NEW COMMIT: The University of Michigan has entered the 2022 recruiting game after receiving a verbal commitment from Devon Kitchel of Zionsville, Ind.
She will arrive in Ann Arbor as a member of the Wolverines’ Class of 2026.
She will become the second DI swimmer in her family as her older brother, three-time NCAA qualifier Taite Kitchel, graduated from Purdue in 2019 and still holds the Boilermakers’ school record in the 100 fly.
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“So humbled and EXCITED to announce my verbal commitment to continue my athletic and academic career at the university of Michigan! I choose Michigan for the outstanding academics, coaches, and overall team culture! So thankful for all the love and support I’ve received along the way! GO BLUE!??〽️”
A versatile swimmer, Kitchel trains year-round with Carmel Swim Club and owns several Junior National standards. She had a breakout meet at Juniors East in December where she placed fourth in the 100 fly and 21st in the 100 back.
Last summer, she finished seventh in the 100m fly, 11th in the 400m IM, 12th in the 200m IM, and 15th in the 200m breast at Indiana LCM Seniors. She then went on to race three time trials at Junior Nationals, notching a best time in the 50m breast.
Her best times include:
- 50 free – 23.59
- 100 free – 50.58
- 100 back – 54.90
- 200 back – 2:00.16
- 100 breast – 1:03.77
- 100 fly – 53.39
- 200 IM – 1:59.41
Currently a junior at Zionsville Community High School, Kitchel is already a four-time Indiana State Championship finalist. She won both the 100 fly and 200 IM as a sophomore while taking 11th and 10th, respectively, in those events during her freshman season.
She has also earned USA Swimming Scholastic All-American honors for her efforts in the pool and in the classroom.
Even with just under two years of club swimming still to go before suiting up for the Wolverines at the start of the 2022-23 season, Kitchel will make a big impact. She would’ve scored in the B-final of the 100 fly as well as the C-final of the 200 IM at the 2020 Big Ten Championships, and she’ll join Michigan’s program following the graduation of Maggie Macneil and Olivia Carter.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
