YBCC Phoenix Backstroker Duncan Brookover Commits to Southern Methodist University

The YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties’ Phoenix Swim Team has announced that 18-year-old Duncan Brookover of Cherry Hill has committed to Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas for next fall.

Duncan’s father, Chris Brookover, the head coach of the YBCC Phoenix and director of competitive swimming at the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties, first introduced Duncan to swimming in kindergarten. He holds records for several relays at Cherry Hill East High School, where he is currently team captain and has swam on the varsity team all four years.

“As a coach I am extremely excited when one of our swimmers embraces the challenge of swimming on the Division I level – it shows the quality of the individual and our program to produce these types of swimmers,” said Chris. ”As a parent, I am so proud of Duncan. SMU is a fantastic school, and we are so happy he has picked such a highly regarded University.”

In addition to touring SMU, Duncan also went on several recruiting trips to other schools. After visiting the campus in September of 2015 and meeting with Head Coach Ed Sutton, he knew that SMU was the right fit for him, both as an athlete, and to help prepare him for a future career in business.

“After seeing SMU in person and meeting Coach Sutton, I knew that SMU was where I wanted to be,” stated Duncan. “What really sold me was that even if I wasn’t swimming there, SMU is the school I would’ve wanted to go to anyway. It was the best school for me academically, and they have an incredible alumni network.”

In May of 2014, Duncan sustained a severe ankle sprain which prevented him from training for several months. After missing an entire season of summer swimming, Duncan gradually made his way back into the water after receiving physical therapy. Due to his inability to train, the once top 100 recruit pick for swimming thought he had plateaued when he finally got back in the water.

“After my injury, I wasn’t a top recruit anymore and thought I had peaked,” stated Duncan. “If it wasn’t for my friends and family, particularly my Dad helping me switch up my training, I don’t think I’d be going to college to swim.”

Duncan, who completed his physical therapy at Strive Physical Therapy, credits his fellow swimming friends Jake Fleisher and James Elmendorf, both top 100 swimmer recruits for helping push him in the water to get back to the swimmer he once was. He is excited to continue perfecting his swimming under Coach Sutton at SMU.

“Swimming for Head Coach Eddie Sutton and going so far away from home will prepare him not only to swim fast, but to prepare him for life as well,” stated Chris. “I am proud of Duncan, SMU Swimming will be an excellent program for him.”

Duncan resides in Cherry Hill with his parents, sister and brother.

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.