Luke Garrett, a standout swimmer from the Lakeside Aquatic Club and Flower Mound High School in Texas, has committed to joining the University of Cincinnati’s swim team in the fall of 2025. This commitment marks a significant milestone for the Bearcats as they continue to strengthen their program with some of the nation’s top freestyle talent.
Although Texas has traditionally not been a major recruiting ground for Cincinnati, the team has recently expanded its recruiting efforts, securing two male freshmen from the state this season. As part of the broader recruitment strategy, the class of 2025 now includes at least seven recruits from six different states, although one of those athletes has since decommitted.
Garrett has already proven himself as one of Texas’ top freestyle swimmers. At the 2024 Texas 6A State Championship, he finished an impressive 4th in the 100 freestyle, following a dominant performance in the regional championships where he claimed victories in both the 100 and 200 freestyle events.
In addition to his individual achievements, Garrett has also set 10 North Texas Swimming LSC records, many of which were earned in relay events. He has teamed up with Maximus Williamson, a fellow National Age Group Record-holder and Virginia commit, to break records, including the 17-18 National Age Group Record in the 400 freestyle relay at the Winter Juniors in December.
Garrett’s early commitment signals his potential to make an immediate impact at Cincinnati. With his best times in the 200 and 100 freestyle already ranking 3rd and 4th, respectively, on the current Bearcats’ roster, he is set to contribute significantly upon arrival. His 200 freestyle time, for instance, would place him 3rd on the team this season, while his 100 freestyle time would rank 4th.
Current Cincinnati Bearcats Men’s 200 Freestyle Rankings:
- Max Murray – 1:37.68 (5th year)
- Luke van Deusen – 1:38.03 (freshman)
- Michael Sachau – 1:38.62 (freshman)
- Dean Sherrer – 1:38.64 (sophomore)
- Owen Holland – 1:39.37 (junior)
- Nathan Spetz – 1:39.56 (freshman)
The Bearcats’ freestyle ranks currently feature a strong senior presence, with Max Murray holding the team’s best time in the 200 freestyle. However, both Murray and top 100 freestyler Hunter Gubeno, who holds a 43.44 time in the 100 freestyle, will be departing after this season, leaving room for Garrett and his fellow freshmen to step into leadership roles in these events.
Last season, Cincinnati finished 4th out of 5 teams at the Big 12 Championship. With several new programs joining the conference—such as Arizona, Arizona State, and Utah—Garrett’s addition will be pivotal as the team looks to make a stronger push for conference success in the coming years.
Garrett’s commitment is particularly important for Cincinnati, which currently ranks 6th out of 7 teams in the 400 freestyle relay and 7th out of 7 teams in the 800 freestyle relay within the conference. As one of the best freestyle recruits in the program’s history, Garrett’s contribution will be crucial to improving these relay performances and elevating the Bearcats’ standing in the conference.
Joining Garrett in the Cincinnati class of 2025 are other talented recruits, including Aiden Gerst from Iowa (via Dubai), Connor Bennett from Ohio, Billy Connor from Maryland, Sawyer Tapp from Kentucky, and Alejandro Varon from Florida. With these additions, Cincinnati is poised for an exciting future in competitive swimming.
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