As the NCAA qualifiers prepare for their upcoming seasons, standout swimmer Carter Perkins has made an exciting move from La Salle to Florida State, marking a historic step toward national prominence. Perkins, who previously finished second in the 100 free at La Salle, now aims to compete in the ACC and potentially advance to the NCAA Championships. His journey highlights the growing significance of collegiate swimming across the country.
Perkins arrived at La Salle in fall 2023, where he already stood at the top of his league with impressive times in both the 50 and 100 free. His performance at the 2026 Atlantic-10 Championship earned him a spot in the 2026 NCAA Championships, where he placed third in the 100 free with a time of 41.80. This marked a significant milestone for the Seminoles, who will now look to find a top-tier freestyle athlete after Max Wilson’s recent senior season.
In the ACC Championships, Perkins would have qualified for the C final in the 100 free if he had stayed at La Salle. However, his 19.49 50 free time in the ACC set him up for the final, while his 41.81 100 free time led him to the 9th place. The Seminoles’ focus now turns to finding a new top 100 freestyler, with their team featuring Sam Bork, Michel Arkhangelskiy, and Gustav Olsson in the 400 free relay at the ACC. These athletes represent a strong effort to compete at the highest level.
Anya Pelshaw, a former SwimSwam intern, continues to contribute to the swim team. As a writer and social media coordinator, Pelshaw has worked alongside her team at the Women’s and Men’s NCAA Championships since 2021. Her experience spans multiple championships, underscoring the importance of consistent participation and leadership in competitive swimming programs. Pelshaw’s dedication to the sport aligns with the broader trends of youth-focused training initiatives that aim to nurture talent at all levels.
For Perkins, the transition to Florida State represents not just a career shift but also a reflection of how collegiate swimming can provide opportunities for athletes who may have been overlooked during their junior years. This move underscores the evolving landscape of collegiate sports and the potential for young athletes to make meaningful contributions to national championships.
