NEW COMMIT: Kirkland, Wash. native Tyler Lu, arguably one of the most sought-out recruits in the class of 2025, has announced his verbal commitment to Northwestern University.
Lu is the boys’ 13-14 National Age Group record-holder in the 400 IM and has swum on the NAG record-setting 11-12 4×50 medley, 13-14 4×100 medley, and 13-14 4x50m medley relays.
Regarding his commitment, he said:
“Super excited to announce my verbal commitment to swim and study at Northwestern University! I want to thank my friends, family, and @tommycunningham4 for being an amazing coach and supporting me throughout my swim career. Go Wildcats!”
An Olympic Trials qualifier, Lu swims year-round with Seattle Metropolitan Aquatic Club and is one of the best IMers and backstrokers in the class. At Juniors West in December, he won the 200 IM and was the runner-up in the 200 back. He won two events at Federal Way Sectionals in 2019 and most recently notched three best times at the Washington Open.
Last summer, he competed in three events at Phillips 66 Nationals after collecting the gold medal in the 400m IM at Pacific Northwest Seniors. He also placed 13th in the 100m back at Junior Nationals.
His best times include:
- 200 IM – 1:44.87
- 400 IM – 3:48.14
- 200 back – 1:42.97
- 100 back – 47.34
- 200 free – 1:37.43
- 100 free – 44.60
- 50 free – 20.41
- 200 breast – 1:59.05
Even with a year to go before suiting up for the Wildcats, Lu will make an immediate impact both individually and on relays. He would’ve scored in the B-final of the 100 back, 200 back, 200 IM, and 400 IM at the 2020 Big Ten Championships, as well as the C-final in the 100 free.
Northwestern finished fifth overall in the team standings at last seasons’s conference meet, and Katie Robinson has recently been tabbed the Wildcats’ new head coach.
He will arrive in Evanston, Ill. at the start of the 2021-22 season along with Daniel Matheson.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
