YBCC Phoenix Backstroker Nikki Broome Commits to Rowan University

The YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties’ Phoenix Swim Team has announced that Nikki Broome of Marlton has committed to Rowan University in Glassboro for next fall.

Broome, 17, started swimming at age three. She currently swims for Cherokee High School’s varsity swim team, in addition to training at Woodstream Swim Club in the summer. She holds records for the freestyle relay at Woodstream and the medley relays at both Woodstream and Cherokee.

“I am very excited for Nikki’s choice to swim at Rowan University,” said Chris Brookover, head coach of the YBCC Phoenix and director of competitive swimming at the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties. “Nikki has been a leader on our team who has brought our girls closer and done a tremendous amount for our team chemistry. Coach Brad Bowser, head coach for Rowan University, is getting a special young lady with a lot of upside potential – I know she has a great career in front of her.”

In addition to touring Rowan University, Broome also went on several recruiting trips to other schools. She ultimately decided that Rowan University was where she wanted to be after formally visiting the campus in September and meeting with Coach Brad.

“When I visited Rowan, I felt the most at home,” stated Broome. “I felt like Rowan was the best fit for me, both academically and with their swimming program. I really look forward to swimming for the Rowan Profs.”

Broome has been swimming for the Y since 8th grade. When the team split to form the YBCC Phoenix, she and her parents decided to stay with the Y and Coach Brookover.

“I’ve never had a coach like Chris before. His philosophy wasn’t based on the yardage or having a strict attendance policy for practice – he bases his practices around a true love for swimming, like a quality over quantity type of practice.”

A strong, key member of the Phoenix swim team, Broome credits her time on the team for shaping her outlook on the future and changing her into a more positive individual.

“The Phoenix team has helped me make some incredible lifelong friends,” continued Broome. “We have fun at practice but we also work harder than we ever have, because we love what we’re doing. I’ve never regretted my decision to stick with Chris.”

For more information or to register for the Y’s competitive swimming program, contact Chris Brookover at 856.231.9622 x242, chrisb@ymca-bc.org or visit ymca-bc.org.

About the Y
The YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties is a cause-driven, community based, charitable organization that strengthens community by building healthy, confident, connected and secure children, adults and families. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y nurtures the potential of every youth and teen, improves the community's health and well-being and provides opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Throughout neighborhoods across the two counties and its 70+ locations, the Y makes accessible the support and opportunities that empower more than 30,000 people each year to learn, grow and thrive. Visit ymca-bc.org.