Emma Sticklen: Underwater Kicking Champ Shines in Fifth Year at Texas
Emma Sticklen, a star swimmer at the University of Texas, has made a name for herself as one of the best underwater dolphin kickers in the sport. Known for her powerful finishes, Sticklen has consistently wowed spectators at the NCAA Championships, securing consecutive wins in 2023 and 2024. Her remarkable underwater skills allow her to surge ahead when others falter, making her one of the most exciting swimmers to watch in the 200 butterfly.
The Power of the Underwater Dolphin Kick
Sticklen‘s ability to dominate in the final stretch of her races has become her signature move. In one of her most memorable races, she defeated Rachel Klinker by staying underwater for 15 meters off the final wall. This powerful move, which allowed her to pull ahead while Klinker had already taken four strokes on the surface, exemplifies Sticklen’s mastery of underwater dolphin kicking.
This underwater dominance didn’t come overnight. It all started when Sticklen was just 14 years old. Feeling exhausted at a Texas Age Group State meet, she decided to rely solely on her kicking during the 100 backstroke event, propelling her to victory. That race made her realize how vital underwater kicking would be to her swimming career.
Developing a Winning Strategy
Sticklen’s underwater strategy is no accident. She and her club coach spent years perfecting her kicks, recording them, and even measuring their velocity. By the time she arrived at Texas, Sticklen already had a well-defined strategy for success in place. Today, she continues to focus on kicking during her training, skipping the traditional kickboard in favor of underwater sets, pushing her limits on every lap.
Her commitment to perfecting her underwater kick has paid off in a big way. Sticklen has become one of Texas’ top swimmers during the program’s most successful period in decades. Her impressive performances have led the team to three consecutive top-two finishes at the NCAA Championships, a feat Texas hadn’t achieved since 1994.
A Longhorn Leader
Unlike many of her peers, Sticklen wasn’t always considered a top recruit. While she found success in Texas, winning state championships, she was relatively unknown on the national stage. However, Sticklen always believed in her potential. She proved it early on, delivering impressive performances during her freshman year, despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 restrictions. Each year, Sticklen has improved, securing her spot in the 100 fly A final at the NCAA Championships for the last three seasons and even breaking into the sub-50-second club in 2024.
A Strong Start to Her Fifth Year
Now in her fifth year, Sticklen has hit the ground running. In the season opener at LSU, she delivered a lifetime-best performance in the 200 fly with a time of 1:49.77, solidifying her spot as one of the top performers in history. She also posted the fastest early-season time in the 100 fly, clocking in at 50.23.
Her decision to return for a fifth year was never in doubt, and Sticklen has embraced the leadership role that comes with being one of the most experienced swimmers on the team. With Texas gearing up for a competitive season that includes high-profile meets against teams like Indiana, Virginia, and NC State, Sticklen is determined to make this year her best yet.
A Bright Future Ahead
Although this is her final year of college swimming, Sticklen has no plans to retire after the NCAA Championships in March. With at least one more long-course season on the horizon, she’s eager to continue competing and push herself to new heights.
Emma Sticklen’s story is a testament to hard work, determination, and the power of finding your own unique strengths. As she puts it, “You don’t have to come into college being a superstar. You can make yourself into that.” And with her positive energy, quirky personality, and relentless drive, Sticklen has certainly made her mark on the swimming world.
