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Kinley Jones, a finalist at the 2026 Futures Championship in Knoxville, has announced her verbal commitment to swim for Vanderbilt University in Tennessee beginning in the fall of 2027.
“I am excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Vanderbilt University. I’d like to thank my family, friends, and coaches. A special thanks to the staff at Vanderbilt for this incredible opportunity! ANCHOR DOWN ️”
Based in Charlestown, Indiana, Jones is a senior at Assumption High School in Louisville, Kentucky, and has competed for the school’s varsity swim team for the past three years. In addition to representing Assumption in the water, she currently swims year-round with Cardinal Aquatics, where she primarily specializes in free, back and fly.
Jones turned in a strong showing at the 2026 Best of the South meet in March, earning a second swim in four events. She placed 5th in the 100 fly (55.66 – SB), 6th in the 100 back (56.57 – SB), 8th in the 200 free (1:54.90) and 13th in the 50 free (24.05). She also finished 7th in the preliminary heats of the 500 free (5:13.11) and 8th in the preliminary heats of the 100 free (52.81), but did not contest either race again in finals.
A two-time Kentucky high school state champion, Jones qualified for the KHSAA (Kentucky High School Athletic Association) State Championships three years in a row starting as a freshman. Her best performance came in 2025, when she won the 50 free (23.54) and 100 free (51.41).
Most of Jones’ top times still stand from previous seasons; she clocked her lifetime best times in the 50 free (23.53), 200 free (1:51.24), 200 back (2:03.67) and 200 fly (2:06.28) during the 2023-2024 season, while she set her personal best times in the 100 back (55.74) and 100 fly (55.12) back in March 2023.
Best Times SCY:
- 50 free – 23.53
- 100 free – 50.56
- 200 free – 1:51.24
- 100 back – 55.74
- 100 fly – 55.12
A Division I program in the Southeastern Conference, Vanderbilt’s women’s team finished 13th at last season’s conference championships. To earn a second swim at the 2026 SEC Championships, it took times of 22.59/49.08/1:46.80 in the 50/100/200 free, 53.78 in the 100 back and 53.15 in the 100 fly, putting Jones outside the cutoff in each of her top events.
On the team itself, Jones would have been Vanderbilt’s fastest competitor in the 100 free and 100 fly and ranked 2nd in the 50 free and 100 back and 3rd in the 200 free last season, putting her in a strong position to be a key contributor when she arrives next fall.
Currently set to join Jones in Vanderbilt’s class of 2031 are Jasper Jones, Ellie Druhan, Lauren Fanucchi and Ariel Kong, who should all make for strong training partners over their four years together.
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