Is it too early to declare the Cal women’s class of 2012 the greatest recruiting class of all time? Ok, that might be a bit of hyperbole, but with their latest addition of Lauren Driscoll before the big rush on commitments has even begun, it looks as though this Cal class could be headed towards that destiny. After earning verbal commitments from Driscoll and US National Teamers Liz Pelton and Rachel Bootsma, Driscoll decided that she, too, would be a Cal Bear next fall.
Just two weeks after visiting the Berkeley campus, Driscoll made her decision. She also reportedly took visits to USC and Georgia. This gives Cal three out of the top 5 recruits in the country according to collegeswimming.com (with the top two yet to make a decision).
Driscoll hails from American Heritage High School in Florida (the same program that just sent #6 Lindsey McKnight to the University of Florida). She counts amongst her major international accomplishments a Jr. Pan Pacs meet record in the 800 free from the 2010 meet and the Florida High School record in the 200 free.
The middle-distance freestyles could be her bread-and-butter at the NCAA level. She goes 1:45.37/4:39.17 in the 200 and 500, the latter of which would have placed her 12th at NCAA’s last season.
The versatile Ft. Lauderdale product also enters her senior season with a best of 50.16 in the 100 free, 2:00.74/4:11.08 in the IM’s, and a 1:56.59 in the 200 back (though that was done as a 15-year old, so she could have a much-faster time in her).
Amongst swim fans, Cal is the popular destination for just about every top swimmer, and with the way coach Teri McKeever is recruiting, that might not be far from the truth. You have to wonder, however, with the last two classes that she’s brought in, how much scholarship money is going to be left next summer to sign the big gem, Missy Franklin. Of course, with the program that McKeever is building, it might not be long until top-10 recruits are going there- sans scholarship money- just to be a part of it.
GO BEARS! Nuf said.
If you have never seen Driscoll compete before, and are a swimming fan, it should be on your aquatic bucket list. Cal is lucky to get her. One of the most beautiful and efficient freestyles i have ever seen, male or female. Her coach, duffy dillon, has trained her to be more successful in college than in high school, and has stated that there is no ceiling at all for this young and talented athelete.