News Summary

Bloomington buzzes with news as swimming prodigy Alex Shackell announces her commitment to Indiana University. The two-time Olympic medalist plans to join the IU swim team in 2026 after deferring her enrollment for training. Shackell’s choice reflects her desire to stay close to home and continue her rigorous training, drawing support from her community. With impressive achievements and future goals ahead, Shackell is set to make waves at IU and beyond, as she competes for a spot in the upcoming World Aquatics Championships.

Alex Shackell Swims Toward New Horizons in Bloomington

Bloomington, Indiana, is buzzing with excitement after the announcement that swimming star Alex Shackell has committed to Indiana University (IU)! This news comes after Shackell, the nation’s top swimming recruit from the class of 2025, made headlines when she decommitted from the University of California, Berkeley (Cal) back in October 2024. Now, the young athlete is charting a new course, and it’s just as thrilling as a last-lap sprint in the pool!

Reflecting on the Future

After taking some time to reflect on her goals and aspirations, Shackell decided to defer her college enrollment by one year, allowing her to focus on her training while keeping her future college plans in mind. Starting in the spring of 2026, she will officially join the IU swim and dive team, and she proudly shared her decision with the world on March 2 through her popular Twitter profile.

An Impressive Background

Shackell is no ordinary recruit. She is a two-time Olympic medalist and even holds a world record in short-course relays—all while finishing up her education at Carmel High School. With such a decorated background, it’s easy to see why she is highly sought after, and why her announcement has made waves throughout the collegiate sports scene.

Staying Close to Home

One major factor in Shackell’s decision was the close proximity of IU to her hometown of Carmel, Indiana. This makes it easy for her to stay connected with family and friends, two things that are vitally important as she dives into the world of collegiate athletics. As she prepares for this new chapter, the support from her community has proven to be an invaluable asset.

Training and Classes

Shackell plans to take a combination of in-person and virtual classes at IU while continuing her training under the guidance of her longtime coach, Chris Plumb, from the esteemed Carmel Swim Club. This setup seems perfect for balancing her academic pursuits and her rigorous training schedule, ensuring she is well-prepared for every challenge that comes her way.

A Bright Future Ahead

Before making her transition to IU, Shackell recently wrapped up her high school swimming career with another state championship, just in time to fine-tune her skills for the upcoming USA Swimming Championships in Indianapolis this June. And the stakes are high—a solid performance at the World Trials could launch her into the World Aquatics Championships taking place in Singapore later this summer.

The Spirit of IU

As Shackell embraces her new adventure, she has expressed gratitude for the warm welcome she has received from the IU community. This heartfelt support has made her feel valued as she embarks on this promising path, and it’s clear that she is eager to make her mark at the university. Coach Plumb has acknowledged how important family is in Shackell’s decision-making process, and it’s wonderful to see that this strong support system will continue to accompany her on her collegiate journey.

Aligning Goals

Ultimately, Shackell takes immense pride in her decision to commit to Indiana University. It reflects not just a strategic career move but also aligns beautifully with her personal goals as an athlete. With dreams of pushing competitive boundaries and reaching new heights in her sport, Shackell is all set to shine on the collegiate stage. Indiana University, get ready—this swimming superstar is just getting started!

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