Florida Gators Get 2026 Verbal From Butterflyer Liam Smith
NEW COMMIT: A native of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Junior National finalist Liam Smith has declared his verbal intention to continue his academic and swimming career at the University of Florida beginning in Fall 2026.
He will join Santiago Alzate-Celin in Gainesville as a member of the Gators’ Class of 2030.
He told Swimming World:
“I’m very excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and swimming career at the University of Florida. First I want to thank God for putting me in the position to be able to accomplish my goals and dreams. Next I want to thank all the coaches at the University of Florida for giving me this amazing opportunity. I also want to thank my parents and my brother, along with my amazing coaches (Coach Parker and Coach Belton) for supporting me through this whole process. Go Gators!!!”
Smith, who does his club swimming with Greater Kalamazoo Crocs, is a talented butterflyer and IMer. He earned bronze in the 200m fly at Minneapolis Futures this past summer where he also took sixth in the 400m IM and 11th in the 200m IM. Last December, he raced to 11th in the 200 fly at Juniors East.
His best times include:
- 100 fly – 48.02
- 200 fly – 1:46.60
- 200 IM – 1:48.64
Currently a junior at Otsego High School, Smith won the 100 fly and 200 IM at the 2024 Michigan DIII State Championships. He finished first and third, respectively, in those events during his freshman year.
The Gators won their 12th consecutive Southeastern Conference title in 2024.
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