Get ready, swimming fans, because the Stanford Cardinal are making waves! They've just snagged a verbal commitment from New Mexico's two-time State Champion, Soren Carlson, for the fall of 2027. This exciting news is brought to you by Fitter and Faster Swim Camps, the proud sponsor of SwimSwam’s College Recruiting Channel. For many young athletes, swimming in college is a dream, and Fitter and Faster is thrilled to celebrate these dedicated swimmers and the people who support them.
Soren Carlson, a rising star from Albuquerque, is set to trade the New Mexico mountains for the California coast, joining the Stanford Cardinal in a few years.
In his own words, Carlson expressed his excitement: "I’m excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Stanford University! I would like to thank God, my family, and friends for their support throughout this journey. I would also like to thank Coach Jim, Coach Elise, and all of the other coaches who have helped me get to where I am today. Finally, a huge thank you to Coach Dan and Coach Mike for giving me this incredible opportunity. GO CARD!!"
Let's dive into Carlson's impressive high school career. As a freshman, he made a splash at the New Mexico State Championships, earning two top-8 finishes. He took 4th place in the 50 free (22.22) and 5th in the 100 free (48.71). He also anchored the 200 medley relay to a silver medal with a split of 21.54 and clinched a gold medal in the 200 Free Relay, clocking in at 21.60.
The following year, Carlson dominated, winning both individual events and anchoring two winning relays. He anchored the 200 Medley in 20.43, helping his team win by over five seconds. Individually, he set personal bests in both the 50 free (20.77) and the 100 free (45.34). His team also secured a victory in the 100 free relay with a time of 3:11.69. Albuquerque Academy had an outstanding performance, winning nine events and accumulating 356.5 points, significantly ahead of La Cueva's 220.
Carlson continued his stellar performance into the spring season, competing for Charger Aquatics at the Sectionals meet in Austin. He achieved personal bests in the 50, 100, and 200 free. In the 50, he clocked his second sub-21 second time, finishing 20th overall with a time of 20.75. In the 100, he broke 45 seconds for the first time in prelims, finishing at 44.98, which earned him 10th place. In the finals, he placed 8th overall at 45.06. In the 200 free, he broke 1:40 for the first time, with a prelims swim of 1:39.62. He then went on to record 1:38.94 in the finals, finishing 13th overall.
His success continued in the summer long course season, where Carlson won the 100 and 200 free at the Western Zone Senior Championships, setting new personal bests of 52.26 and 1:55.53, respectively. He placed 10th in the 50 with a time of 24.31, but had already set a PB earlier in the season with a time of 24.28 at the Sacramento stop of the Pro Swim Series in April.
Here are Carlson's current best times in short course yards (SCY):
- 50 Free – 20.75
- 100 Free – 44.98
- 200 Free – 1:38.94
Carlson still has his junior year and senior year to hone his skills before joining the Stanford program, led by Coach Dan Schemmel, in the fall of 2027. In their first year in the ACC, Stanford finished 2nd behind former Pac-12 rival California, scoring 1065 points to Cal’s 1271.5. Stanford also finished 2nd best among ACC schools at the 2025 Men’s NCAA championships, earning 216 points, placing 8th overall.
To make a second swim at ACCs, swimmers needed times of 19.41, 42.78, and 1:34.41, all faster than Carlson's current bests. However, he has two years to improve before joining the team. By the time Carlson arrives, Stanford will have lost their top finishers in the 50 and 100 freestyles.
Stanford is building a strong team, having brought in SwimSwam’s #6 ranked class this year. In Carlson’s class, Stanford is making an even bigger splash, with commitments from four of the top 20 in SwimSwam’s Way too Early Recruit Rankings.
But here's where it gets controversial... Do you think Carlson's times will be competitive enough by the time he joins Stanford? What are your thoughts on Stanford's recruiting strategy? Share your opinions in the comments below!
About Fitter and Faster Swim Tour
Fitter & Faster Swim Camps offer innovative teaching platforms for competitive swimmers of all levels. Camps are held year-round across the USA and Canada and are led by elite swimmers and coaches. Visit fitterandfaster.com to find or request a swim camp near you.
FFT SOCIAL
- Instagram –@fitterandfasterswimtour
- Facebook –@fitterandfastertour
- Twitter –@fitterandfaster
FFT is a SwimSwam partner.
