The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Women's Swimming’s Jacoby, Cox to utilize Olympic redshirt waivers
10.06.2023 | Women's Swimming and Diving
Texas Swimming announces plans for Lydia Jacoby and incoming Longhorn Jillian Cox in the pursuit of their Olympic dreams.
AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Women's Swimming and Diving student-athletes Lydia Jacoby and Jillian Cox will be utilizing NCAA Olympic-year flexibility as part of their dedicated preparation for the upcoming 2024 United States Olympic Trials. Jacoby and Cox will both forego fall collegiate competition but will continue to train in Austin as they prepare for the Trials.
Recognizing the unique journey of each athlete, the coaches, athletes, parents and club coaches have worked collaboratively to determine the best course of action for these exceptional swimmers. The University of Texas Women's Swimming program is excited to support these athletes and looks forward to their continued success on and off the pool deck.
While each athlete will be utilizing their NCAA-allowable training flexibility slightly different ways, the Texas coaching staff and program wholeheartedly supports each individual's decision to pursue their Olympic aspirations and honors their commitment to their dreams.
Jacoby, the Tokyo Olympics gold-medalist in the 100-meter breaststroke and 2023 NCAA champion in the 100-yard breaststroke, will be utilizing the fall semester for a focused and intensive base training block. Her training regimen will include a trip to European World Cup competitions – a valuable experience that would be challenging during the academic year. She will rejoin her teammates for the spring semester, further enhancing the team's dynamic, and looks forward to contributing to another successful NCAA Championships campaign.
"I am immensely grateful for the unwavering support I've received from The University of Texas and my incredible teammates," Jacoby said. "Together with my coaches, we've made the decision to focus solely on training and recovery this semester, opting to forgo the impact of travel and the stress of dual meets to enhance my preparation for the upcoming Olympic Trials. I can't express how much my team's support means to me, and I'm excited to resume competing with the team in January, and together, we'll prepare for the NCAA season ahead!"
Texas head coach Carol Capitani wholeheartedly supports their journeys.
"At Texas, we firmly believe in the pursuit of excellence," Capitani said. "Whether our athletes are competing collegiately, nationally or at the international level, their presence in our training environment elevates everyone's game. This is about people, not points. We're confident that the experience of chasing their dreams in this way will leave a lasting impact on their lives."
Cox, a 2023 World Championship finalist, has opted for an Olympic redshirt season in preparation for the 2024 Olympic Trials. After a breakout season with her club coach Mike Laitala, Cox and her parents determined it would be beneficial to maintain her successful training plan.
"Jillian and Mike are on an absolute roll right now, and we're 100% behind them," Capitani agreed.
Cox trains at the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center, and the Olympic redshirt season will provide her with the opportunity to continue her development under the guidance of her club coach while integrating into the Texas team environment and occasional training. This strategic approach not only ensures her growth for the summer of 2024, but also supports her smooth transition back to regular training following a successful summer campaign.
"I am immensely grateful for my current and future coaches to be working together with my success and goals in mind," Cox said. "I've received nothing but positive support from the University of Texas and my teammates, so I couldn't ask for a better environment in which to chase my dreams. I'm in a unique position living and swimming in Austin to get the best of both worlds, and I'm excited to see how this year plays out."
The Longhorns begin the 2023-24 season on Friday, Oct. 6 when they host Houston in the Dust Off Your Boots Invitational at the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center. Racing will get underway at 4 p.m. CT.
Players Mentioned
