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.
Carmel Swim Club’s Kayla Barr has verbally declared her commitment to the University of Minnesota. Barr is currently a junior, and a member of one of the most elite high school training groups in the nation in Carmel High School.
I’m thrilled to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at the University of Minnesota!!! I want to thank my parents, coaches, and teammates for supporting me to achieve this dream. I would also like to thank the Minnesota coaches for providing me with an opportunity of a lifetime!!! GO GOPHERS〽️〽️
Last February, Barr helped the Carmel Girls claim a historic 38th consecutive win at the 2024 IHSAA Girls Swimming and Diving Championships. There, Barr led off the winning 200 medley relay in 26.45 and anchored the 400 free relay in 51.32. She additionally placed 9th in the 100 back (55.96) and 4th in the 200 IM (2:02.66), totalling 24 individual points for the team.
More recently, at Speedo Sectionals – Indianapolis (LCM) in March, Barr swam to 5 top 16 finishes, all of which were personal bests. She placed 5th in the 200 IM (2:20.01) and 10th in the 200 back (2:18.34). She was 8th in the 400 IM, setting a PB in prelims (4:55.89), 6th in 200 free (2:04.12)—less than a tenth off her prelim swim of 2:04.03— and 14th in the 100 back (1:05.40), once again just missing her newly minted PB from prelims of 1:05.15.
Best times SCY:
- 200 IM – 2:02.66
- 400 IM – 4:21.20
- 100 free – 51.68
- 200 free – 1:53.06
- 100 back – 55.96
- 200 back – 2:01.18
At the 2024 Big Ten Championships, the Gophers placed 5th out of 12 teams; at NCAAs the following month, they finished 20th. In order to qualify for a second swim at B1Gs, it took times of 2:01.03/4:19.44 in the 200/400 IM, 50.07 in the 100 free, and 2:00.57 in the 200 back.
Barr’s times in her best events would rank within the top 10 on Minnesota’s roster this past year, with her 200 IM, 400 IM, and 100 free ranking 4th, 5th, and 6th, respectively.
Barr’s fellow 2025 commits consist of Finnly Jollands (Back/Sprint Free), Emma Fellman (Breastroke), and Mia Foster (Distance Free).
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.
