Powhatan (Virginia) High School student Casey Fanz will enter her senior season of high school with the stress of making a college choice already handled.
That’s because Fanz verbally committed on Sunday to swim at the University of Louisville, beginning in the fall of 2016. Before arriving on campus, however, she’ll have the opportunity to race at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials.
“I’m excited and blessed about my decision to attend the University of Louisville,” Fanz said. “I chose Louisville because I will be able to grow as a student and an athlete there. Coach Albiero and his staff are the head of a strong family and are committed to excellence in and out of the pool. I can’t wait to be a part of the Cardinal family and contribute to the team in any way that I can!”
Fanz is primarily a sprint freestyler and backstroker, which has been Louisville’s biggest recruiting needs for the last few years. In yards, her best times are:
- 50 free – 22.58
- 100 free – 50.56
- 100 back – 55.73
- 200 back – 2:00.84
- 100 fly – 56.16
Fanz’s best time in the 50 free would’ve already put her right along side Andrea Kneppers as the Cardinals’ #2 50 freestyler last season, and by the time she’s a sophomore Fanz should take over the top spot for the Cardinals that placed 8th in the 200 free relay at NCAA’s last year.
The Louisville backstroke group, even with the graduation of their top two Tanja Kylliainen and Erica Belcher, is healthier than it has been in years past, and next season should be led by Hannah Magnuson (53.75), who will be just a sophomore. But in a conference loaded with backstrokers, the Cardinal didn’t put any women into the A-Final of the 200 backstroke at last year’s ACC Championships, nor anybody into the A or B finals of the 100 backstroke.
Fanz will have to make improvements between now and the spring of 2017 to change that, however, her rapid improvements in high school show her potential. Coming into her junior season in the 100 backstroke, her best time was a 57.8, which she’s now dropped by two seconds.
Fanz trains with the club Poseidon Swimming.
I’m so excited for you Casey. I’ve looked up to you. I will be cheering you on from home when you are in Omaha.
Way to go CASER THE RACER!!! Louisville is really getting a top notch Chick along with a top notch swimmer!!! The Cardinals also got a bunch of new fan(z) from NJ and VA!!!
Congratulations to Casey! Great girl from a great club!
Congrats to Fanz and the Cardinals. Louisville is capitalizing on their 6th place NCAA finished already!
But, I don’t understand with these super early decisions… As a Junior and before July 1st? I am guessing she couldn’t take an official visit before her senior year (please correct me if I am wrong). Unofficial visit will allow swimmer to learn about the program for very limited time. How does one think he/she would fit in well with the team before spending at least a whole weekend with the team?
I am just trying to figure out the idea behind ‘super early commitment’.
Again, congrats to Fanz and Louisville. ACC seems to attract more and more talented HS swimmers in recent years.
Early committment is not for everyone; but Casey began contacting coaches and visiting schools in October. Casey did not want to take 3-5 recuriting trips her Senior year. She has seen for many that to become a very stressful time; with interrupted academics and training time. She will enjoy one official visit to Louisville in the fall. She is excited and confident with her decision. As I stated; it worked well for us; but may not be the option for everyone.
Thank you for the clarification! Always good to hear about the idea behind such commitment. I wish nothing but the best of luck to both parties.
During the process, was Casey able to spend sometime with any of the swimmers? I took 3 trips (in fact all of them were ACC schools) during my own recruiting process. Prior to recruiting trips, I thought I knew I was going to commit to ‘program A’. Unfortunately, found out that I did not have a great connection with their swimmers during my recruiting trip and ended up committing to a different program. I guess I am just blown away with these early commitments (not just Casey’s) and just wondering the thought behind… Read more »
With the pressure of early Fall signing getting 3 official visits in is tough and stressful. I commend the Fanz family of taking control of the process and controlling the timing and stress. With Junior days and unofficial visits it is possible to get a real picture of a program. Swimmer interaction is critical but still possible as a Junior. Congrats to the Cards, you got a real competitor and solid woman.
As a Junior!! Seems a little early; especially since she is the first commit in that Louisville class.