News Summary

Double Olympic medalist Alex Shackell has announced her commitment to swim for Indiana University starting in spring 2026 after previously decommitting from Cal. This decision brings her closer to home and marks a new chapter in her impressive swimming career. Shackell, a standout swimmer in her high school and an accomplished athlete, will continue training at Carmel Swim Club under her long-time coach. Her commitment fuels excitement for the upcoming collegiate swimming season as she prepares to contribute to IU’s strong swimming legacy.

Carmel, Indiana – A New Chapter Begins for Alex Shackell

In an exciting development for the swimming world, double Olympic medalist Alex Shackell has announced her commitment to swim for Indiana University (IU) starting in the spring of 2026. This decision comes after she initially committed to the University of California, Berkeley (Cal) but chose to decommit in October 2024 following some personal reflections on her future.

The Journey Home

Shackell, considered the country’s #1 recruit in the class of 2025, is making a return to her roots. She will be training under her long-time coach Chris Plumb at the Carmel Swim Club, just a stone’s throw away from her hometown of Carmel, Indiana. This move allows her to stay close to her family and friends, making it a heartwarming return home.

On March 2, 2025, she took to Instagram to share her commitment with the world, generating buzz in both the swimming community and among her fanbase. Her decision comes at a time when she looks to build on her already impressive swimming credentials.

Breaking Records and Making History

Shackell’s high school swimming career has been nothing short of impressive. She has dominated the state swimming championships, winning titles in the 100-yard butterfly for four consecutive years. In addition, she has clinched titles in the 50 freestyle and 100 backstroke, showcasing her versatility in the pool.

More recently, Shackell finished second in the 200 meter butterfly at the 2024 Olympic Trials, which earned her a spot on the U.S. Olympic team. She shined on the world stage, placing sixth in the 200 fly while contributing to an American silver medal in the 800 free relay and a gold medal in the 400 medley relay as a prelim swimmer.

What Lies Ahead at IU

As Shackell joins IU’s women’s swimming team, which finished second at the Big Ten Championships, she has big shoes to fill—three of their top scorers have graduated. Her entry will undoubtedly be crucial, especially since her current best times would rank her fifth in the 100 fly and second in the 200 fly for the Hoosiers.

To accommodate her training and competition schedule, Shackell plans to pursue a hybrid class schedule that includes both in-person and virtual classes. This flexibility will allow her to continue developing her skills in the water while obtaining her degree.

A Family Legacy

Shackell’s family has a remarkable swimming legacy that adds a fascinating layer to her story. Both of her parents swam at Auburn University, and her brother Aaron is expected to compete for the Paris 2024 Olympic Team. Meanwhile, another brother, Andrew, is set to swim at Texas. This legacy of excellence runs deep in the Shackell family.

Looking to the Future

As Shackell wraps up her high school swimming career with yet another state championship, she has her sights set on competing at the USA Swimming Championships in June. This event could open doors to even more international opportunities for this young star.

With her commitment to Indiana University, Shackell expressed her eagerness to get involved with the supportive IU community and her enthusiasm to positively contribute to her new team. With her record of outstanding achievements, there’s no doubt that the future looks bright for this talented swimmer.

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