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Austin Conover, a finalist at the 2026 Futures Championship in Sacramento, will be staying close to home next season, as the Los Altos-based swimmer has announced his verbal commitment to swim for Saint Mary’s College of California beginning in the fall of 2027.
“I am so blessed to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Saint Mary’s! First off, I am so grateful to Coach Ellie and the rest of the coaching staff for this amazing opportunity. I would also like to thank my coaches Dana, Paul, and Jason for their unwavering guidance and support that has allowed me to grow as an athlete. Finally, thank you to all my friends, family, and teammates for supporting me throughout this journey. Go Gaels!!!”
A California native, Conover is a senior at Mountain View High School, where he has been a member of the varsity swimming and diving team for the past three years. He currently trains year-round with Palo Alto Stanford Aquatics; a versatile threat in the water, Conover is a strong competitor in free, back, fly and IM.
At the 2025 PASA Winter Frolic Meet in December, Conover turned in a strong showing. He won the 100 back in 52.29 after setting a personal best time of 51.90 during prelims, and he contested the 50 free (22.23) and 200 free (1:44.19).
Conover posted a string of top performances at the 2026 CAST Presidents’ Day Senior meet in February, earning a second swim in six events and clocking a lifetime best in seven events. He took 4th in the 200 back (1:51.39) and 400 IM (4:03.01), 5th in the 200 IM (1:54.20), 6th in the 1000 free (9:40.57 – PB), 7th in the 200 free (1:44.15), 11th in the 200 fly (1:53.66 – PB) and 12th in the 100 free (48.38). He logged personal best times during the preliminary heats of the 200 free (1:42.54), 500 free (4:34.88), 200 back (1:50.49), 200 IM (1:54.04) and 400 IM (3:57.20).
A few months later, Conover turned in another series of lifetime best performances at the Far Western Championships in April. He placed 8th in the 200 back (1:53.78) and 14th in the 200 IM (1:53.73 – PB). He also contested the 100 free (46.89 – PB) and 200 free (1:43.52).
Conover posted a strong showing at the 2026 Futures Championship (LCM) in Sacramento over the summer, earning a second swim in two events. He finished 14th in the 200 back (2:12.02) and 15th in the 400 IM (4:37.46) after setting best times of 2:10.22 and 4:37.27, respectively, during prelims. He also raced the 400 free (4:11.62 – PB), 200 fly (2:08.91) and 200 IM (2:10.52 – PB), he set a personal best time in the 100 back (1:00.96) as the leadoff on the 400 medley relay.
Best Times SCY:
- 200 IM – 1:53.73
- 400 IM – 3:57.20
- 200 back – 1:50.49
- 200 fly – 1:53.66
- 200 free – 1:42.54
- 500 free – 4:34.88
A Division I Mid-Major program, Saint Mary’s is in its inaugural season and joined the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation ahead of this season, with the men recording their first dual meet win against Santa Cruz in October. Based on the results from the 2026 MPSF Championships, Conover would have landed in the ‘B’ final in the 400 IM and the ‘C’ final in the 200 back, 200 fly, 200 free and 500 free, setting him up to be a strong contributor for Saint Mary’s right from the start.
Currently set to join Conover in Moraga next fall are Kyle Kaufert and Kolby Martin, who should both make for strong training partners over the next four years together.
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