Alabama Sprinter Jada Scott Cleared for Return Ahead of Season Opener

Alabama’s standout sprinter, Jada Scott, has been cleared to compete for the Crimson Tide ahead of their season opener on Friday against Division II powerhouse Delta State. Scott had missed the second half of last season due to a shoulder injury.

In her freshman year, Scott made an immediate impact for Alabama’s women’s swim team. Partnered with fellow freshman Cadence Vincent, the duo emerged as one of the top rookie sprint pairings in the country before Scott’s injury. She secured victories in the 100 freestyle, 100 backstroke, and 200 individual medley during her SEC debut against Missouri in October and finished 7th in the 50 freestyle at the Tennessee Invite in November.

Despite battling her shoulder injury throughout the fall semester, Scott still posted personal bests in the 100 backstroke (53.77), 100 freestyle (48.21), and 50 freestyle in long course (25.86).

According to an Alabama spokesperson, Scott spent much of the spring and summer rehabbing her injury. Although the team remained optimistic about her return for the new season, she only recently received full medical clearance to compete again.

As of Tuesday, it was still uncertain whether Scott would be included on the team’s travel roster for the season opener. However, she is now listed among the team’s entries for Friday’s meet, scheduled for a 1:00 PM Central Time start against Delta State’s Fighting Okra in Mississippi.

If Scott can regain full strength, she has the potential to score in three events for Alabama. Her versatility in the backstroke also makes her a valuable asset for relays. Last season, Alabama finished 6th out of 12 teams at the SEC Championship without Scott, 132 points behind 5th-place Georgia. The addition of Texas, the three-time defending NCAA runners-up, to the conference will likely shake up the competitive landscape.

Originally from San Antonio, Scott was a Texas High School State Champion in both the 50 freestyle (22.42) and 100 breaststroke (1:00.59) during her senior year. She also finished 5th in the 50 freestyle at the Speedo Winter Junior West meet.