NEW COMMIT: Stanford University has landed their first verbal commitment for the fall of 2022, and it’s a big one: Olympic Trials qualifier Liam Custer of Osprey, Fla., arguably the most sought-out recruit in his class.
Custer does his club swimming with Sarasota Sharks for coach Brent Arckey, the same club team that produced recent Olympian Emma Weyant.
Regarding his commitment, he said:
“I am extremely excited to announce my commitment to swim and study at Stanford University! It has been my dream to attend Stanford since I was 10 years old, and I would like to thank my coaches, family, and teammates for their support in helping me reach this goal. I can’t wait for life on the farm! GO CARD!!!??”
Primarily a distance freestyle specialist, Custer has versatility that makes him one of the top recruits in his year. He most recently raced the 800m and 1500 free at Wave II of the U.S. Olympic Trials in Omaha. Earlier this spring, he raced to fourth in the 400m free and sixth in the 800m free at TYR Pro Swim Series in San Antonio.
Custer had a great showing at the U.S. Open back in November, placing seventh in the mile and earning five best times. In August 2019, he finished fifth in the 200m back at Greensboro Futures.
A dual citizen in Ireland, he competed at the Irish Short Course Championships in December 2019. There, he collected three silver medals and a bronze while picking up best times in all of his events.
Liam Custer’s best times include:
- 200 free – 1:36.22
- 500 free – 4:18.49
- 1000 free – 8:51.37
- 1650 free – 14:37.86
- 200 back – 1:45.91
- 200 fly – 1:47.04
- 200 IM – 1:47.41
- 400 IM – 3:48.41
A rising senior at Riverview Sarasota High School, Liam Custer is a five-time Florida 4A State Championship finalist. He won both the 200 IM and 500 free as a junior while taking second and third, respectively, in those events during his sophomore season.
He has also earned USA Swimming Scholastic All-American honors twice in his career thus far.
Custer is undoubtedly a huge addition to The Farm when he arrives as a member of the Class of 2026. He would’ve scored in the A-final of the 500 free as well as earned the silver medal in the mile at the 2021 Pac-12 Championships.
His best time in the mile, 14:37.86, would’ve placed seventh at the 2021 NCAA Championships.
The Cardinal are also bringing in Avery Voss, Hayden Zheng, Matt Fenlon, Hayden Kwan and Gabe Machado this fall.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.