Background
Ryan “Hoff” Hoffer was born July 9, 1998. Hoff comes from a very athletic family. His swimming genes are no surprise to anyone who knows his parents, Allison and Scott. Both parents swam for Arizona State University. His brother, Brandon, was a standout age group swimmer before switching to basketball. Brandon currently played for Colorado Mesa University. Dad, Scott, is a chiropractor.
Hoff swam for Scottsdale Aquatic Club and trained under head coach Kevin Zacher in high school.
Early Success
As a high school sophomore, AZ Central News named him “Boys Swimmer of the Year.” He set state records in both the 50 and 100 freestyles, swimming a 19.53 and 43.20 respectively. His 19.53 surpassed the state record he set as a freshman by 0.02.
As a 17 year old, he was ranked first in the 17-18 year old age group in the 50 yard freestyle with a 19.06, and 50 meter freestyle with a 22.80.
In April, 2016, Hoffer committed to compete for the University of California Golden Bears.
College (California)
2017-2018
In his freshman season at Cal, Hoffer earned 2 individual All-Americans. In the 50 free, he tied with Auburn junior Zach Apple for 5th place at 18.97. In the 100 fly, he placed 6th at 44.93. He also anchored Cal’s 2nd place 200 medley relay in 18.25, which also set an American record. Hoffer additionally swam legs on Cal’s 400 medley relay (4th), 200 free relay (3rd), and 400 free relay (3rd).
2018-2019
At the 2019 NCAA’s, Hoffer went a best time in the 50 freestyle for the first time in over 2 years. In prelims, he touched in 18.58, seeded first headed into finals. In finals, he touched 1st at 18.63, only .05 ahead of his Cal teammate, Pawel Sendyk, as the bears went 1-2 in the event. Hoffer also placed 7th in the 100 fly (45.14, 45.04 in prelims) and 6th in the 100 free (41.82). On the 200 free relay, Hoffer split 18.43 to help the bears to a national title.
National/International Competition
At the 2015 Speedo Winter Junior National Championships held in Austin, Texas, Hoff won 4 events: 50 yard free – 19.06, 100 yard fly – 45.46, 100 yard back – 45.58, and the 100 yard free – 41.23. Not only proving himself as an up and coming sprinter, but a versatile swimmer that should have many colleges knocking on his door. This 100 yard free broke Caeleb Dressel’s National Age Group record by a very impressive .67 seconds, and was only .15 seconds away from Nathan Adrian’s American Record.
