NEW COMMIT: Brigham Young University has officially entered the Class of 2026 recruiting game after receiving an early verbal commitment from sprinter Julia Bartell of Waconia, Minn.
She told Swimming World:
“I am so excited to finally announce that I have recently verbally committed to continue my academic and athletic career at Brigham Young University! A huge thank you to my parents, brother, coaches, teachers, teammates, and friends, for helping me get to where I am today! I am looking forward to warmer winters and living by the mountains. Cannot wait to see what God has in store for me out in Utah. GO COUGS”
A Junior National qualifier, Bartell trains year-round with Minnetonka Swim Club and most recently placed sixth in both the 50 free and 100 free at Minnesota Seniors in March. In Summer 2019, she sprinted to fourth place in the 50m free at Minnesota LCM Seniors before going on to earn two best times at the NCSA Championships.
Her best times include:
- 50 free – 23.57
- 100 free – 51.81
- 200 free – 1:56.14
- 100 fly – 58.61
Currently a junior at Waconia High School, Bartell is a four-time individual Minnesota Class A State Championship finalist. She collected bronze in both the 50 free and 100 free as a sophomore while taking ninth in those events during her freshman season.
Bartell will add valuable depth both individually and on relays when she arrives on campus in the fall of 2022. She would’ve scored in the B-final of the 50 free and 100 free at last year’s conference meet.
Under head coach John Brooks, the Cougars finished second overall in the team standings at the 2020 MPSF Championships.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
