NEW COMMIT: Olympic Trials qualifier and Huntersville, N.C. native Baylor Nelson, one of the most sought-out recruits in the Class of 2026, has announced his college decision: Texas A&M University.
His older sister, Emme Nelson, is currently a freshman breaststroker/IMer in College Station.
Along with Connor Foote of San Antonio, Texas, he is the second verbal pledge the Aggies have received for the fall of 2022.
Regarding his commitment, he said:
“I’m humbled to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and swimming career at Texas A&M University! Big thanks to everyone who has helped me get to where I am today! #gig’em
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A versatile swimmer, Nelson does his club swimming with SwimMAC Carolina and earned seven best times at the NC 18&U Winter Championships in December before going on to win the 200m back at the TYR Pro Swim Series in Richmond. Last March, he posted five top-8 finishes at Cary Sectionals and placed eighth in the 400 IM at Juniors East in 2019.
In Summer 2019, Nelson had a strong showing at Greensboro Sectionals and finished fourth in the 200m IM at Junior Nationals. He has made steady improvements over the past two years: He has dropped five seconds in the 200 IM, 10 in the 400 IM, two in the 100 back/100 fly, three in the 200 back, and six in the 200 fly.
Photo Courtesy: Baylor Nelson
His best times include:
- 200 IM – 1:45.04
- 400 IM – 3:48.37
- 100 back – 48.25
- 200 back – 1:44.38
- 100 fly – 47.50
- 200 fly – 1:46.92
Currently a junior at Community School of Davidson, Nelson is a six-time individual North Carolina 1A/2A State Championship finalist. The USA Swimming Scholastic All-American won the 100 fly and 200 IM in 2019 and 2020 while taking second and first, respectively, in those events during his rookie campaign.
Under head coach Jay Holmes, Texas A&M finished second in the team standings at the 2020 SEC Championships behind Florida. At last year’s conference meet, Nelson would’ve placed in the C-final of the 200 back,, 200 IM, and 400 IM.
The Aggies’ commits for the fall of 2021 – Noah Beladi, Clayton Conklin, Jacob DeLagerheim, Seth Reno, Trey Dickey, Munzy Kabbara and Tyler Hulet – all hail from Texas.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
I knew Baylor would be an Olympian the first time I saw him swim at age 9 . A pure natural with amazing drive to be the best !!! Emme his sister also rates right there . Grandkids !!!! You are special!!!!