Lakeside Standout Nora McCarthy Committed to Princeton
The Seattle-area high school swimmer has pledged to join the Tigers' collegiate program starting in 2027.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Swimming
Lakeside High School senior Nora McCarthy has verbally committed to the Princeton University swimming program. She is expected to join the university as part of the class of 2031 for the 2027-28 academic year.
Why it matters
As a two-time USA Swimming Scholastic All-American and a Washington state champion, McCarthy represents a significant talent addition for Princeton. Her commitment follows a consistent progression of personal best times throughout her high school career.
McCarthy recorded personal bests at the Bellevue Club's Premier Invitational in March 2026, including a 53.54 in the 100 back and a 25.35 in the 50 back. These figures show consistent improvement from her 2024 WIAA championship winning 100 back time of 54.83.
The players
Nora McCarthy
A Lakeside High School senior and two-time USA Swimming Scholastic All-American who has committed to Princeton University.
Princeton University
An Ivy League research institution that maintains a competitive Division I swimming program.
Lakeside High School
A private secondary school located in Seattle where McCarthy currently competes.
The details
McCarthy is a decorated swimmer at Lakeside High School and a state champion who has competed at high-level events such as the 2024 WIAA 3A Girls' Swimming and Diving Championships and the 2025 Winter Juniors West meet. She will undergo the standard admissions process at Princeton with the support of the university coaching staff.
Timeline
McCarthy won the 100 back at the 2024 WIAA Championships.
She competed at the 2025 Winter Juniors West meet.
McCarthy updated her lifetime bests at the Premier Invitational in March 2026.
She is scheduled to join the Princeton swimming program for the 2027-28 academic year.
Season Trajectory
This commitment aligns with the institutional recruitment protocols defined by the Ivy League admissions process for student-athletes. By securing a high-caliber recruit like McCarthy, Princeton bolsters its roster depth and continues a pattern of scouting top-tier talent from the Pacific Northwest.
McCarthy's progression to a 53.54 in the 100 back and a 2:23.59 in the 200 breast indicates she will provide immediate depth to Princeton's individual medley and backstroke events. Her transition confirms the continued success of the Lakeside High School program in developing collegiate-level talent.
The takeaway
Student-athletes can secure spots in elite programs by maintaining strong academic and competitive metrics throughout high school. McCarthy's recruitment highlights the importance of consistent personal best improvements during major invitational meets.
Further reading
For more news on local athletes, visit Swimming.
Source note: This article includes information reported by SwimSwam.
