Louisiana State Champ J.J. Hoover Will Head to Princeton in Fall 2028
NEW COMMIT: Princeton University has earned a new verbal commitment* for the 2028-29 season and beyond from J.J. Hoover of Ruston, La. Hoover is a Junior National qualifier who specializes in butterfly, breaststroke and IM.
He will join Michael Wang and Reis Joos in New Jersey as a member of the Tigers’ Class of 2032.
Regarding his commitment, he said:
“I am incredibly humbled and honored to announce my verbal commitment to the admissions process at Princeton University where I will continue my academic and athletic career! I first want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for the gift that swimming has been to my life. “I believe God made me for a purpose-but He also made me fast. And when I ‘swim,’ I feel His pleasure.” (Chariots of Fire) I also want to thank my mom, dad, brothers and sisters for consistently showing up for me, loving me and encouraging me to just keep swimming.I will always look for you in the stands.I would not be where I am without Bulldog Aquatic Club and my entire Louisiana Swimming family. Thank you for coaching me and encouraging me whether I wear your cap or not. Louisiana is an incredible place to grow up as a swimmer and I am thankful for all of the swimmers, coaches and families who have encouraged me on this journey both in and out of the water. A special thank you to Dan Flack for guiding me through the recruiting process with wisdom and making it fun. Finally, I want to thank Coach Matt, Coach Mia, Coach Zach, and the rest of the Princeton staff for this unbelievable opportunity and for believing in my future as a swimmer. Go Tigers!🐅”
Hoover, who trains with Bulldog Aquatic Club, placed 19th in the 200m fly at Junior Nationals this past summer after winning the 100m fly and 200m fly at Louisiana Long Course Seniors. Last winter, he earned three best times at Juniors West before going on to win four gold medals at Louisiana Short Course Seniors. Hoover also collected bronze in the 200 fly at Justin Speedo Sectionals.
His best times include:
- 100 fly – 48.79
- 200 fly – 1:47.62
- 200 breast – 2:01.33
- 100 breast – 56.11
- 200 IM – 1:51.47
Currently a junior at Ruston High School, Hoover won the 100 breast and 100 fly at the 2025 Louisiana Division II State Championships. He helped Ruston win the 4×100 free relay en route to capturing the state title.
Princeton won its second consecutive Ivy League Championship in 2026.
*IVY LEAGUE DISCLAIMER:* A “verbal commitment” does not guarantee admission. An Ivy League coach cannot guarantee admission but can only commit support in the admissions process.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
