PHOENIX, Arizona, September 17. NATIONALLY-ranked sprinter Kristen Vredeveld has made her college choice, giving the senior from The Baylor School the first major recruiting announcement in the early phase of this recruiting season.
Vredeveld finished her junior year at Baylor as a six-star recruit in the Swimming World College Recruit Rankings system, posting the fastest 50-yard freestyle among high school swimmers with a 22.27 and placing second nationally in the 100-yard freestyle (48.67) behind Missy Franklin. (Click here to see Vredeveld's profile.) Both times would have placed Vredeveld in the top 16 at this past spring's NCAA championships. Those points could help the University of California-Berkeley, where Vredeveld has verbally committed to attending in 2013.
“Cal has been my top choice since I took an unofficial visit there last summer,” Vredeveld told Swimming World, “and as I've gotten to know both Teri McKeever and Kristen Cunnane, I've wanted to be a Golden Bear even more. During my recent visit, I felt so welcomed, and I got to experience the closeness of the team and the support they have for each other in everything they do. After being on campus and getting to know the girls, Cal feels like the perfect fit for me. I know that I'll be able to continue improving in the pool as well as in the classroom thanks to the amazing academics and swimming Cal offers.”
Though known for her sprint prowess, Vredeveld could also give the Golden Bears a boost in the 200 freestyle, where her best time of 1:45.63 would also have ranked in the top 16 at the 2012 NCAAs.
With Vredeveld's commitment, UC-Berkeley has now garnered three strong freshman classes in a row, beginning with Cindy Tran back in 2010. Tran, a former 100 back national high school record holder, would go on to win two 100 back NCAA titles in her first two years at California. Last year, the Bears signed current 100 back national record holder (and future Olympian) Rachel Bootsma, as well as 200-yard back American record holder Elizabeth Pelton.
Vredeveld's announcement only leaves Franklin as the other Swimming World six-star recruit in play for college coaches among females this season. Lia Neal is also a top senior set to make a college choice this fall. Neal won a bronze medal in the 400 free relay in London.
Recruits: To make sure we have the most updated information on your recruiting, and to earn the highest star ranking you deserve, please either create a new profile, or request to take over your admin-created account in the Swimming World College Recruit Rankings. Then make sure to update your profile with your top times. Click here for information on how to do so.