NEW COMMIT: Campbell, Calif. backstroker and butterflyer Kaling Phung has announced her verbal commitment to the University of Idaho as a member of the class of 2023.
Phung swims year-round with De Anza Cupertino Aquatics and capped off her summer season with a pair of best times at both Santa Clara Futures and Santa Clarita Sectionals. She was a six-time finalist at the President’s Day Senior Meet in February and had an incredibly strong showing at the 2017 Arena Grand Challenge. Also competing for Westmont High School, Phung finished 12th in the 100 back and 13th in the 100 fly at CIF-Central Coast Sections as a junior after placing tenth in both of those events during her sophomore season.
She told Swimming World:
“I’m so excited to announce my commitment to University of Idaho! I knew right away that U of I was the place for me. Coach Mark, Coach Kathrine, and the girls were so welcoming and immediately made me feel at home. The team as a whole is always driven to be successful in everything they do, and I know that I can excel greatly in both academics and athletics at U of I. Thank you to my family, friends, teachers and especially my coaches who helped me through this process. Black and Yellow all the way!!”
Her best times include:
- 100 back – 57.70
- 200 back – 2:06.80
- 100 fly – 56.91
- 200 IM – 2:08.69
When she suits up for the Vandals in the fall of 2019, Phung will join a young but talented backstroke training group that includes Katie Hale and Emily Deitz as well as future classmate Cassidy Jones. She would’ve scored in the B-final of the 100 back and 100 fly at the 2018 WAC Championships where Idaho finished third overall in the team standings.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
