Minnetonka, Minnesota native Sam Schilling has verbally committed to join the University of Virginia Class of 2021 men’s swim team.
Schilling told SwimSwam, “I’m pumped to announce my verbal commitment to swim at the University of Virginia. UVa has an outstanding swim team culture that feels like family and a dynamic coaching staff. The University[‘s] academics and the school’s strong connections to American history impressed me too. I can’t wait to be part of it! WAHOOWA!”
He swims for the Aquajets in Eden Prairie, Minnesota under Coach Kate Lundsten at the club level, as well as for Minnetonka High School under Coach Dan Berve.
Schilling is a freestyle ace who should immediately contribute to the Cavaliers at ACC Champs, and possibly beyond. He is the reigning back-to-back Minnesota High School AA Champion in the 200 and 500 yard free. He will look to continue his streak of state titles as a senior.
He’s also had success in the big pool. At this year’s Summer Junior Nationals, he placed 7th in the 100 meter free and 8th in the 200 meter free. Schilling’s best time in the 200 meter free (1:51.60) qualified him for this summer’s Olympic Trials. Notably, he appears to be trending upward just in time to arrive in Charlottesville, Virginia. His best times in the 100, 200 and 400 meter free have all come in the last four months, setting him up for an impressive short course season if he can maintain the conditioning and confidence over the coming months.
His best times are:
| Event | Time (SCY) | Time (LCM) |
| 50 Free | 21.05 | 23.87 |
| 100 Free | 44.83 | 51.22 |
| 200 Free | 1:37.40 | 1:51.60 |
| 500 Free | 4:28.69 | 4:03.61 |
| 100 Back | 51.04(r) | 1:00.04(r) |
Schilling’s best times would’ve placed him 4th in the 50 Free, 5th in the 100 Free and 3rd in the 200 Free on UVA’s list of top performers for the 2015-2016 season. He is the sixth verbal commitment for the Cavaliers, joining Cooper Wozencraft, Dylan Cudahy, Edward Rudman, Matt Otto and Robby Giller.
If you have a commitment to report, please send an email to [email protected].
Sam is just hitting his stride!! Congrats and good luck. Your Aquajet family will be cheering for you!!
Congratulations Sam! We enjoyed watching you swim this summer at Junior
Nationals! So Happy for You and Your Family! Friends from Indiana!!!
The Vaughan Family
Congrats to Sam and his family! Aquajets contunues to produce quality college swimmers!! Excellent job Coach Lundsten and her coaching staff!
Kid is solid. Unfortunately, he’ll have to go against those big boys from NC State. Good luck Sam!
Congratulations, Sam! We’re cheering for you and can’t wait to watch you improve. As I like to say, “Woohoo!”
good job sammy. Sammy my boi. this is ur buddy Austin Pham. oh Sammy ur so fine, ur so fine you blow my mind HEY Sammy!
Split a 49.8 this summer too. Might be worth a mention
Or 19.75 in the anchoring the 200 Medley Relay last HS season.
Yeah Sam!! Congrats buddy!