Jordan Crooks, Cayman’s most decorated athlete to date, was named the 2025 Male Athlete of the Year by Vols Wire.
Crooks, a former University of Tennessee swimmer from 2021-2025, completed his collegiate career during the 2024-25 season, cementing his legacy as one of the most highly accomplished athletes to wear orange and white.
One of his most significant accomplishments during the 2024-25 season included becoming the first person ever to go sub-20 seconds – 19.90 – in the short course 50-metre free at the 2024 Short Course World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, earning him the world record.
Additionally, other major victories during this season included Crooks swimming to three National Championships, seven All-American Honors, five SEC gold medals as well as SEC Co-Swimmer of the Year.
Reflecting on the 2025 Male Athlete of the Year award, Crooks said, “I’m very grateful for being nominated for the Vol Wire athlete of the year award and … for my time at the University of Tennessee. It is an honour to represent both my school and my island wherever I go.” Crooks added, “This award serves as a reminder to continue pushing to be the best version of myself and ensure that my actions represent my home and school well.”
Matt Kredich sings Crooks praises
While the world saw Crooks’ speed, Matt Kredich the University of Tennessee’s director of swimming and diving, saw the work behind the scenes.
Kredich, who has coached Crooks since the fall of 2021, described the swimmer as “an absolute honour and joy to coach” and “a student of the sport”.
“He was always attentive, he embraced any and all challenges, and he has a tremendous work ethic. And although Jordan did everything he was asked to do in training, I believe so much of his success came because of his sense of ownership and initiative in his own swimming,” Kredich said.
Kredich noted that Crooks watched hundreds of hours of video, of both his own swimming and that of others and he asked a lot of questions.
“He tried a lot of things that worked and some that he discarded, but he was always searching for ways to get better.”
Beyond his individual drive, Kredich emphasised that Jordan was an extraordinary teammate.
Kredich said that although Crooks wasn’t “the most vocal leader … [he] did so much behind the scenes to mentor other swimmers and to make our team better.”
With pure thrill, Kredich expressed his excitement over the Athlete of the Year honour, stating that what Jordan did in 2025 was undeniable and exceptional.
“He won three NCAA Championships and set three NCAA records. The fact that two of them were relays is so fitting and highlights the fact that for all of his individual ability, one of Jordan’s greatest gifts to our team was that he elevated the abilities of his teammates,” Kredich said.
