Cal Golden Bears Earn First 2028 Verbal From Top-Ranked Backstroker Grant Bellin
NEW COMMIT: The University of California, Berkeley has received its first public verbal commitment for Fall 2028 from backstroke Grant Bellin of University Place, Wash. Bellin, one of the top recruits in this cohort, owns the fastest times in the 100 back and 200 back in his class.
His father, Daniel Bellin, swam for the Bears. His sisters Gabi Bellin and Gretta Bellin swim for UC Davis and UC Santa Cruz, respectively.
Regarding his commitment, he said:
“I always knew I was a bear…After numerous calls, visits and discussions, I have decided to follow my Dad’s footsteps and continue my swimming & academic career at UC Berkeley! The amount of dedication my grandparents (my #1 fans), parents & coaches have put into my swimming career is simply extraordinary, and I want to give them the credit they deserve. Coach Durden, Noah & Maya all welcomed me into their family to become a future cal bear and I am incredibly thankful to have been given this opportunity. GOOOO BEEAARRSSS!!!”
Bellin is a Summer Nationals qualifier who trains year-round with King Aquatic Club. He most recently competed at Junior Nationals where he earned silver in both the 100m back and 200m back, also taking fourth in the 50m back. He took 19th in the 50m back and 100m back as well as 24th in the 200m back at Summer Nationals. He won the 200m back at Pacific Northwest Long Course 13&O Championships this past summer, too.
Bellin raced to fifth place in the 200 back at Juniors West in December before grabbing gold in that event at Washington Short Course Seniors a week later.
His best times include:
- 50 back – 22.63
- 100 back – 47.74 (best in class)
- 200 back – 1:42.72 (best in class)
- 50 free – 21.20
- 100 free – 45.53
- 100 fly – 50.00
Currently a junior at Curtis High School, Bellin finished fifth in the 100 back at the 2025 Washington 4A State Championships as a freshman.
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.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
