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.
Sophie Kiryk, a senior at Saint Paul’s Episcopal School in Mobile, Alabama, has verbally announced her commitment to Florida International University.
“I am so excited to announce my verbal commitment to further my academic and athletic career at Florida International University. Thank you to my parents, coaches, and teammates for supporting me and pushing me to achieve my goals. I’m looking forward to being a part of this incredible team! #PawsUp🐾 #gopanthers”
At the 2022 Alabama High School Girls’ State Championship, Kiryk earned silver in both the 200 free and 500 free. She also competed as the second leg in the 400 free relay that cem in 5th with a time of 54.55, the fastest of the four swimmers.
Kiryk also competes for the City of Mobile Swim Association. At the 2022 Southeastern Long Course Championships in Huntsville, she won the 1500 free and finished 2nd in the 400 IM and 3rd in the 400 free.
Kiryk has 2021 USA Swimming Futures cuts in the 1000 free and 400 IM.
Best short-course yards times:
- 500 free: 5:04.43
- 1000 free: 10:15.71
- 1650 free: 17:16.58
- 200 IM: 2:08.92
- 400 IM: 4:30.41
FIU was a member of Conference USA. At the 2022 women’s C-USA Swimming and Diving Championships, FIU won its 8th consecutive conference title. The Panthers won a total of 33 medals at that meet, including 13 gold. The women’s team, with that win, became FIU’s team with the most consecutive titles in history. At that meet and with her best times, Kiryk would’ve placed 8th in the 1650, and 16th in the 500 and 400 IM.
However, this year FIU joined the American Athletic Conference, along with North Texas, Rice, and Florida Atlantic. FIU will also compete against teams like Houston and SMU.
Whether FIU can compete as well as it did in C-USA remains to be seen, but as the only distance commit so far for this class, Kiryk’s ability to finish in point-scoring range in those events is crucial for the team. Kiryk’s best times would’ve gotten her 10th in the 1650 at AAC Championships and 16th in the 400 IM.
“This group of ladies are going to be great Panthers,” head coach Randy Horner said in a press release about the class of 2027. “We can’t wait to get them on campus next Fall.”
Horner’s contract was extended through 2027, meaning he will be the head coach for Kiryk’s entire time at FIU. Kiryk joins sprint freestyler Keira Stericker, backstroker Linnea Gipperth, and divers Kristina Keenan, Sydney Soto, and Bethany Holman in the class of 2027.
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.
