REDDING, Calif. --- With his signing to Biola Swim & Dive for his collegiate swimming career, Jackson Black is committing himself in more ways than one. Black, who prepped at Redding Christian High School, is not only deciding to continue pursuing his education at a faith-based institution but also to focus on just one sport for the first time in a long while.

Black was a four-sport athlete in high school, earning accolades for the Lions in both swim and basketball as part of two powerhouse programs. In the pool, he was a three-time scholar athlete and also earned three all-section first team and three all-league selections. 

On the court, Black was a guard part of two Lions teams that won CIF section championships, including one that made it to the CIF state championship game. He served as a team captain as a senior and helped the Lions to a 25-4 record with 7.4 points per game according to MaxPreps.com. He was also named a CIF all-star in basketball and made three all-league teams.

While basketball, baseball, and golf will become hobbies when he transitions to his college years, Black is ready to start his next chapter in La Mirada and join a swim team on the rise.

"I chose Biola University because I really could see myself living there, and calling it home for the next four years: I loved the vibe around campus and the people there," said Black. "I am excited to devote more time to a single sport, and be part of a successful swim program with amazing swimmers. Biola gives me the best opportunity to grow athletically, spiritually, and academically; I can't wait to be part of it."

Black specializes in the 100-yard and 200-yard backstroke as well as the 200-yard and 400-yard individual medley and will join a group of young swimmers at Biola who will help push him to new personal bests in the pool. 

Clayton Owens won the 200-backstroke for the second-straight year at the PCSC Championship Meet in 2020 while Alex Ness was top-five in the 100-backstroke and set a new personal best as a freshman at the same meet. Patrick Waggoner also set two new school records in the 200 and 400-IM at the PCSC's and will enter his sophomore year as Black joins the squad this coming fall. 

In addition to his jam-packed sports schedule in high school, Black found time to serve as the athletic commissioner for the Redding Christian student council and also earned National Honors Society membership. He plans to major in business at Biola and hopes to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities after graduation.

Black's first chance to swim for the Eagles will come in late 2020.  More information on the incoming 2020-21 class that will join her at Biola can be found on the Committed Athletes page.