Vols Look to Walters for Leadership

On a stage in Vincennes, Ind., in the fall of 2005, Jordan Walters performed one of several productions he was a part of in high school. However, this particular performance had significance because of who was in the audience- UT head swimming coach John Trembley.

This occurrence was one of a handful that convinced Walters to choose Tennessee as his destination for his career as a collegiate swimmer. With a strong interest in the performing arts, the theatre program on The Hill gave Walters a balance of great academics with a top notch aquatics program at UT and his mind was made up- he was going to be a Vol.

Four years later, Walters has recently been elected as a team captain and as the lone swimming senior will be a primary source of leadership for a team which lost several to graduation.

"I am really excited about being a co-captain," Walters said. "As the only senior I feel like its part of my responsibility to lead the team in the right direction."

Given his track record, it shouldn't be a problem for the senior to lead his peers on the swimming and diving team. Walters has a 3.54 cumulative GPA heading into his senior year and has made numerous appearances on the Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll. His academic prowess is a feat in itself; but to maintain a level of academic excellence while fulfilling the rigors of competing as an NCAA athlete is an accomplishment to be applauded.

"Jordan is making his mark in the classroom, on the stage and in the pool," Brooke Richardson, academic counselor for the aquatics program said. "It is amazing how he is able to balance and meet high expectations in all three areas."

Recently Walters participated in Clarence Brown Theatre's production of The Who's Tommy. The production was a big hit on campus and Walters had major parts and solo performances.
 
Bid Now!
 
    

But when he isn't studying or on stage, he is most likely found in the pool. Since arriving at UT, he has been dedicated to consistent improvement.

"Since he arrived here, he has been a great student and a hard worker in the pool," said Trembley.

His development in the pool has been a three-year process and he is ready to have a breakout season. After spending most of his freshman year in rehab for an ankle injury, Walters modified his training plan from the rest of the team and has made strides to improve as a swimmer. With Trembley's help, they developed a program to cut seconds off his times and it seems to have paid off.

"Coach said it was kind of an experiment and that I was a guinea pig," Walters said, jokingly, "but the work I did paid off last fall so I am pleased with where I am competitively."

Work ethic is not a new attribute of Jordan Walters. His high school coach, Rich Rutherford recognized his commitment when he first met him.

"He has always been a hard worker," Rutherford said. "He is very focused and driven to be the best. I was always impressed that he set really strong goals for himself."

With his background in theatre, his success as a student and his commitment to improving as an athlete, senior co-captain Jordan Walters is somewhat of a Renaissance man. Under his leadership the 2009-10 swimming and diving team will be in hands of someone with experience.

"Jordan will prove to be a great leader," Trembley said with confidence. "He will be a leader because he has the benefit of experience. He has endured to be successful and many others will profit from that experience he has had."