Hold onto your swim caps, because the Stanford Cardinal just made a splash in the recruiting pool! Soren Carlson, a two-time New Mexico High School State Champion, has verbally committed to join their roster in 2027, and this young talent is already turning heads. But here's where it gets exciting: Carlson isn't just any swimmer; he's a rising star with a proven track record of dominance in the pool. And this is the part most people miss—his journey from the mountains of Albuquerque to the prestigious shores of Palo Alto is a testament to hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Sponsored by Fitter and Faster Swim Camps, a leading name in swim training and development, this announcement underscores the importance of mentorship and support in nurturing young athletes. For many, swimming in college is more than a sport—it's a lifelong dream. Fitter and Faster is proud to celebrate these athletes and the coaches, families, and friends who stand by them every stroke of the way. Speaking of support, Carlson’s heartfelt commitment statement highlights the role of his faith, family, and coaches in his success. From Coach Jim and Coach Elise to Coach Dan and Coach Mike, each has played a pivotal role in shaping his career. But is it enough to propel him to the top at Stanford? Only time will tell.
As a freshman, Carlson made waves at the New Mexico State Championships, securing two top-8 finishes in the 50 and 100 freestyle events. Fast forward a year, and he swept his individual events, anchoring relays to gold and setting personal bests that left competitors in his wake. His success wasn’t confined to high school meets; at the Sectionals in Austin, he continued to shatter his own records, dipping under 21 seconds in the 50 free and breaking the 45-second barrier in the 100 free for the first time. But can he maintain this momentum over the next two years?
Carlson’s long course season was equally impressive, with victories in the 100 and 200 free at the Western Zone Senior Championships. His best short course times—20.75 in the 50 free, 44.98 in the 100 free, and 1:38.94 in the 200 free—showcase his potential, but will they be enough to secure a spot in Stanford’s competitive lineup? By 2027, the Cardinal will have lost key sprinters like Rafael Gu, Jonathan Tan, Andrei Minakov, and Andres Dupont, leaving room for new talent like Carlson to step up. However, with Stanford’s recruiting classes packed with top-tier sprinters like Maxwell Stanislaus, Nathan Foucu, Luke Vatev, and Owen Ekk, the competition will be fierce.
Here’s the controversial question: Is Stanford’s recruiting strategy too focused on sprinting talent, or are they building a well-rounded team for the future? Carlson’s class alone includes four of the top 20 recruits in SwimSwam’s Way Too Early Rankings, raising eyebrows about the program’s direction. As Carlson prepares to join the Dan Schemmel-led program, one thing is clear: his journey is just beginning, and the swimming world will be watching closely.
What are your thoughts? Is Stanford’s recruiting strategy a recipe for success, or are they overlooking other key areas? Let us know in the comments below!
If you have a commitment to report, don’t hesitate to reach out. Send an email with a photo and a quote to [email protected]. And if you’re looking to elevate your swimming game, check out Fitter and Faster Swim Camps at fitterandfaster.com. Follow them on Instagram (@fitterandfasterswimtour), Facebook (@fitterandfastertour), and Twitter (@fitterandfaster) to stay updated on the latest in swim training and athlete development.
