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Backstroker Darian Koler Hands Verbal Commitment to the University of Denver

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Darian Koler from Reno, Nevada has announced her verbal commitment to compete in the Summit League with the University of Denver. 

Koler made the announcement via her Instagram account, where she wrote “I’m sooo excited to announce my verbal commitment to further my swimming and academic careers at the University of Denver! Go Pios!!❤️💛” 

Koler is a senior at Galena High School in Reno and competes for Lakeridge Swim Team at the club level. She represented Galena at the 2022 NAIA 5A State Championships (large school), where she finished as the state runner-up in the 50 freestyle (24.43) and came in third in the 100 backstroke in a new best time of 57.16. At the club level, Koler holds USA Swimming Futures cuts in both the 100 backstroke (57.16) and the 200 backstroke (2:02.43). 

Best Times SCY: 

  • 100 backstroke – 57.16
  • 200 backstroke – 2:02.43
  • 50 freestyle – 24.18
  • 100 freestyle – 53.01

With her commitment, Koler adds some depth to the Denver women’s backstroke group, especially in the 100 backstroke, an event that only 5 Denver swimmers contested during the 2021-2022 season. So far this season, her best times in both backstroke events would be the fastest on Denver’s roster. In addition, her times in the 100 backstroke and 200 backstroke would have ranked her 3rd on the roster last season. She lacks a strong third event, Koler could still potentially score some points in the 50 or 100 freestyle with some more development. 

At the 2022 Summit League Championships, the Denver women placed first by a wide margin, scoring 1080 points, over 300 points ahead of second place South Dakota. The team won a total of 17 events, with graduate student Aysia Leckie and freshman Jessica Maeda each winning all three of their individual events. Leckie swept the sprint freestyle events, while Maeda took both breaststroke events and the 200 IM. With her best time, Koler would have qualified for the B final of the 100 backstroke. In addition, she would have made the A-final of the 200 backstroke to contribute points for Denver. Both events were won by Denver redshirt junior Natalie Arky. If Arky elects to use her additional 5th year of eligibility provided to all NCAA athletes who competed during the 2020-2021 season, she will overlap one season with Koler. 

With her commitment, Koler joins Tenaya Winter, Sabrina Rachjaibun, Genevieve Franklin, and Lilly Zippel in Denver’s class of 2027. 

If you have a commitment to report, please send an email with a photo (landscape, or horizontal, looks best) and a quote to [email protected].

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About Braden Keith

Braden Keith

Braden Keith is the Editor-in-Chief and a co-founder/co-owner of SwimSwam.com. He first got his feet wet by building The Swimmers' Circle beginning in January 2010, and now comes to SwimSwam to use that experience and help build a new leader in the sport of swimming. Aside from his life on the InterWet, …

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