NEW COMMIT: Futures qualifier Caroline Mercer of Louisville, Ky. has announced her verbal commitment to continue her academic and swimming career at Vanderbilt University beginning in the fall of 2022, giving the Commodores their first pledge for the Class of 2026.
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I am extremely excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Vanderbilt University! I would like to thank my family, friends, teammates, and coaches for their endless support. This would not be possible without them. I cannot wait to be a commodore! #anchordown ⚓️??”
Mercer, who does her club swimming with Lakeside Swim Team, won the 100 back at the Speedo Music City Invite in December 2019. In Summer 2019, she finaled in six events at Greensboro Sectionals before going on to grab bronze in the 400m IM at the Kentucky 13&O LCM Championships. Mercer also raced four events at the NCSA Championships.
Her best times include:
- 50 back – 27.62
- 100 back – 56.61
- 200 back – 2:03.15
- 100 fly – 57.20
- 200 IM – 2:10.24
Currently a junior at Sacred Heart Academy, Mercer placed fifth in the 100 fly at the Kentucky State Championships during her freshman season. She helped her team clinch the team title in 2019.
When she arrives on campus at the start of the 2022-23 season, Mercer will add her talents to a backstroke group led by fellow Louisville native and former Sacred Heart grad Tonner DeBeer. She would’ve been the team’s third-fastest 100 backstroker last season and would’ve been No. 4 in the 200 back.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.