In a case of the rich getting richer, Missy Franklin committed to the Cal Bears over the weekend. Franklin will join the two time defending NCAA Champs in Berkeley and told local news in Colorado that she plans on competing for two years at the collegiate level before going pro to capitalize on the Olympics in 2016. With Ryan Murphy also headed to Cal in the fall, we could look back at this era in Berkeley as one of the most epic dynasties in college swimming history. The biggest blue chip left on the table is Rockville Montgomery’s Jack Conger… Look for that announcement sometime this week.
Plus we’ve got all the headlines from the most recent stop on the World Cup Circuit. And don’t forget to vote in SwimSwam’s poll of the Week.
Any news about the return of Katie Ledecky in the water? She has swum for the first time since London. I would like to know her performance in the 1000 free.
Her last 100 meters was a 57.26 – way faster than Lochte`s.
What do you talk about? I talk about her 1000 free in yards last weekend but I don’t find the results.
I have finally found the results. She has won in 9.42.95. It’s a good first swim.
Two years?? Really what’s the point?? You should commit to your school for 4 years!! This way she is taking scholarship money from someone else for two years. Maybe she should pay for her two years of school and that way scholarships are available for someone who is in need and can contribute all for 4 years. She is a superstar and should go pro now!
I don’t understand your logic. That scholarship will be available to give to someone for four years after she goes pro. Plus she gives the bears a better opportunity to win for the two years she’s there than anyone else could possibly hope to give. Plus it’s not like she’s leaving Berkeley after two years. She’s still going to stay to train and take classes.
Hey you, Missy! Get off my lawn!
Missy and her family informed all the schools recruiting her that she only planned to swim for two years in college, so all the coaches and programs made informed decisions during her recruitment. Like Natalie Coughlin, Missy’s a legacy recruit whose matriculation will pay dividends long after she stops formally swimming for the Golden Bears. Missy, Rachel Bootsma, and Lauren Driscoll ( none of whom are Californians) all idolized Natalie and have explicitely stated their initial interest in Cal came because of Natalie’s connection to Teri and the school.
Eh. One and done (ie. pro) is common and expected in men’s basketball and ice hockey sees a good number of early pros as well. As long as she stays on academic track and doesn’t screw up the Bears’ graduation rates, it’s all good.
Your right it just seems different for a swimmer but of course it’s not!! Don’t get me wrong everyone. Missy is a fabulous swimmer and person!
I think Missy should do what she wants to do and that’s swim in college for a while.
College is fun and she has a right to experience it just like any other kid. It’s her life for criminy sakes!