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Sprint freestyle specialist Libbi McCarthy of Edina, Minnesota, has announced that she will continue her swimming career at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado beginning in the fall of 2026.
McCarthy had originally committed, sending her verbal to the University of Minnesota back in 2024, but she flipped her commitment to Air Force earlier this year.
McCarthy competes for Edina High School and the Edina Swim Club. In 2024, she was recognized as a “Best of the Rest” recruit in our Way Too Early recruit rankings in the girls’ high school class of 2026.
“I’m incredibly proud and honored to announce my commitment to swim and study at the United States Air Force Academy. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to serve my country while continuing both my academic and athletic careers. Thank you to my family and coaches for supporting me every step of the way. A special thank you to Coach Murphy and Coach Scott for this amazing opportunity. Go Falcons! 💙🇺🇸”
McCarthy was a two-time champion at the 2025 MSHSL Girls Class AA State Championship (SCY) in November, winning the 50 free (22.52) and 100 free (49.32). Both times remain her lifetime bests.
At the 2025 Minnesota Senior Short Course Championships in March, McCarthy finished 3rd in the 50 free (23.04), 3rd in the 100 free (50.51), 5th in the 200 free (1:50.89), 5th in the 200 IM (2:06.01), 7th in the 200 fly (2:05.26), and 12th in the 100 fly (56.75). Her performances in the 200 free, 100 fly, 200 fly, and 200 IM were best times.
Top Yard Times
- 50 Free – 22.52
- 100 Free – 49.32
- 200 Free – 1:50.89
The Air Force Academy’s women’s team placed 6th out of 11 teams at the 2026 Mountain West Conference Championships. McCarthy has the potential to make an immediate impact. Her times in the 50 free and 100 free would have been the fastest on the team last season, and both would have qualified for the ‘A’ final at the 2026 conference championships.
Juliet Percenti, Evelyn Dellinger, Abby Jacob, Lauren Lucas, Charlee DeJong, Emma Dobie, Ellie Foulke, and Tara Talwar will also arrive on campus in fall 2026. McCarthy holds the fastest sprint times in the group.
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does swimswam still do the way too early to rank articles?? they stopped at class of 26. what about class of 27? class of 28 starts recruiting this summer
Another huge loss for Minnesota