Distance Ace Clare Herfel, U.S. National Junior Team Member, Picks Indiana for 2028
NEW COMMIT: Indiana University has received another impressive verbal commitment for Fall 2028, this time from Clare Herfel of Fort Thomas, Ky. Herfel, a member of the 2026-27 U.S. National Junior Team, is one of the best distance swimmers in her class.
She will join Avery Daigle and Thea Bike in Bloomington as a member of the Hoosiers’ Class of 2032.
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I am so excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Indiana University!! I would like to thank my family for always being there for me and supporting me through everything. I would also like to thank my coaches, friends, and teammates for guiding me and pushing me to be my best. Lastly, I would like to thank Coach Cory, Coach Ray, and all the coaching staff at IU for this incredible opportunity! GO HOOSIERS!!”
Herfelt, who trains year-round with Northern KY Clippers Swimming, is a U.S. Open qualifier who excels in distance freestyle. She most recently competed at USA Swimming National Championships where she placed 24th in the 1500m free. She finished fifth in the mile, sixth in the 1000 free and 10th in the 500 free at Juniors East in December before going on to earn bronze in the 500 free and 1650 free at NCSA Spring Championships in March where she also took fourth in the 1000 free.
Her best times include:
- 500 free – 4:45.05
- 1000 free – 9:47.84
- 1650 free – 16:20.13
- 200 free – 1:49.23
Currently a junior at Notre Dame Academy, Herfel won the 500 free and placed third in the 200 free at the 2026 Kentucky State Championships. She took first and fourth, respectively, in those events at the state meet in 2024 as a freshman.
Indiana finished second at the 2026 Big Ten Championships and seventh at the 2026 NCAA Championships.
Herfel is a huge pickup for the Hoosiers, as her top time in the 1000 free and 1650 free both would’ve ranked first on their roster last year. Her best 500 free time would’ve been second. She would’ve placed 12th in the mile at the 2026 Big Ten Championships and 13th in the500 free.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
