Sprinter Albert Smelzer Verbally Commits To Cal For 2026
NEW COMMIT: Olympic Trials qualifier Albert Smelzer of Greensboro, North Carolina, will head to the west coast after verbally committing to the University of California, Berkeley, for Fall 2026.
He will join Tim Wu, JD Thumann, Baylor Stanton and Aiden Hammer in Berkeley as a member of the Golden Bears’ Class of 2030.
Regarding his commitment, he said:
“I am blessed to announce my verbal commitment to further my athletic and academic career at the University of California Berkeley! Many people have helped me tremendously in reaching this decision: I want to thank Coach Ron, my family, and my teammates for all the support I have received along the way. Thank you to the Cal coaches for this amazing opportunity. Go Bears!!”
Smelzer trains year-round with Greensboro Swimming Association. He was the runner-up in the 50 free at Juniors East last month where he also won the B-final of the 100 free. He also took 11th in the 50 free at the Toyota U.S. Open.
Last summer, he took silver in the 50m free at Richmond Futures as well as at North Carolina Long Course Seniors. He also competed at Olympic Trials.
His best times include:
- 50 free – 19.68
- 100 free – 43.16
- 200 free – 1:38.15
- 1oo back – 48.38
- 100 fly – 48.89
Currently a junior at Page High School, Smelzer took second in the 50 free and fourth in the 100 free at the 2024 North Carolina 4A State Championships. He earned bronze and silver, respectively, in those events during his freshman season.
The Golden Bears finished second at the 2024 NCAA Championships. Cal now competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
