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.
Lillyana “Lilly” Caples from Pleasanton, California, has made a verbal commitment to the admission process* at Princeton University, where she will join her older brother Devyn Caples (Princeton class of ’28) beginning in 2026-27 school year. At the time of her commitment, she wrote on social media:
“I am thrilled to announce my verbal commitment to the admissions process to further my athletic and academic career at Princeton University! I would like to thank my family, coaches, and teammates for their unconditional support throughout this process. Additionally, I would like to thank Coach Abby and Coach Kelsey for this amazing opportunity. Go Tigers!! 🐯🧡🖤”
A rising senior at Amador Valley High School, Caples recently moved back to the club team Pleasanton Seahawks after having spent the last two years at Crow Canyon Country Club. We considered her one of the “Best of the Rest” in the distance freestyle category on our Way Too Early list of top swimming recruits from the high school class of 2026. In the last year, she has improved her times in the 200/500/1000 free and came within 1.3 seconds of her PB in the mile.
Caples swam the 200 free and 100 breast in high school competition this year, clocking lifetime bests in both events (1:52.88/1:06.24) at the EBAL league championships. She competed in the 200/500 free at CIF-North Coast Section Championships, coming in 9th and 2nd, respectively. She finished 5th in the 500 at the 2025 CIF State Championships.
She kicked off long course season at U.S. Nationals in June, then had a strong showing at Orinda Aquatics’ Senior Open a month later, where she put up lifetime bests in the 50/100 free, 100/200 back, 100 breast, and 200 IM.
Best SCY times:
- 1650 free – 16:44.00
- 1000 free – 9:57.56
- 500 free – 4:50.57
- 200 free – 1:52.88
Caples will join former teammate Natalie Mak (incoming first-year in Princeton’s class of 2029) and verbal commits to the class of 2030, Angela Kadoorie, Lanie Tietjen, and Victoria Edgar. Her best times would have scored for the 3x Ivy League defending champions at the 2025 conference meet in the top 8 of the 1650 free and the ‘A’ final of the 500 free. It took 1:51.78 to get a second swim in the 200 free.
*Note: A verbal commitment between an Ivy League coach and a prospective student-athlete is not an offer of admission, as only the Admission Office has that authority. The coach can only commit his or her support in the admission process. Ivy League Admission Offices do not issue “Likely Letters” before October 1 of the prospective student-athlete’s senior year of high school. The Likely Letter, while issued after an initial read of the student’s application, is not an offer of admission to the university.
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.
Congrats! Best of luck at Princeton.
Great choice!