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.
Roman Rodriguez, a Pro Swim Series qualifier and New Mexico state champion, has announced his commitment to swim for the University of Denver beginning in the fall of 2027.
“I’m honored and excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at The University of Denver! Thank you to my family, friends, and teammates for always believing in me and supporting me throughout this journey. Thank you to my long time Coach Daryl who has always believed in me and for helping me grow both in and out of the pool. And I want to thank all the coaches who have helped me along the way to include Coaches Pia, Ginger, Ele, Clarissa, and Kathy; and to my high school Coaches Colleen, Adrian and Nate. Finally, a huge thank you to Coaches Alicia and Mark at the University of Denver for this amazing opportunity! I am so excited and can’t wait! Go Pios!”
A rising senior at Cottonwood Classical Preparatory School in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Rodriguez has been a member of his school’s varsity swimming team since his freshman year. He also trains year-round with Barracuda Swimming, where he primarily specializes in fly and back.
At the New Mexico SC State Championship in March, Rodriguez turned in a string of top performances. He won the 50 back (22.98 – PB), 50 fly (21.83), 100 fly (48.44), 200 fly (1:50.62 – PB), 100 back (52.10) and 200 back (1:52.07) and placed 3rd in the 50 free (21.20 – PB). A few weeks later, Rodriguez threw down a series of lifetime best performances at the Four Corners Sectional Championships. There, he took 3rd in the 200 back (1:46.20 – PB) and 200 fly (1:47.98 – PB) and 7th in the 100 back (48.77 – PB) and 100 fly (48.23). He also placed 20th in the 200 IM in 1:53.60 after setting a lifetime best time of 1:52.74 during prelims, and he finished 39th in the 50 free with a time of 21.84.
Rodriguez is a three-time New Mexico high school state champion. At the 2025 NMAA State Championships, he secured the state title in the 100 back (51.33) and took 3rd in the 100 fly (51.29). He successfully defended his title in the 100 back at the 2026 championship, winning in 49.26, in addition to claiming the state title in the 100 fly in a best time of 47.71 and breaking a 10-year-old state record in the event.
Rodriguez recently competed at the Pro Swim Series (LCM) in Indianapolis, where he contested the 50 back (28.35 – SB), 100 back (1:00.93 – SB), 200 back (2:14.45), 50 fly (25.20), 100 fly (56.52 – SB) and 200 fly (2:09.66 – PB).
Rodriguez is coming off of a phenomenal short course season, having logged significant time drops in each of his top events. On top of his time improvements, Rodriguez was named the Albuquerque Journal Metro Athlete of the Year for boys’ swimming and diving, and he holds seven New Mexico Swimming records. He is also a New Mexico Swimming athlete board member.
Top Time Progression
| Event | 2024-2025 Lifetime Best | 2025-2026 Lifetime Best |
| 100 back | 50.05 | 48.77 |
| 200 back | 1:52.26 | 1:46.20 |
| 100 fly | 49.43 | 47.61 |
| 200 fly | 1:52.97 | 1:47.98 |
| 200 IM | 1:56.26 | 1:52.24 |
A Division I Mid-Major program, Denver is set to join Mountain Pacific Sports Federation beginning in the 2026-2027 season after competing in the Summit League for the past 13 years. Closing out their time in the league, the Denver men clinched their fifth straight Summit League title at the 2026 conference championships.
Based on the results from the 2026 MPSF Championships, Rodriguez would have landed in the ‘A’ final in the 200 back, the ‘B’ final in the 100 back, 100 fly, 200 fly and the ‘C’ final in the 200 IM. On the team itself, his top times would have made him the Pioneers’ top competitor in the 100 back and ranked him 2nd in the 200 back and 100 fly and 3rd in the 200 fly this past season, setting him up to be a strong contributor. With another full season to go and the upcoming conference changes, it remains to be seen exactly how the rosters will shake out before Rodriguez’s arrival.
Rodriguez is currently the only confirmed commit for Denver’s class of 2031, but there is plenty of time for more to join the group.
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.
