Junior Pan Pacs Bronze Medalist Ellie Clarke Verbals to Tennessee for 2028
NEW COMMIT: The University of Tennessee has landed a huge verbal commitment for Fall 2028 from Cicero, Ind. native Ellie Clarke, arguably the top recruit in the class. Clarke is a member of the 2026-27 U.S. National Junior Team in the 200 back and 200 fly.
She will join Kate McKinnon and Jianna Amores in Knoxville as a member of the Vols’ Class of 2032.
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I am incredibly honored and excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at the University of Tennessee! I would like to thank my parents and my brother for their endless love and support throughout my journey, as well as all of my family, friends, and teammates who have supported me every step of the way! A special thank you to Coach Pfaff and Coach Plumb for always challenging me and helping me grow into the swimmer and person I am today. Another thank you to all of the coaches at Carmel for being such a special part of my journey. Lastly, a huge thank you to Coach Matt and all of the coaches at Tennessee for believing in me and giving me the opportunity of a lifetime! GO VOLS!!
”
Clarke, who trains year-round with Carmel Swim Club, earned bronze in the 200m fly at Junior Pan Pacs this past summer where she also took fifth in the 800m free and 11th in the 200m back. She took 16th in the 200m IM, 17th in the 200m back, and 19th in the 200m fly and 400m IM at Summer Nationals.
Last winter, Clarke recorded six top-10 finishes at Juniors East, highlighted fourth place in the 400 IM and fifth in the 200 back and 500 free. She won all six of her individual races at Four Corner Speedo Sectionals in March.
She owns the fastest time in the Class of 2028 in the 200 fly (1:53.62).
Her best times include:
- 200 fly – 1:53.62
- 100 fly – 53.76
- 400 IM – 4:06.77
- 200 IM – 1:57.73
- 1650 free – 16:09.17
- 1000 free – 9:49.27
- 500 free – 4:41.67
- 200 free – 1:47.31 (1:45.45 relay split)
- 100 free – 49.32
- 50 free – 22.88
- 200 back – 1:53.17
- 100 back – 52.16
Currently a junior at Carmel High School, Clarke is the two-time defending 100 back champion at the Indiana State Championships. She also won the 200 IM in 2026 and took second in the 500 free in 2025. The Greyhounds have won 40 straight state titles.
Tennessee finished second at the 2026 Southeastern Conference Championships and fifth at the 2026 NCAA Championships. Clarke’s best times in the 200 back, 200 fly, 400 IM, 500 free and 1650 free are already fast enough to earn an invite to NCAAs.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
