Northwestern Lands 2027 Verbal From CIF State Champion Bella Parker
NEW COMMIT: Northwestern University has received a new verbal commitment for the 2027-28 season and beyond from Bella Parker of Irvine, Calif. Parker specializes in sprint backstroke and sprint freestyle, and she is a Junior National qualifier.
She will join Vanya Gojakovic in Evanston as a member of the Wildcats’ Class of 2031.
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I am incredibly grateful to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Northwestern University. I want to especially thank my family and friends for their support. As well as Coach Felipe, Coach James, and the rest of the coaches involved in supporting me through this process and shaping me into the person I am today. Shoutout to Coach Rachel and the NU coaching staff for this amazing opportunity! Go ‘Cats!!”
Parker, who does her club swimming with Evolution Racing Club, finaled in six events at Oceanside Speedo Sectionals in February where her highest finish was a fifth-place showing in the 50 back. She achieved five best times at Walnut Speedo Sectionals in December and earned two second-swims at Sacramento Futures last summer.
Her best times include:
- 50 free – 22.87
- 100 free – 49.75
- 50 back – 25.78
- 100 back – 55.12
A rising senior at Woodbridge High School, Parker owns the school record in the 50 free (22.87) and 100 free (49.75). She placed fourth in the 100 free and sixth in the 50 free at the 2026 CIF State Championships where she helped her 4×100 free relay team win the state title.
Northwestern finished ninth at the 2026 Big Ten Championships. Her best times in the 50 free and 100 free would’ve ranked fifth on the Wildcats’ roster last season.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
