Fitter and Faster Swim Camps is the proud sponsor of SwimSwam’s College Recruiting Channel and all commitment news. For many, swimming in college is a lifelong dream that is pursued with dedication and determination. Fitter and Faster is proud to honor these athletes and those who supported them on their journey.
Texas high school state finalist Avery Hearon has announced her verbal commitment to swim and study at Pepperdine University beginning in the fall of 2027. She publicized the news in an email to SwimSwam, writing:
I am beyond thrilled and so incredibly blessed to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Pepperdine University!! First, I want to give thanks to God for blessing me with this opportunity and for giving me wisdom and guidance during this process. Thank you to my family for their unwavering love, support, and belief in me! I am so thankful for my teammates and coaches for their support in my swim journey. Lastly, A HUGE thank you to Coach Dan and Coach Emma for this amazing opportunity. I could not be more grateful and honored to be part of the Pepperdine SWIVE family!! GO WAVES!
A rising senior at Clear Lake High School in Houston, Texas, Hearon has been a member of her school’s varsity swimming team since her freshman year. She also trains year-round with the South Shore Sails, where she primarily specializes in middle-distance freestyle and IM.
Hearon qualified for and competed at the University Interscholastic League (UIL) 6A State Championships for the first time this past February, where she finished 10th in the 200 IM (2:05.71) and 16th in the 500 free (5:03.69). Her time in the 200 IM is a current PB, while she clocked 5:01.31 in the 500 free at Regionals a few weeks prior. She dropped about seven and a half seconds in the 500 free on the season, and nearly three seconds in the 200 IM. She also clocked 4:29.54 in the 400 IM at a local club meet a few months before the high school season began, marking a similar seven-and-a-half-second drop on the season.
Hearon’s best times in the 100 and 200 free stem from the 2024-25 season: she swam 52.93 in the 100 at the TISCA Gulf Invite in November 2024 and 1:54.60 in the 200 at the GU TWST Speedo Winter Classic Invitational in January 2025, then set season bests of 53.61 and 1:54.64 in 2025-26.
Top SCY Times:
- 100 Freestyle: 52.93
- 200 Freestyle: 1:54.60
- 500 Freestyle: 5:01.31
- 200 IM: 2:05.71
- 400 IM: 4:29.54
A Division I Mid-Major program, Pepperdine competes in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF), with the women’s team placing sixth out of 10 teams in 2026. Hearon’s current personal bests in the 200 IM, 400 IM, and 500 free would have been fast enough to qualify for ‘B’ finals, setting her up to be an immediate contributor, with two full seasons of training still ahead before lining up at her first conference meet.
Hearon joins back/fly specialist Ava Terella in committing to Pepperdine’s class of 2031 so far.
If you have a commitment to report, please send an email with a photo (landscape, or horizontal, looks best) and a quote to [email protected].
About the Fitter and Faster Swim Tour
Fitter & Faster Swim Camps feature the most innovative teaching platforms for competitive swimmers of all levels. Camps are produced year-round throughout the USA and Canada. All camps are led by elite swimmers and coaches. Visit fitterandfaster.com to find or request a swim camp near you.
FFT SOCIAL
Instagram – @fitterandfasterswimtour
Facebook – @fitterandfastertour
Twitter – @fitterandfaster
FFT is a SwimSwam partner.
