Collegiate swimming star Ryan Hoffer confirmed to SwimSwam on Friday that he does plan to turn pro and race in the International Swimming League this fall, forgoing a final year of eligibility at Cal.
Hoffer swam for 4 seasons at Cal, but like all NCAA Division I swimmers during the 2020-2021 season, he is eligible for a 5th year because of challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic.
During his Cal career, he won 7 NCAA titles. In 2021, as a senior, he won the 50 free, 100 fly, and 100 free, and was also on the winning 200 and 400 free relays. In 2019, as a sophomore, he won the 50 free and was on the winning Cal 200 free relay. He held top 3 seeds in the 50 free, 100 free, and 100 fly heading into the 2020 NCAA Championship meet, which was ultimately canceled.
In total, Hoffer earned 27 out of a possible 28 All-America certificates in his collegiate career and won 18 Pac-12 titles. He was named the Pac-12 Swimmer of the Year in 2020 and 2021.
A short course specialist known for monster underwaters, Hoffer is widely-expected to be one of the top two picks in the ISL rookie draft, which will take place on June 28.
In the first round of new additions, where only league newcomers are eligible to be drafted, each team receives one selection in reverse order of league finish from last season. This means that Aqua Centurions, DC Trident, and New York Breakers will get the top 3 choices.
Hoffer and Dutch breaststroker Arno Kamminga are the top two rookie entrants in the league. If the general managers see things that way, Hoffer should end up with aqua – a team that already is retaining male breaststrokers Nicolo Martinenghi and Fabio Scozzoli from last season.
That would leave Kamminga for the Trident at pick #2.
Hoffer is the prototype of the kind of swimmer who will benefit most from the ISL’s format. His best finish at the Olympic Trials was 19th place in the 50 free. He still is a ways away from making a major long course U.S. international team, which for most swimmers makes it challenging to extend a career. In the ISL, however, where the 8 top earners last season cleared more than $100,000, Hoffer could keep up a viable living in the sport thanks to his short course abilities.
I wonder if he can get in some backstroke races. That was his second stroke in high school, before being only fly/free in college.
I wonder since ISL actually in fact does not pay their athletes, does that technically mean these NCAA kids can also retain their NCAA eligibility?
Realistically, for a swimmer not in the top 20-30 in the world, what is the income expected between ISL, product endorsements, less agent fees, travel expenses, etc.? I have to think life is pretty tough for those ISL swimmers who aren’t global stars (top 10-15 of their sex).
It depends on your country. So if you’re, say, 70th ranked ISL swimmer that’s about $50k, you could do some clinics and some endorsements that might get you up to $70k or $80k + expenses covered. A few World Cups could get you to $90k. If you’re from a European country you might get some funding that would put you around $110k or $120k. That’s not so bad, depending on how your expenses break.
Beata Nelson is a good example for Ryan Hoffer. She made $66k from the ISL last season. She had a much better LCM meet than Hoffer did, of course, making a Trials final, but maybe he can improve and get to that level too.
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Summer McIntosh featured on this list
That’s quite surprising. She must have no intention of going the NCAA route?
I don’t see Cal’s other star seniors on the list, anyone know their plans?
Staka and Jiang are on the list from Texas but no Katz.
Retiring?
Katz could be taking some time off or something based on his last IG post. I hope he sticks through till 2024 though.
I know Trenton Julian said he is going to stick through till 2024.
Alvin jiang is on the list.
Yea trenton is taking 5th year then going pro
Anyone have an idea of who will be the new head coach at Texas?
Speculation is Wyatt Collins.
Not to go off-topic, but I just noticed Popovici is on the rookie list. I guess that means no NCAA route for him, which considering his rate of improvement is likely a good thing for him to stay with whatever training situation he has currently.
Look at most of the International studs don’t go the NCAA route. Italians, Aussies, GB, Japanese, Russians (unless they grew up in US), etc. of course there are going to be exceptions!
You’re right, I just remember there being some speculation wondering if he’d potentially go that route after his 1:46 2 free and it looks like it’s a no.
Leon Marchand, unless plans change
So I guess the age rule has been watered down significantly.
I actually forgot the minimum age was 18+. I guess fast swimmers are an exception.
Guess there’s no “zero tolerance” mantra for this rule
I think my grandmother is the only one not on the Rookie List!