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.
Kyler Heffner has announced his verbal commitment to Georgia Tech, beginning with the 2024-2025 season. Heffner’s decision keeps him in-state, as he currently attends Brookwood High School in Snellville, Georgia. He is also a long-time member of Swim Atlanta, a 2023 Gold Medal Club under USA Swimming’s Club Excellence Program.
“I am very excited to announce my commitment to Georgia Tech to continue my swimming and academic career. I would like to thank my parents, coach Chris, Chris Jr., Scot, Gayle, Willie, Rovie, and Callahan. I would also like to thank the Georgia Tech staff for this opportunity! GO JACKETS”
Heffner is a distance freestyle and butterfly specialist. He recently earned a 2023 Summer Nationals time standard in the 1000 free, having swum a best time of 9:05.00 at a local club meet this month. At the same meet, Heffner dropped over six seconds in the 200 fly to log a best time of 1:47.56.
Top SCY Times:
- 200 free – 1:38.89
- 500 free – 4:24.22
- 1000 free – 9:05.00
- 1650 free – 15:18.41
- 100 fly – 48.78
- 200 fly – 1:47.56
Heffner also had a highly successful showing at Winter Juniors – East, where he earned his highest finish in the 1650 at 11th (15:18.41). He also advanced to finals in the 500 freestyle, clocking a 4:27.03 in finals to grab 15th overall. Additionally, he contributed to Swim Atlanta’s 3rd-place 800 freestyle relay, swimming a 1:40.68 on the anchor leg.
Following Winter Juniors, Heffner competed at the Georgia High School State Championships where he took runner-up in the 500 free with a best time and school record of 4:24.22. He also swam a 1:39.81 in the 200 free, good for 4th. He served as the fly leg of his school’s runner-up 200 medley relay (22.71), as well as the 2nd leg of their runner-up 400 freestyle relay (46.81).
The Georgia Tech men finished 9th out of 12 teams at the 2023 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Championships this past February. The Jackets qualified three swimmers for the NCAA Championships, including Batur Unlu, Berke Saka, and Mert Kilavuz.
Distance freestyle was one of the stronger event groups this season for Georgia Tech, as they tallied 43 points apiece in the 500 and 1650. Leading the way for the Jackets in the 500 was Unlu, who took 2nd with a 4:12.35. Kilavuz earned runner-up in the 1650, swimming a season best time of 4:41.50.
Heffner is currently just outside of scoring range in the 500 free, but projects to be top-16 in the 1650 with his current best time. Although Unlu will have graduated by the time Heffner arrives, he’ll get to train with Kilavuz for a year.
Heffner is Georgia Tech’s first public commitment for their class of 2028.
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.
