Coldwater's Jillian McKinley a good fit for Northern Michigan University

If one were to take a look at the Coldwater High School Girls Swimming record board, one name appears more than most. Senior Jillian McKinley has put together a tremendous career at CHS, breaking or seeing a part of 10 of the 11 records that the school holds. In addition to her record breaking ways, McKinley this season earned not one, but two Division Two All State honors with her efforts at the State Finals held at Oakland University. In reality, Jillian McKinley will leave Coldwater as the best swimmer in the history of the young program. But, McKinley is far from done when it comes to her efforts in the pool.

At Coldwater’s annual Fall College Sports Signing Day, McKinley made her college choice official as she signed her letter of intent to swim for Northern Michigan University.

“Northern Michigan just felt like home right from the start,” said McKinley. “It’s just a perfect location in Marquette and I feel just like I am a really good fit on the team, plus with the scholarship and them having the programs I am looking into, it was a good fit. Also the team environment is just so amazing that I don’t think I could go anywhere else.”

In McKinley the Northern Michigan Wildcats are getting a four year state finalist and a four time All-State honoree, including this year where she earned a sixth place finish in the 50 yard Freestyle and an eighth place finish in the 100 yard Freestyle. The Wildcats are also getting one of the hardest workers to ever come though the Cardinal program.

“Jillian (McKinley) is the hardest worker I have ever had,” said Coldwater head swimming coach Aaron Ulrich. “I tell the girls you only get what you put in and she has taken that to heart. She is also a pure racer. We did not taper into the conference meet as we were wanting to taper into the state meet and she still had her best swims ever. I think college will be an exciting step forward for Jill, balancing practices, studies, and college life will be her only hurdle.”

McKinley leaves Coldwater as the most decorated swimmer in the history of the program all while holding or being a part of 10 school records. McKinley holds individual records in the 200 yard Freestyle in a time of 2 minutes, 4.44 seconds (set in 2020); the 200 yard Individual Medley in a time of 2 minutes 20.76 seconds (2018); the 50 yard Freestyle in a time of 24.09 seconds (2021); the 100 yard Butterfly in a time of 57.42 seconds (2021); the 100 yard Freestyle in a time of 53.39 seconds (2021); the 500 yard Freestyle in a time of 5 minutes, 43.42 seconds (2021); and the 100 yard Breaststroke in a time of 1 minute, 10.62 seconds (2021).

McKinley is also a part of all three relay school records, holding the 200 yard Medley Relay record with teammates Rebekka Lund, Jayda Kelly and Paige Kirkpatrick in a time of 2 minutes, 3.66 seconds (2018); the 200 yard Freestyle relay along with teammates Anna DeMeester, Masyn Marsh and Randi Dudek in a time of 1 minute, 43.42 seconds (2021); and the 400 yard Freestyle relay along with teammates Kory Ulrich, Rebekka Lund and Jayda Kelly in a time of 3 minutes, 55.77 seconds (2018).

While McKinley also considered the University of Maine and Michigan State University, it was the Spartans closing down their swimming program that ultimately led her to Northern Michigan where she will major in either Nursing, Pre-Med or Laboratory Sciences.

McKinley has undoubtedly been a big part of many great moments in the pool while wearing the red and white of Coldwater but her fondest memory came just this year when her 200 yard Freestyle Relay team finally made the cut for the MHSAA State Finals.

“My best memory has to be when we finally were able to get the 200 yard Freestyle Relay cut for state,” said McKinley. “We had being trying so hard for so long to get there and when we finally did the room was just so electric, I’ve never felt so proud for other people and my self, it was amazing.”

As for what’s in store for McKinley at the collegiate level it looks like the sprints will be her home as she has shown a natural ability to compete at any distance. No matter what distance she swims, McKinley has the drive and determination to succeed at the next level.

“I think Jillian (McKinley) has a legitimate shot to make it to NCAA Nationals,” said Ulrich. “Jillian has that drive to push herself to the next level. I just wish her the best moving on in her swimming career.”

Despite a record breaking career and numerous All-State honors, the best is yet to come for McKinley as she takes her talents north. Congratulations to Coldwater’s Jillian McKinley on her decision to continue her academic and athletic career at Northern Michigan University.

Get to Know Your Recruit

Name: Jillian McKinley

High School: Coldwater High School

College: Northern Michigan University

Major: Either Nursing, Pre-Med or Laboratory Sciences

Favorite Food: Chicken and Dumplings

Favorite Dessert: Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Favorite Movie: Into the Wild

Favorite TV Show: Bojack Horseman

Favorite Book: Animal Farm by George Orwell

Hobbies: I like to hike and I also play soccer

This article originally appeared on The Daily Reporter: Coldwater's Jillian McKinley signs with Northern Michigan University Swimming