U.S. National Junior Team Standout Kai Joyner Verbally Commits to Cal for 2028
NEW COMMIT: The University of California, Berkeley has scored a big verbal commitment for Fall 2028 from U.S. National Junior Team member Kai Joyner of Rochester, Minn. Joyner is arguably the top recruit in this class, and he owns the fastest times among this group in the 200, 500, 1000 and 1650 free.
He will join Grant Bellin in the Bay Area as a member of the Golden Bears’ Class of 2032.
Regarding his commitment, he said:
“I am extremely blessed and excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my athletic and academic career at the University of California, Berkeley. First and foremost, I want to thank God, because none of this would be possible without Him. I also want to thank my friends and family for their tremendous support throughout this process, along with Coach Amy and everyone else who has helped me get to where I am today. Lastly, I want to thank Coach Dave, Noah, Maya, and the rest of the Cal Swimming & Diving family for believing in me and giving me this amazing opportunity. GO BEARS!”
Joyner is a member of the 2026-27 U.S. National Junior Team in the 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m free. His four events are tied for the most by an individual on the men’s side.
Training year-round with Rochester Swim Club, Joyner most recently competed at Junior Pan Pacs where he earned bronze in the 200m free and placed seventh in the 1500m free, ninth in the 800m free and 12th in the 400m free. He won the 400m free at Junior Nationals after taking ninth in the 800m free, 12th in the 1500m free, 18th in the 200m free and 20th in the 400m free at Summer Nationals.
Last short course season, Joyner took sixth in the 1000 free, eighth in the 1650 free, ninth in the 500 free and 12th in the 200 free at Juniors West. He then won the 500 free and the mile at NCSA Spring Championships, also taking second in the 200 free and 1000 free as well as fourth in the 400 IM.
His best times include:
- 100 free – 44.08
- 200 free – 1:34.91
- 500 free – 4:17.75
- 1000 free – 8:55.06
- 1650 free – 14:56.62
- 200 IM – 1:49.56
- 400 IM – 3:47.44
- 200 back – 1:45.73
Currently a junior at Mayo High School, Joyner won the 200 free and 500 free at the 2026 Minnesota Class AA State Championships. His time of 1:35.03 in the 200 free set a new Minnesota Class AA and all-time state record.
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.
With just under two years to go before arriving on campus, Joyner’s best time in the mile would’ve ranked fourth on the Golden Bears’ roster last year, while he would’ve ranked fifth in the 1000 free and sixth in the 200 free. He would’ve scored in the B-final of the 500 free at the 2026 ACC Championships and he would’ve placed eighth in the mile.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
