“I’ve wanted to go to Cal for so long” the 17-year old Franklin told 9NEWS on Wednesday. “It was definitely a harder decision with my visits and the other schools but after talking with my parents and coaches I knew that I was meant to be at Cal.”

Missy picked college over endorsements for one simple reason.

“Being at Cal was really the team environment I had dreamed about my whole life,” Franklin said.

Her plan is to swim for Cal for the next two years and then turn pro so that she can focus on the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro

Franklin is the current world record holder in the 200 meter backstroke which she set enroute to winning 4 gold medals and a Bronze this summer at the Olympic Games in London.

Also joining Franklin for Letter of Intent day were:

Katherine Blumhardt – University of Oregon – Lacrosse

Courtney Gielow – University of California, Berkeley – Lacrosse

Rory Graham – University of Tulsa – Rowing

Maddy Krause – University of Colorado – Lacrosse

Delaney Lanker – Northeastern University – Swimming

Erin Schilmoeller – University of Oregon – Lacrosse

Erin Sungelo – Yale University – Lacrosse