Kayla Han Sets Sights on Indiana: Junior Pan Pacs Gold Medalist Joins Hoosiers for 2026

Photo byJack Spitser

In a thrilling announcement that resonates with both aspiration and achievement, 16-year-old Kayla Han has verbally committed to Indiana University, setting the stage for an exciting chapter in collegiate swimming. This news is not just a milestone in Han’s budding career but also a significant boost for the Hoosiers’ freshman class of 2026.

Han, a Junior Pan Pacs gold medalist and National Age Group Record holder, has made waves in the swimming world with her impressive performances. Her decision to join Indiana comes after a year of intense training at Carmel Swim Club in the Greater Indianapolis area, before returning to her original club, La Mirada Armada, for the summer.

“I am so grateful and excited to announce my verbal commitment to pursue my goals at Indiana University! Thank you to my parents, Coach Shipherd, and my Armada family for their unwavering support. Thank you to Coach Looze for giving me the opportunity to become a part of the IU tradition. GO HOOSIERS ❤️🤍” – Kayla Han.

Han’s commitment is a game-changer for Indiana. Her prowess in multiple events is evident from her recent achievements: a gold medal in the 800 free at the Junior Pan Pacs with a time of 8:36.77, and a silver medal in the same event at the 2022 Junior Pan Pacs. Her versatility extends beyond distance freestyles; at the Speedo Summer Championships in July, she clinched victory in the 400 IM with a time of 4:43.09 and secured top-four finishes in the 800 free (8:35.57) and 400 free (4:12.51). Han's performance at the US Olympic Trials in June was equally notable, with a career-best 4:08.21 in the 400 free, placing her 4th, and a 10th-place finish in the 400 IM prelims.

Han’s impressive personal bests include:

• SCY (Short Course Yards): 100 free – 50.54, 200 free – 1:47.00, 500 free – 4:38.12, 1000 free – 9:40.05, 1650 free – 16:00.74, 100 fly – 54.16, 200 fly – 1:57.68, 200 IM – 1:58.03, 400 IM – 4:06.20.
• LCM (Long Course Meters): 100 free – 57.23, 200 free – 1:59.95, 400 free – 4:08.21, 800 free – 8:29.66, 1500 free – 16:16.94, 100 fly – 1:02.36, 200 fly – 2:14.59, 200 IM – 2:16.19, 400 IM – 4:42.32.

Primarily known for her middle-distance and distance freestyle events, as well as the IM, Han also brings considerable speed in the 100 and 200 free, making her a valuable addition to Indiana's relays. Her time in the 400 IM alone would have led the Hoosiers last season by over 2 seconds. Additionally, her career bests would have positioned her among the top competitors in the 500 free and 1650 free.

Looking ahead, Han’s current times would have placed her in the top 15 at the recent NCAA Championships, with potential for further advancements. With two more years of high school competition ahead, her future in collegiate swimming promises to be both impactful and transformative for Indiana University.