2027 “BOTR” Backstroker Sutton Forbis Makes Verbal Pledge to NC State

Fitter and Faster Swim Camps is the proud sponsor of SwimSwam’s College Recruiting Channel and all commitment news. For many, swimming in college is a lifelong dream that is pursued with dedication and determination. Fitter and Faster is proud to honor these athletes and those who supported them on their journey.

Sutton Forbis from Bellevue Club Swim Team in Seattle, Washington, has announced her intention to swim and study at North Carolina State University beginning in the 2027-28 school year.

“I am beyond excited and grateful to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic careers at NC State University! I want to give a special thanks to Coach Abi and Coach Ash for helping me reach this point in my career, as well as my family and teammates who have always supported me!! I also want to give a HUGE thanks to Coach Braden, Coach Stef, Coach Josh and the rest of the coaching staff for giving me this amazing opportunity! I cannot wait to be a part of this amazing team! GO WOLFPACK 🐺♦️”

The Sammamish High School junior swims year-round with Bellevue Club Swim Team and specializes in backstroke and freestyle. We considered her a “Best of the Rest” recruit on our Way Too Early list of top girls’ swimmers in the high school class of 2027.

As a freshman at the 2023 WIAA Girls 2A State Championships, Forbis won the 200 IM and the 100 back with 2:05.67 (a PB) and 56.63, respectively. Last fall, she didn’t compete at the state meet but had some nice performances at Winter Juniors West, where she hit lifetime bests of 25.33 in the 50 back, 54.38 in the 100 back, 1:59.59 in the 200 back, and 54.94 in the 100 fly.

Ten days later, she competed at the Washington State Senior Championships and unleashed a flurry of PBs, going 23.28 in the 50 free, 1:49.72 in the 200 free, 5:05.04 in the 500 free, 25.14 in the 50 back, and 25.06 in the 50 fly. She was a top-8 finisher in all her events at the Washington Open a month later, and she took home a new PB in the 200 IM with 2:04.99.

At the 2025 SwimStrong Dyland National Championship at the end of March, Forbis again dropped time in the 100 back (53.63), 200 back (1:56.55), and 100 fly (54.35), and she added a new PB in the 100 free (49.88).

Forbis kicked off long-course season at Bellevue Club’s May Flowers meet, earning new PBs in the 50 free (26.61), 100 free (58.30), 200 free (2:07.01), 400 free (4:35.72), 100 back (1:03.92), and 100 fly (1:02.47). At Summer Juniors, she wrapped up the season with new times in the 50 free (25.92), 100 free (57.74), 50 back (30.03), 100 back (1:02.64), and 200 back (2:17.07).

NC State has been a preferred destination for backstrokers for a number of years. Even with the 2024 graduation of Katharine Berkoff, the Wolfpack still fielded one of the best backstroke groups in the country last season with Leah Shackley (50.06), Erika Pelaez (50.46), Kennedy Noble (50.75), Olivia Nel (51.90), and Annabel Crush (52.98).

Forbis will join the NC State class of 2031 with fellow verbal commits Emily Wolf (#7), Carly Afanasewicz (#9), and Chloe Teger (“Honorable Mention”).

Best SCY times:

• 50 back – 25.14
• 100 back – 53.63
• 200 back – 1:56.55
• 50 free – 23.28
• 100 free – 49.88
• 200 free – 1:49.72
• 100 fly – 54.35
• 200 IM – 2:03.94

If you have a commitment to report, please send an email with a photo (landscape, or horizontal, looks best) and a quote to [email protected].

About the Fitter and Faster Swim Tour 

Fitter & Faster Swim Camps feature the most innovative teaching platforms for competitive swimmers of all levels. Camps are produced year-round throughout the USA and Canada. All camps are led by elite swimmers and coaches. Visit fitterandfaster.com to find or request a swim camp near you.

FFT SOCIAL

Instagram – @fitterandfasterswimtour
Facebook – @fitterandfastertour
Twitter – @fitterandfaster

^{FFT is a SwimSwam partner.}