Merced’s Carpenter signs with Cal State East Bay

Laurel Carpenter comes from a swimming family. So it’s no surprise she was learning how to swim by the age of four.

Her father, Mike, still holds a top 20 time in the 400 individual medley at U.C. Santa Barbara. Her younger siblings Marion, 15, Marlo, 12, and Rob, 9, are also making waves.

Laurel’s time in the pool isn’t ending any time soon. The Merced High senior signed her national letter of intent to accept a swimming scholarship to Cal State East Bay on Tuesday in front of her family, coaches and friends at Merced High.

“I’ve been around the pool my whole life,” Carpenter said. “It seems like every weekend we’re at some swim meet. I grew up in the pool. It’s something I’ve been passionate about I’m so excited right now.”

Carpenter won the 100-yard butterfly Central California Conference championship last season and finished second in the 500 freestyle. She’s played a part in Merced winning five consecutive CCC championships.

“This is a culmination of all her years,” said Merced coach Kit Grattan. “It’s exciting to see her enjoy sports and being on the team. For me as a coach, I’m super excited to see her move on and continue swimming. She has such a great work ethic.”

Carpenter said she was already leaning toward Cal State East Bay, but after an official visit early in October she was convinced it was the right spot.

“That weekend was just so fun,” Carpenter said. “The coaches and team just made me feel really comfortable. It was like I belonged on the team. I knew after that visit wanted to spend the next four years there.”

This story was originally published November 18, 2014 at 5:46 PM with the headline "Merced’s Carpenter signs with Cal State East Bay."