 free and 100 fly at Four Corner Speedo Sectionals.
Her best 50m free time (25.06) ranks in the top-10 all-time for U.S. girls’ 15-16 age group.
Her best times include:
- 50 free – 22.64
- 100 free – 48.66
- 200 free – 1:46.70
- 100 fly – 54.02
- 200 IM – 2:00.73
Currently a junior at Cherry Creek High School, McKinnon won the 100 free and 200 free, and anchored the winning 4×50 and 4×100 free relays, at the 2026 Colorado 5A State Championships. The NISCA All-American won the 50 free and 100 free at states in 2025. She led Cherry Creek to back-to-back (its sixth straight) state crown.
Tennessee finished second at the 2026 Southeastern Conference Championships and fifth at the 2026 NCAA Championships.
McKinnon’s best time in the 100 free would’ve placed in the B-final at last year’s conference meet, while her top 200 IM and 200 free times would’ve scored in the C-final.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
