@fullname - @season - Women's Swimming & Diving

Liberty University’s Swimming & Diving TYR '85 Invite in the Natatorium on November 24, 2024 (Photo taken by Simon Barbre)

Karis Francis

Class:
Freshman
Height:
5-8
Hometown:
Rhinelander, Wis.
Position:
Fly, Breast
Prev School:
Home School

2024-25 (Fr.)

Focused on breaststroke and butterfly as a freshman
Qualified for B Finals in 100 fly, 100 breaststroke and 200 breaststroke at ASUN Championships
Claimed 10^th place overall in the 100 breaststroke with a lifetime-best 1:03.98 in the ASUN B Final
Finished 10^th in the 200 breaststroke at the ASUN meet, swimming a personal-best 2:19.17 in the B Final
Her season-best 100 fly time (56.47) was good for 13^th at the ASUN Championships
Swam a lifetime-best 50 freestyle (24.18) at the TYR ’85 Invite

Prep

Home schooled, competed for Rhinelander High School
Helped Rhinelander win its first WIAA DII State Championship as a freshman, before RHS finished second at state the following year and won the state title again in 2024
Won WIAA DII State Championship in 100 breaststroke and 100 butterfly as a senior, also swimming on Rhinelander’s state champion 200 medley relay and 400 free relay
Posted three individual top team finishes at the 2022 Wisconsin Senior State Championships
Competed at Winter Junior Nationals in Austin, Texas as s sophomore before competing at YMCA Nationals in four events the following year
Swam for Wausau TIDE Swin Club, Newburgh Sea Creatures, Woodson YMCA Northern Swimmers and Mid-Wisconsin Wave Makers
Top times entering Liberty: 100 fly SCY – 56.05; 100 breast SCY – 1:03.99; 200 breast SCY – 2:19.47

Personal

Daughter of Brad and Amy Francis
Mother, Amy Francis, swam collegiately at Kenyon College
Sister, Malia Francis, currently swims for Liberty
Sister, Kiah Francis, swam at Liberty from 2017-21
Brother, Nolan Francis, swam at Grand Canyon
Majoring in business entrepreneurship, would like to own her own business one day in the wedding industry
Birthday is March 25

Top Efforts in a Liberty Uniform
100 Butterfly - 56.47
200 Breaststroke - 2:19.17
100 Breaststroke - 1:03.98

Student-Athlete Q&A
What made Liberty University the right place for you to attend college/compete at the collegiate level?
The environment at Liberty is unmatched anywhere else, and I wanted to be somewhere where I could grow in my faith with Jesus and also have the opportunities of a big-time school.

Is there anything special you do premeet or postmeet and why?
Before my races, I like to stay off my phone and just laugh with my teammates. It gets me energized and reduces the nerves.

Who in your life inspires you and why are they such an inspiration?
My older brother, Nolan, inspires me. He has always been an inspiration because he lives his life without the fear of judgment from others. He is very in tune with where God wants him and I would like to be just like that.

What is your most memorable athletic moment?
My most memorable athletic moment was becoming a two-time state champion in 2023 and winning the state meet with my teammates.

Do you have any relatives who are playing or have played college or professional sports?
My mom swam at Kenyon College. My sister, Kiah Francis, swam at Liberty. My brother, Nolan Francis, swam at Grand Canyon. My sister, Malia Francis, currently swims at Liberty.

Favorite meal (breakfast/lunch/dinner) and what is that special meal?
Salmon, rice and Brussels sprouts combo is my go-to-meal.

What is the first app you check on your phone each day?
I check my clock app first, to turn my alarm off.

What is your favorite hobby outside of athletics?
I spend a lot of time playing acoustic and electric guitar. I love to waterski and I love painting oil portraits.

Do you have any current pets?
I have two big dogs. They are a mix of St. Bernard and a poodle and their names are Winslow and Hobbes.

Who was your favorite athlete growing up?
Lily King, because me and my siblings were once on a swim team with her in 2014.

What is your favorite possession and why?
My stuffed animal. It’s a webkinz I’ve had since I was 4.

What is your Go-To karaoke song?
Any Sabrina Carpenter or Taylor Swift song.

What is your dream vacation spot and why?
Bora Bora or the Maldives. I just love anything tropical and I love the ocean.