Junior Pan Pacs Runner-Up David Sammons Joins Cal’s Loaded Class of 2032
NEW COMMIT: The University of California, Berkeley has already put together a monster recruiting class for Fall 2028, having most recently earned a verbal pledge from Charlotte, N.C. native David Sammons. Sammons, arguably the top recruit in the class, is a member of the 2026-27 U.S. National Junior Team.
He will join Grant Bellin, Cullen Kahl and Kai Joyner in Berkeley as a member of the Golden Bears’ Class of 2032.
Regarding his commitment, he said:
“After much thought and consideration, I’m honored and grateful to announce my commitment to swim and study at the University of California, Berkeley! First, I’d like to thank my family, friends, and Coaches Chuck, Ben, and Russ for their unwavering commitment to helping me grow and succeed both as an athlete and as a person. I’d also like to thank Coach Dave and the entire Cal staff for their constant support, belief in me, and guidance throughout the recruiting process. I’m honored and humbled by the opportunity to be a part of such a historic program and something greater than myself. GO BEARS!!
”
Sammons is a member of the 2026-27 U.S. National Junior Team in the 200m back, 200m fly, 200m IM and 400m IM. His four events are tied for the most by an individual on the men’s side.
He most recently competed at Junior Pan Pacs this past summer where he earned silver in both the 200m back and 200m fly while finishing seventh in the 400m IM and ninth in the 200m IM. He finaled in all four of those events at USA Swimming Nationals, highlighted by 18th-place showings in the 200m back and 200m fly.
Sammons, who does his club swimming with SwimMAC Carolina, finished 10th in the 200m fly and 12th in the 400m IM at the U.S. Open last winter before going on to take fourth in the 200 fly and eighth in the 400 IM at Juniors East. He won four gold medals at North Carolina Short Course Seniors in February and was the 200m fly champion at Indianapolis Speedo Sectionals in March.
His best times include:
- 200 fly – 1:43.03
- 100 fly – 47.43
- 200 IM – 1:47.17
- 400 IM – 3:44.87
- 200 free – 1:35.37
- 200 back – 1:44.16
- 100 back – 48.91
- 100 free – 45.52
Currently a junior at Charlotte Latin High School, Sammons won the 200 free and was the 100 fly runner-up at the 2026 North Carolina Independent Schools Division 1 State Championships while helping his 4×50 free and 4×100 free relays win.
The Golden Bears won their second straight Atlantic Coast Conference championship title in 2026 before placing seventh at the 2026 NCAA Championships. Cal has won 11 conference titles in program history.
Sammons’ best times in the 200 fly and 400 IM are already fast enough to have scored in the B-final of last year’s conference championship.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
