Summer Thresher Signs with BYU, Pursues Division I Swimming Career

Chico High School senior Summer Thresher has officially committed to continue her academic and athletic career at Brigham Young University (BYU). On Wednesday, she signed her letter of intent, marking a significant milestone in her journey as a swimmer. The decision comes after a successful swimming career that began at age 10 and transitioned from a hobby to competitive sport by age 12.

Thresher will pursue a degree in molecular biology while competing in events that include the 100-yard backstroke, 200-yard backstroke, and various relay events. Although her third event is still to be determined, she is considering options such as the 100-yard butterfly, 100-yard freestyle, 50-yard freestyle, or even the 200-yard freestyle.

“My visit to BYU felt like home,” Thresher expressed. “I instantly connected with the team, even during my brief stay. I’m thrilled about the revamped training program and the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level.”

Transitioning to Collegiate Swimming

Over the years, Thresher has garnered attention from several prestigious programs, including UC Santa Barbara and UC Davis. However, she found a compelling reason to choose BYU, largely due to the vision of Tamber McAllister, the head coach. McAllister has ambitious plans for the Cougars’ swimming program, aiming to qualify for the NCAA championships, which Thresher believes she can help achieve.

“BYU has historically been viewed as an underdog, especially the women’s diving team,” Thresher noted. “With Coach McAllister’s leadership, I feel we can make a significant impact and aim for NCAAs within my first two years.”

Thresher credits her father, Scott Thresher, for his pivotal role in her development as a swimmer. After her previous coach relocated to Florida, Scott stepped in to create a personalized training program. Although he had no formal swimming coaching experience, his background as a former Division I tennis player at UC Davis provided him with valuable insights into athletic training.

A Unique Coaching Journey

Together, the father-daughter duo formulated a strategy to navigate the challenges of competitive swimming during the critical ages of 13 to 18. Scott emphasized strength training, believing it would give them a competitive advantage despite the lack of diving blocks in Chico.

“We didn’t have a local option that could design a progressive program for her,” Scott explained. “I promised Summer I would build a program year by year. If she committed to the hard work, I believed we could reach her goals.”

Reflecting on their journey, Scott noted that the experience has strengthened their bond. Spending hours together six days a week has allowed them to navigate the complexities of training and communication.

“Working together through this challenging process has been my favorite part,” he said. “We’ve had to learn how to communicate effectively, especially on tough days when she’s fatigued.”

When the first college offer came through, Scott described the moment as “pure happiness.” He actively participated in discussions with various colleges, aiming to find the best fit for Summer both academically and athletically. Ultimately, BYU emerged as the top choice for both father and daughter.

As Thresher prepares for this next chapter, her commitment to excellence in both academics and athletics stands as a testament to her hard work and determination. The upcoming years at BYU promise to be transformative as she embraces the challenges and opportunities that come with being a Division I athlete.