News Summary

Local swimming star Addison Bitel has verbally committed to join Duke University’s swimming team in the fall of 2026. Currently swimming with the Windermere Lakers, she has gained national recognition, especially in breaststroke events. Her impressive swimming accomplishments include top finishes at state championships and national age group awards. Addison’s potential adds excitement to Duke’s future as she joins other talented recruits. As she prepares for this new journey, she expresses gratitude for the support from family and coaches, setting the stage for a bright collegiate career.

Exciting News from Windermere: Addison Bitel Takes the Plunge into Duke University!

Windermere is buzzing with enthusiasm as local swimming sensation _Addison Bitel_ has made a thrilling announcement! The talented breaststroke specialist has verbally committed to swim for _Duke University_ starting in the fall of 2026. This decision is a huge leap in her swimming career and a proud moment for the Windermere community!

A Breaststroke Powerhouse

Currently honing her skills with the _Windermere Lakers_ and studying at _Windermere Preparatory School_, Addison has proven herself to be a force in the water. Just recently, she showcased her exceptional talent by finishing 2nd in the 100 breaststroke at the _2024 FHSAA Class 1A State Championship_, clocking in at a personal best time of _1:02.65_. Not only did she stand out at state-level competitions, but she also snagged runner-up spots at both the _Southern Zone South Sectional Championships_ and the _Florida High School 1A State Championships_. Talk about a winning streak!

A National Contender

At just 15 years old, Addison was recognized on a national scale, receiving a _National Age Group award_ for her outstanding fifth-place ranking in the 100 breaststroke. She’s not just a competitor; she’s also been honored as a member of the _USA Swimming Scholastic All-America Team_ for both the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 seasons. This clearly shows that she’s balancing her academics and swimming like a pro!

Impressive Records and Future Goals

But there’s more excitement to come! During the _2025 Florida Senior Championship_, Addison achieved her best time in the 200 breaststroke with a stellar _2:12.50_, qualifying her for the _2025 Junior National Championships_. In the same event, she also finished 2nd in the 100 breast with a season-best time of _1:01.94_ and secured 3rd in the 50 breast with her personal best at _28.67_. And don’t overlook her fantastic contributions to relay teams that clinched 1st place in both the 200 and 400 medley relays!

Growing through Challenges

Her hard work and determination have also led her to record lifetime bests this year in several events, including the 200 Individual Medley with a time of _2:05.27_, 100 butterfly at _57.10_, and 200 freestyle at _1:54.46_. Addison has shown remarkable versatility, achieving spectacular long course swimming results too, with strong finishes at the _2025 Southern Zone South Sectional Championships_. She certainly knows how to make waves!

A Bright Future at Duke

Addison’s decision to join Duke’s swim team is truly exciting news. Her times in the 100 and 200 breaststroke would have placed her among the top competitors on Duke’s current roster. Although the women’s team finished 11th out of 15 at the _2025 Women’s Atlantic Coast Championships_, they are eager for new talent like Addison to boost their performance in the coming years.

New Friends and Fellow Recruits

Joining her at Duke will be a group of promising recruits, including _Lily Doyle_, _Emory DeGuenther_, _Quinn White_, _Gracyn Kehoe_, and _Riley Anderson_. With strong breaststroke competitors like Gracyn, who has impressive times of _1:01.72_ in the 100 and _2:14.46_ in the 200, and Quinn’s _1:03.84_ in the 100 breast, the future looks bright for Duke’s swimming program!

Thankful for Support

As Addison embarks on this exciting new chapter, she emphasizes her gratitude for her family, friends, and coaches who have supported her journey. With her inspiring commitment and fierce dedication to the sport, there’s no stopping this talented swimmer!

Here’s to Addison Bitel, the future star of Duke University swimming, as she prepares to make a splash at the collegiate level. We can’t wait to see all the incredible things she will achieve!

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