Indiana Nabs 2028 Verbal From Versatile Missouri Valley LSC Record Holder Kinley Baber
NEW COMMIT: Indiana University has continued to put together an impressive recruiting class for Fall 2028, most recently receiving a verbal commitment from Kinley Baber of Overland Park, Kan. Baber is a versatile Summer Nationals qualifier.
She will join Clare Herfel, Avery Daigle and Thea Bike in Bloomington as a member of the Hoosiers’ Class of 2032.
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“Trusting where He leads. Go Hoosiers! Endlessly grateful for everyone who has supported me and helped make this possible. A special thank you to Coach Looze, Coach Ryan, and the entire Indiana coaching staff for the opportunity of a lifetime. I am incredibly thankful to my parents for the sacrifices they have made for me, and to my Empire coaches and teammates for pushing me to be better every day. Lastly, to my sisters, thank you for always being in my corner and leading by example. Can’t wait to represent the Cream & Crimson. Never Daunted!!”
Baber does her club swimming with Empire KC Swim Club. She most recently competed at Junior Nationals this past summer where she placed 26th in the 200m IM after racing five events at USA Swimming Nationals. She finished 20th in the 400 IM at Juniors West in December before going on to win the 200 breast at Plantation Speedo Sectionals in February.
Baber had a great showing at Columbia Speedo Sectionals in March. She placed in the top five in all six of her events, highlighted by silver in the 200 breast and bronze in the 50 fly. She also collected seven new best times at that meet.
Her best times include:
- 200 IM – 2:00.58
- 400 IM – 4:14.52
- 200 fly – 1:59.26
- 100 fly – 55.28
- 50 fly – 24.71
- 200 breast – 2:12.55
- 100 breast – 1:03.06
- 50 breast – 28.67
- 100 free – 51.53
Baber is also a Missouri Valley LSC record holder, including in the 200 fly (1:59.26) and 50 breast (28.67) for the girls 15-16 age group.
Baber’s top times would’ve ranked third in the 50 breast and 400 IM, fourth in the 200 breast and sixth in the 200 IM on the Hoosiers’ roster last year. She would’ve placed in the B-final of the 200 breast as well as the C-final of the 200 IM and 400 IM at last year’s conference meet.
Indiana finished second at the 2026 Big Ten Championships and seventh at the 2026 NCAA Championships.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
