UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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bearz012 said:

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Ayla Spitz --> Cal!!!
CS ranking as of verbal: #20 Nat, #2 CA

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• Reported by SW today (tho they forgot to include Chloe, Sarah & Ashlyn in their list of 2019 Baby Bear commits, hmmm):

Cal Golden Bears Get Verbal Commitment From Ayla Spitz

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• SwimSwam finally got into the act today (23 Sept) lol:

VERSATILE 20TH-RANKED AYLA SPITZ VERBALLY COMMITS TO CAL

Ayla Spitz of Newport Harbor High School in California, related to twin sister Zoe Spitz but not related to 9-time Olympic gold medalist Mark Spitz, has verbally committed to Cal. She will join the team in the fall of 2019.

One of the top recruits in the class out of Orange County, and the #20 recruit on our list of the top 20 girls from the class of 2019, Spitz is a versatile swimmer who projects as a middle-distance freestyler, backstroker and IM'er at the collegiate level. She joins a Cal team that, led by head coach Teri McKeever, that has won more backstroke titles than anyone in the last 20 years, and has shown recent success in the IM races as well. Cal has won 10 of the last 18 NCAA titles in the 100 back, 8 of the last 17 NCAA titles in the 200 back, and 4 of the last 7 NCAA titles in the 200 IM.

Spitz's best times in yards:

• 50 free - 23.00
• 100 free - 48.88
• 200 free - 1:45.44
• 500 free - 4:45.91
• 100 back - 53.46
• 200 back - 1:57.27
• 100 breast - 1:04.36
• 100 fly - 54.73
• 200 IM - 1:58.68
• 400 IM - 4:15.38

In long course, Spitz also has Summer Nationals cuts in the 100 back (1:02.44), the 200 free (2:00.74), and the 200 IM (2:17.60). That 200 free time tied her for the 6th-best among American 17 & unders in this summer's long course season. She finished 4th in both the 100 and 200 freestyle races at Junior Nationals this summer.

She already has NCAA "B" time standards in the 100 free, 200 free, 500 free, 100 back, 200 back, 200 IM, and 400 IM.

Her twin sister Zoe, who is more of a butterflier (55.21/2:01.68 in yards), has not yet announced her college decision. Both swimmers train with Irvine Novaquatics.

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Are we recruiting Zoe Spitz?

juarezbear said:

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Are we recruiting Zoe Spitz?

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Good question.

Was thinking that we already have a pretty massive group of 9 talented Baby Bears who have committed for 2019 on the swimming side (Izzy, Chloe, Ayla, Dani, Sarah, Ashlyn, Rachel, Anna, Emma), so not sure where all the funds would be coming from for an additional team member? With a full scholly (or close to it) likely already earmarked for Ivey...

We do lose 3/4 of the Dream Team (well. technically 2, as Thleen turning pro early may already have been accounted & budgetted for?) + Jenna, so at least 3 full scolarships, there's that. Ayla, Chloe, Dani & Emma qualifying for in-state tuition does help considerably.

Pretty confident that Teri has planned well ahead for the highly-touted class of 2020 which will feature a wealth of heavy-hitters, leaving enough in reserve to make some offers that Alex, Regan, Isabelle, Phoebe, Olivia and the likes hopefully won't be able to resist So, 7 Bears graduating then = Abbey (full scholly for sure), Keeks, Madds, Chenoa, Coco, Aislinn & Alexa B.

Basically think we would all welcome Zoe joining her sibling if Cal is the dream school & programme that she really wants to thrive in. My wildly speculative guesses in that scenario, taking into account the projected limited availability of scholly slots for this class - 1) package deal involving the Spitz twins perhaps ... or 2) book money ...even possibly 3) as a walk-on (tho AFAIK Teri doesn't normally subscribe to that option?).

At any rate, Ayla & possibly her twin in tow represents a brilliant get IMO - besides their academic & swimming prowess, the Spitz's club & HS = important feeder programmes for future prospects, traditionally favouring LSJU & $C but with Cal now dipping into that pipeline.

As for the furdettes, no 2019 verbals as yet in this age of early commitments...

Perhaps their Admissions Office policy's strict adherence to traditional requirements when it comes to their recruiting timetable has put Meehan at a bit of a disadvantage with the advent of these new NCAA recruiting rules? At any rate, we shall probably have a better idea once recruiting weekend's held down on the Farm, likely the weekend of 6 Oct.

Other than a few international aces whose adjustment to college swimming is always a bit of an unknown, the only 2019 remaining stud with an NCAA scoring time who hasn't yet selected her school = #3 Katharine Berkoff (took trips to NC State & Georgia recently, but could also be a Harvard lean).

Uncommitted recruits in SS' Top 20 rankings for 2019 = #7 Alex Crisera (visited Harvard and seems to be interested in the Ivies & possibly the Furd), and "Honourable Mention" Gabby Dang (had checked out Texas A&M).

Reckon Greg could always be pursuing KB3, Alex C & Gabby D, along with the SoCal contingent of #46 Zephanie Koh, #56 Emily Trieu, #58 Riley Lexvold, #67 Juli Arzave, #97 Stephanie Su, #99 Hannah Farrow?

Speaking of internationals, looks like the Trojanettes have their very first 2019 verbal - Nicole Pavlopoulou (#17 Nat, GRE)

https://instagr.am/p/BoKN5_wgCB_

Otherwise, Salo appears to be focussing quite a mite more on the 2020 class, including #5 Kaitlyn Dobler & #17 Anna Keating (breaststroke, surprise! ) + #9 butterflyer Abby Harter + #12 Canadian backstroker Jade Hannah & in-state #34 Ella Ristic, judging from the following that was posted over on the 2020 recruits thread a few days ago:


Abby Harter (#9 Nat, #3 VA), Anna Keating (#17 Nat, #4 VA), Ella Ristic (#34 Nat, #2 CA), Kaitlyn Dobler (#12 Nat, #1 OR) , Jade Hannah (#13 Nat, #1 BC)



Leftmost 2020 recruit (viewer perspective) = Adair Sand (#179 Nat, #10 FL)
2nd rightmost recruit = Tristen Ulett (#46 Nat, #3 GA)
Rightmost recruit (thanx, S19!) = Andrea Santander (#54 Nat, #3 FL)

UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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Reckon Greg could always be pursuing KB3, Alex C & Gabby D, along with the SoCal contingent of #46 Zephanie Koh, #56 Emily Trieu, #58 Riley Lexvold, #67 Juli Arzave, #97 Stephanie Su, #99 Hannah Farrow?

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Riley Lexvold has already verballed to ASU, so that narrows it down even further.

UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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Anyway, looking ahead, reckon we'll get to catch a glimpse of our 2019 Baby Bears posing together with their future teammates sometime later this month?

Historically:

• Freshman Class of 2018 - 9 Sept 2017 v. Weber State (1st home game, W 33-20)
• Freshman Class of 2017 - 17 Sept 2016 v. Texas (1st home game, W 50-43)
• Freshman Class of 2016 - 12 Sept 2015 v. SDSU (2nd home game, W 35-7)
• Freshman Class of 2015 - 6 Sept 2014 v. Sac State (1st home game, W 55-14)

Am thinking that the main recruiting weekend for this season is likely going down on the 15th (2nd home game v. Idaho State) or possibly as late as the 29th (v. Oregon)?

Since Indiana's already recruiting a couple of top 2020 prospects on the men's side this weekend, I wouldn't mind welcoming an official campus visit from the likes of Alex Walsh, Isabelle Stadden, Regan Smith, Phoebe Bacon, Olivia Bray...

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Alright so my initial guess at the timing of the official recruiting weekend (15 Sept) was proven to be fake news lol, but have some confidence in predicting this coming weekend (29 Sept) as the proper one for hosting our Baby Bears & top prospects, thanks to the appearance of several telltale hints on social media this week

More details will surely emerge in due course...stay tuned!


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• UPDATE => 2019 Baby Bears Rachel, Sarah & Anna spotted @ Sproul & Legends - welcome to Bear Territory!
  

bearz012 said:

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UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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Reckon Greg could always be pursuing KB3, Alex C & Gabby D, along with the SoCal contingent of #46 Zephanie Koh, #56 Emily Trieu, #58 Riley Lexvold, #67 Juli Arzave, #97 Stephanie Su, #99 Hannah Farrow?

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Riley Lexvold has already verballed to ASU, so that narrows it down even further.

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Yet another 2019 recruit not heading for the Farm:

#98 Stephanie Su Commits to UCLA

UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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bearz012 said:

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UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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Reckon Greg could always be pursuing KB3, Alex C & Gabby D, along with the SoCal contingent of #46 Zephanie Koh, #56 Emily Trieu, #58 Riley Lexvold, #67 Juli Arzave, #97 Stephanie Su, #99 Hannah Farrow?

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Riley Lexvold has already verballed to ASU, so that narrows it down even further.

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Yet another 2019 recruit not heading for the Farm:

#98 Stephanie Su Commits to UCLA

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I wouldn't mind if the furds got a #97 ranked swimmer

OBear073akaSMFan said:

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I wouldn't mind if the furds got a #97 ranked swimmer

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lol

On another note, have to admit that it would be a welcome break if Coach Meehan could just refrain from poaching top prospects who could have become Baby Bears *sigh*

The trio below is a classic example of highly regarded student-athletes who were recruited by Teri and who had even taken official/unofficial trips to Cal...but ultimately succumbed to the insidious lures of the Dark Side (other notables include Ella Eastin, Ashley Volpenhein, Katie Glavinovich & Morgan Tankersley):

Taylor Ruck, Grace Zhao, Katie Drabot
https://instagr.am/p/BoS2gJ4hFGg

However, you won't find me whinging exactly, when it comes to Teri one-upping both Meehan & Salo in the following instances...

2019 class: Chloe & Sarah



2018 class: Elise
https://instagr.am/p/BQHJtx5APYl


2016 class: Madds & Coco
https://instagr.am/p/7l52ppBgRJ

UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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2019 Baby Bears Rachel, Sarah & Anna spotted @ Sproul & Legends - welcome to Bear Territory!

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Izzy also in the house, along with several others.

The only one in that photo that we really missed on was Ruck. Zhao is overrated and Drabot was not a good fit.

tedbear said:

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The only one in that photo that we really missed on was Ruck. Zhao is overrated and Drabot was not a good fit.

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Well reckon I should have really qualified my previous post re "missed opportunities" with the disclaimer that we wouldn't swap any of our luvly current & incoming Bears for their tree counterparts, not even for someone as talented as the furdettes' Ella Eastin...

Being good fits with the team & school culture, as well as committing to being exemplary ambassadors for our school, supercedes being a pure stud in the pool, any day! (IMO... )

As expressed on the 2018 Women's Swimming Recruiting thread, if in an excessively sentimental & a bit of a naive fashion lol:

UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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Regardless, I'll more than happily take our 2018 Baby Bears over their tree counterparts any day, even if the #1 ranked super saplings (by a wide margin at that) are expected to lord it over the rest of the field with embarrassing ease in the 2018-2019 season.

Immediate success in terms of NCAA Championship scoring isn't the most important criteria as far as I'm personally concerned - though that is of course always very welcome haha.

IMO what is so massively appealing about our latest group of talented Baby Bears is that they aren't defined by just their already stellar ability in the pool - besides being excellent students with a varied mix of personalities, our swim Bears, by choosing (and being chosen by) Cal, also by extension buy into the whole philosophy & culture of the programme and of the school. Hopefully they will embrace much of what we value and love so much about the University, and in time go on to represent the school well in all facets of life, one can not ask more of or be happier for them than this, yay!

Our froskis seem prepared to work hard and to selflessly make sacrifices for their teammates, and that's something I really look forward to seeing blossom in their next four years of growth & life adventures as they discover themselves on a shared & exciting path here in the uniquely enriching environment of UC Berkeley... (end of shamelessly sappy & cliche-ridden rhetoric )

Swim On You Bears!

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Just noticed that the author of this SW article = "Courtney Mykkanen"...hmmm, our very own legacy Bear on the women's team, Coco!


Top Qualities College Teams Want in Recruits

29 September 2018, 11:00am

By Courtney Mykkanen, Swimming World College Intern.



Swimmers are constantly trying to impress college coaches with their performances to increase their chances of being recruited. Coaches make the final decision, but the impression recruits have on the team is just as important. While a coach and team desire similar qualities in the athletes, it is important for recruits to acknowledge how they come across to their potential future team. Check out some of these common qualities that a typical college team looks for in a recruit.

High Interest

Leadership

Academics

Open mind

Balance


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Another well-written article by Courtney:


How High School Swimming Prepares Swimmers for College Swimming


AUTHOR: COURTNEY MYKKANEN



Courtney Mykkanen is a swimmer and current student-athlete at the University of California, Berkeley. She is a declared Media Studies student and expects to graduate in spring 2020.


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UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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2019 Baby Bears Rachel, Sarah & Anna spotted @ Sproul & Legends - welcome to Bear Territory!

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Izzy also in the house, along with several others.

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Looks like all 9 of our 2019 Baby Bears are on campus as had been eagerly anticipated (Izzy, Chloe, Ayla, Dani, Sarah, Ashlyn, Rachel, Anna, Emma)...along with Gabby Dang who hasn't announced her verbal yet...

A few of them here, hanging out with their big sistas before the game:

Rachel Klinker (2019 commit), Ema, Sophie, Emma Davidson (2019 commit), Dani Carter (2019 commit)

Yay, it looks like our lovely 2019 Baby Bears (+ uncommitted Gabby Dang) are all here!


Back: Dani Carter (commit), Rachel Klinker (commit), Ashlyn Fiorilli (commit), Chloe Clark (commit), Emma Davidson (commit), Ayla Spitz (commit)
Front: Anna Kalandadze (commit), Gabby Dang (recruit), Isabel Ivey (commit), Sarah DiMeco (commit)


Back: Ashlyn Fiorilli, Chloe Clark, Rachel Klinker, Dani Carter
Middle: Sarah DiMeco, Emma Davidson, Gabby Dang, Anna Kalandadze, Ayla Spitz
Front: Isabel Ivey


Elise & Rachel


Rachel & Dannie


Rachel & Robin (double R's? )

About last night...more photos!


Gabby & Ashlyn
https://instagr.am/p/BoX1GjFA1lj

Ashlyn & Sophie



Chloe & Sarah



Dani & Chloe



Ema & Emma



Elise & Emma



Elise & Cassidy
https://instagr.am/p/BoXpcSNliOK

Cass & Izzy



https://instagr.am/p/BoXtm9lFpHQ

bearz012 said:

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Alexandra Crisera (#18 Nat, #4 CA) - Southern California Swimming
- great 100 back & solid 200 back/free

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SwimSwam said:

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TOP 20 NCAA SWIMMING RECRUITS IN THE GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2019

7. Alexandra Crisera - Beach Cities Swimming - Mira Costa High School - Manhattan Beach, CA
Best Times: 100 free - 48.87, 50 free - 22.43, 200 free - 1:47.09, 100 back - 53.50, 200 back - 1:54.44, 200 IM - 2:00.91
Crisera doesn't yet have an NCAA scoring time, but she's got big talent in a wide range of events. Her 50 through 200 free make her a key relay pickup; in fact, her 50 and 100 free rival some of the best in the class. Crisera has also improved her 200 back a lot over her junior year, and her event to watch might be the 200 IM, where she improved from 2:04.0 to 2:00.9 over the year 2017.

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UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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As for the furdettes, no 2019 verbals as yet in this age of early commitments...

Uncommitted recruits in SS' Top 20 rankings for 2019 = #7 Alex Crisera (visited Harvard and seems to be interested in the Ivies & possibly the Furd), and "Honourable Mention" Gabby Dang (had checked out Texas A&M).

Reckon Greg could always be pursuing KB3, Alex C & Gabby D

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Alexandra Crisera (#22 Nat, #3 CA at time of verbal) -> The Farm

"I am beyond excited to announce my verbal commitment to Stanford University! Huge thank you to my family, friends, and coaches who have supported me throughout my swimming career #fearthetree"

Note: From a quick perusal of the entry list, looks like 2019 Baby Bears Dani Carter & Calvin David are repping Team USA!

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USA YOUTH ADDED TO FINA WORLD CUP MIX FOR BUDAPEST

The 2nd stop of the 2nd cluster of the 2018 FINA World Cup is set to get underway tomorrow in Budapest, site of the 2017 FINA World Championships.

For Team USA, mainstays Kathleen Baker, Kelsi Dahlia and Melanie Margalis are among the stars ready-to-go, but they'll be joined by a young squad of stars n' stripes athletes that includes the likes of Danielle Carter, Miranda Heckman, Mattias Blanco, and Tyler Lu.

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USA Swimming Honors Third Annual 18 & Under World 100

• Full List => https://www.usaswimming.org/docs/default-source/national-junior-teamdocuments/rosters/2018-world-100-roster.pdf

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At a very quick glance, noticed the following 2018 & 2019 Baby Bears receiving this honour - hope I hadn't missed anyone lol:

Power Rank | Name | Event | Time | 18 WR | FINA Pts
#32 | Ivey, Isabel | 100 Free | 55.10 | 16 | 843
#36 | Bayer, Cassidy | 200 Fly | 2:10.62 | 21 | 843
#47 | Sumner, Alex | 200 Back | 2:12.13 | 26 | 842
#53 | Fiorilli, Ashlyn | 200 Fly | 2:11.17 | 29 | 832
#84 | Klinker, Rachel | 100 Fly | 59.98 | 45 | 816
#86 | Spitz, Ayla | 200 Free | 2:00.74 | 46 | 819
#104 | Rajic, Ema | 100 Breast | 1:10.07 | 59 | 778
#106 | Dimeco, Sarah | 800 Free | 8:47.10 | 61 | 823

On the men's side of things (along with their power ranks) - #3 Reece Whitley, #25 Jason Louser & #55 Chris Jhong

UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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Alexandra Crisera (#22 Nat, #3 CA at time of verbal) -> The Farm

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SwimSwam has reported on Alex C's verbal to LSJU (see below).

According to a comment on that article, it appears that the Cardinal may now have a 2nd commit for 2019 in the form of Kira Crage (#146 Nat, #22 CA)



btw, wouldn't be at all surprised to see recent visitor #HM Gabby Dang (#56 Nat, #2 WA) & #3 Katharine Berkoff (#10 Nat, #1 MT) make an appearance on the Farm this weekend, possibly with 2020 super-recruit Regan Smith (#2 Nat, #1 MN) in tow...


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STANFORD OPENS C/O 2019 RECRUITING WITH VERBAL FROM #7 ALEXANDRA CRISERA


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bearz012 said:

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Bullock making her rounds, now to Harvard (two official visits left), with top 10 recruit Alexandra Crisera:


Back: ??, Addie Rose Bullock (2019 recruit)
Front: Kira Crage (2019 recruit), Alexandra Crisera (2019 recruit)

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Addie Rose Bullock -> Harvard:

https://instagr.am/p/Boh9gSvA4Gu

swimmer19 said:

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Auburn hosting more recruits in addition to last week:



L-R: Anna Julia Kutsch (2019 Auburn), Abby Koczo (2019 recruit)

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Abby Koczo (#250 Nat, #13 TX) -> Bama:

"So excited to announce my verbal commitment to swim and study at The University of Alabama!! Super thankful for all of the help along the way!! ROLL TIDE!"



Abby will be joined by fellow Texan Caitlin Reynera (#411 Nat, #20 TX) in Tuscaloosa:

https://instagr.am/p/Bopyr4fggPX

Hey might as well follow all your examples and contribute a wee bit to the 2019 recruiting news, even if they may not pertain to Bears directly as such lol...

The one below was posted to the 2020 thread, but should properly belong here:

UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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Not sure if this 2019 swimmer who's currently based in England has already committed, but either way Ally Larson (#120 Nat, #3 MN) @ middle of the bottom row was also at Ann Arbor yesterday:

• UPDATE => (should really belong in the 2019 recruits thread, but didn't want to start a new post just for this)

IMER ALLY LARSON HANDS VERBAL COMMITMENT TO NORTHWESTERN

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Also:

bearz012 said:

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UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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My rough guess (left to right, viewer perspective) => Emma Wheal (#42 Nat, #4 TX) (2019) ?, #7 Alexandra Crisera (2019), Kira Crage (#146 Nat, #22 CA) (2019), Lillie Nordmann (#10 Nat, #2 TX) (2020), #3 Katharine Berkoff (2019), #1 Regan Smith (2020) & #2 Alex Walsh (2020)

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The recruit on the far left is definitely Emma Wheal, who had originally committed to Virginia, but I guess she decommitted. Guess that UVA actually didn't have enough money, or she was offered more money here? Thought she had decommitted since she didn't show up at their recruiting visit.

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Wouldn't surprise me if DeSorbo had placed a hard deadline on Emma Wheal resulting in her initial early verbal to the Hoos. Per swimmer19's input, UVa's offer may have been somewhat diluted by the size of their super 2019 class including a number of out-of-staters, so when Meehan came knocking on the door post 1 July, Wheal jumped at her chance with the trees...plausible scenario??

As pointed out by S19, UT Coach Capitani had to have held a strong interest in Emma as well, since Carol's other high-level in-state wants had committed elsewhere, I.e. Natalie Whalen (Harvard commit but legacy roots w/Horns & Georgia Tech?), Kaitlynn Sims (Michigan), Ella Collins (Virginia) & Ashlyn Fiorilli (2019 Baby Bear - yay yay! )

UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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Alexandra Crisera (#22 Nat, #3 CA at time of verbal) -> The Farm

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SwimSwam has reported on Alex C's verbal to LSJU (see below).

According to a comment on that article, it appears that the Cardinal may now have a 2nd commit for 2019 in the form of Kira Crage (#146 Nat, #22 CA)

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2019 recruits visiting Stanford last weekend...looks like they also snagged a diving recruit, Julia Wortman, a finalist at the US National Diving Championships.


Julia Wortman (diving), Kira Crage (#149 Nat, #22 CA), #7 Alexandra Crisera



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UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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Reckon Greg could always be pursuing KB3, Alex C & Gabby D, along with the SoCal contingent of #46 Zephanie Koh, #56 Emily Trieu, #58 Riley Lexvold, #67 Juli Arzave, #97 Stephanie Su, #99 Hannah Farrow?

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Looks like Emily committed to Princeton after visiting them alongside Christina Bradley (#145 Nat, #4 WA) (middle) & Jen Secrest (#136 Nat, #12 FL; commit) (right) in September...



Emily: "I am humbled to announce my verbal commitment to the admissions process at Princeton University! I feel very fortunate to be presented with this amazing opportunity to continue my academic and swimming career. I want to thank my family, friends, and coaches who have helped me through this journey. I can't wait to start this new chapter in my life! Go tigers!"

2018 CIF SOUTHERN D2 DOUBLE CHAMP EMILY TRIEU VERBALS TO PRINCETON



CS ranking as of verbal: #60 Nat, #8 CA

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UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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Speaking of internationals, looks like the Trojanettes have their very first 2019 verbal - Nicole Pavlopoulou (#17 Nat, GRE)

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USC with another international verbal: Canadian Aela Janvier out of Quebec (#64 Nat, #1 QC)

Aela: "The University of Southern California is the perfect fit for me both academically and athletically. I fell in love with everything about USC! I can't wait to be a Trojan! FIGHT ON!!!"

USC TROJANS NAB VERBAL FROM CANADIAN BACK/BREAST/IMER AELA JANIVER



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Virginia Tech held the recruiting weekend a few weeks back...


Back: ??, Hannah Jirsa (#1000+ Nat, #48 VA - 2019 commit), Sophia Ryan (#450 Nat, #9 MD - 2019 commit), Charlie Burt (#622 Nat, #28 VA - 2019 commit), Caroline Bentz (#194 Nat, #12 VA - 2019 recruit)

Front: Erin Quinn (#162 Nat, #10 VA - 2019 commit), Georgia Johnson (#179 Nat, #16 VA - 2020 recruit), Karisa Franz (#166 Nat, #1 MO)

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Mady Bragg (#288 Nat, #7 GA) on a recruiting trip with Georgia after visiting Bama & LSU earlier:

https://instagr.am/p/BpNp8pnh41N
UPDATE =>
Mady: "So excited to announce my verbal commitment to study and swim at the University of Georgia! Huge thanks to everyone who helped me achieve this goal! GO DAWGS"

https://instagr.am/p/Bpaby7kBWEE
CS ranking as of verbal: #290 Nat, #7 GA

• Congrats Gabby!
• Er, let's not get too completely carried away here though shall we... UCLA is a great school, but ummm, do believe that Cal has the more solid claim to being "the top public university in the nation", not to mention, one of the best overall, compared to both public & private institutions...

Gabby Dang (#58 Nat, #2 WA - CS ranking as of verbal) => UCLA

"I am super excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my swimming and education at the University of California Los Angeles!! Thank you to everyone who has supported me, I would have never imagined attending the top public university in the nation to continue my academic and athletic career. It is truly a dream come true GO BRUINS"

I hate to tell you but UCLA was ranked the best public university by US News. Cal has invested way too much in the "best public university mantra". It was always a flawed measure, conceding superiority to the private schools and giving too much credence to the arbitrary US News rankings.

WLA-SwimClub tweeted on 13 Oct, 2018:

Congratulations to Isabel Ivey and Addison Reese winners of both short course and long course IMX awards for 2018! #forgedbyfire @Isabel__ivey @CoachDehner

santacruzbear said:

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I hate to tell you but UCLA was ranked the best public university by US News. Cal has invested way too much in the "best public university mantra". It was always a flawed measure, conceding superiority to the private schools and giving too much credence to the arbitrary US News rankings.

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Yes, when they changed the methodology 25 years ago, the campus condemned the ratings as meaningless, then immediately grabbed the mantra of "Best Public University." I agree it's silly because basically one guy, Robert Morse, controls the methodology and he's coming from a place that private schools are inherently better. The campus would be better off branding the campus as Cal and ditch the pejorative connotation that Berkeley represents.
The campus will move heaven and earth to regain the silly title.

UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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Alexandra Crisera (#22 Nat, #3 CA at time of verbal) -> The Farm

...the Cardinal may now have a 2nd commit for 2019 in the form of Kira Crage (#146 Nat, #22 CA)

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Stanford Adds Verbal Commitment From Sprinter Kira Crage



Kira Crage (CS ranking as of verbal: #149 Nat, #22 CA) -> LSJU

UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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...the Cardinal may now have a 2nd commit for 2019 in the form of Kira Crage (#146 Nat, #22 CA)

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Stanford Adds Verbal Commitment From Sprinter Kira Crage



Kira Crage (CS ranking as of verbal: #149 Nat, #22 CA) -> LSJU

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Great..at least not a top 50 recruit!

bearz012 said:

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UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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My rough guess (left to right, viewer perspective) => Emma Wheal (#42 Nat, #4 TX) (2019) ?, #7 Alexandra Crisera (2019), Kira Crage (#146 Nat, #22 CA) (2019), Lillie Nordmann (#10 Nat, #2 TX) (2020), #3 Katharine Berkoff (2019), #1 Regan Smith (2020) & #2 Alex Walsh (2020)

As pointed out by S19, UT Coach Capitani had to have held a strong interest in Emma as well

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The recruit on the far left is definitely Emma Wheal, who had originally committed to Virginia, but I guess she decommitted. Guess that UVA actually didn't have enough money, or she was offered more money here? Thought she had decommitted since she didn't show up at their recruiting visit.

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Emma Wheal (CS ranking as of verbal: #44 Nat, #4 TX) -> LSJU

"I am beyond excited to announce my commitment to swim and study at Stanford University! I can't wait to spend the next four years on the farm!! #gocards"

• Er, sorry, just couldn't resist this gratuitous comment -> "Hey Emma, love those blue & gold flags in the background lol"

bearz012 said:

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Ayla Spitz --> Cal!!!



CS ranking as of verbal: #20 Nat, #2 CA

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UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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swimmer19 said:

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New commit! Welcome to Cal, Emma!


CS as of commit: (#32 CA, #252 Nat)

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Congrats Emma, welcome to Bear Territory! Looks like Emma is primarily a sprinter specialising in the 50 &100 Free (pretty tall @ 6' 1"), with a bit of breast potential perhaps?

SwimSwam said:

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Davidson moved to Orange County from Seattle in 2013. She played club volleyball and swam until January of 2017, when she "dropped high school and club volleyball from [her] schedule and began training full-time with SoCal Aquatics." Prior to that she "had only been swimming part time on a small team until [she] dropped volleyball." Davidson has improved markedly over the last two years.

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UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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Alexandra Crisera (#22 Nat, #3 CA at time of verbal) -> The Farm

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NAG FALLS, SEVERAL HUGE PERFORMANCES POSTED AT KEVIN PERRY INVITE

Several very impressive swims highlighted the Kevin B. Perry Invite this past weekend, as some of the top swimmers in southern California converged in La Mirada to face off in a full slate of events.

Three prime-time California school commits had strong meets, too, on the women's side.

Stanford verbal commit Alexandra Crisera of Beach Cities was 22.47/49.96 to take 2nd/3rd in the 50/100 free as well as 54.32 to place 3rd in the 100 back and 1:56.59 to win the 200 back. She was also 2:00.73 to place 3rd in the 200 IM.

Cal verbal commit Ayla Spitz of Irvine Novaquatics took 2nd in the 100 free/200 free in 49.89/1:46.80, 2nd in the 100 back/200 back in 54.23/1:56.62, and 2nd in the 200 IM (1:59.33).

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Some finals results of note (B = B final):

50 Free: Alex (22.47) - 2nd | Emma (23.29) - 4th | Ayla (23.38 ) - 1st (B)
100 Free: Ayla (49.89) - 2nd | Alex (49.96) - 3rd | Emma (50.30) - 5th
200 Free: Ayla (1:46.80) - 2nd | Emma (1:49.67) - 4th | Alex (1:50.41) - 5th
100 Back: Ayla (54.23) - 2nd | Alex (54.32) - 3rd
200 Back: Alex (1:56.59) - 1st | Ayla (1:56.62) - 2nd
200 IM: Ayla (1:59.33) - 2nd | Alex ( 2:00.73) - 3rd | Emma (2:04.25) - 4th (B)
100 Breast: Emma (1:04.36) - 1st (B)

Ayla had also led off NOVA's A relay (squad includes 2020 recruit Ella Ristic) to claim the 200 FR title.

Emma Davidson's times are particularly of interest here -> 3 lifetime bests + nearly a fourth by my count (CS & USA Swimming's databases haven't yet been updated as of this post)...almost a 5 sec drop in her 200 IM in 8 months (!)...all this at a mid-season invite rather than at her end-of-season big taper meet to boot!

* = new personal record
(p) = prelims time

Emma D | KP INVITE | PB prior to Nov 2018
50 Free | 23.29 | 23.27 (May 2018)
100 Free | 50.30* | 50.56 (May 2017)
200 Free | 1:49.45 (p)* | 1:52.82 (May 2016)
200 IM | 2:04.25* | 2:09.04 (March 2018)
100 Breast | 1:04.10 (p) | 1:03.63 (March 2018)

Definitely massive oodles of upside to our undervalued 2019 Baby Bear who hasn't focussed on competitive swimming as long as most of her peers...have a feeling that Emma's College Swimming ranking (#32 CA, #286 Nat) is about to experience an upswing pretty soon...

Go Bears!

• Note: Izzy, Ayla & Rachel (+ Jason Louser & Michael Petrides on the men's side) are the 2019 Baby Bears featured in this Swimming World article:

SW Biweekly: The New Recruits See Where The Class of 2023 Will Be Making A Splash



The latest issue of Swimming World Biweekly is now available for download in the Swimming World Vault! Non-Subscribers can click here to download For FREE (Limited Time Offer)

In this specially dedicated "New Recruits" issue of Swimming World Biweekly, meet some of the nation's up and coming young athletes from the graduating High School Class of 2019 as they navigate the college swim team recruiting process and make their verbal declarations.

With the start of the early signing period for National Letters of Intent less than two weeks away, Swimming World proudly presents a sampling of these unofficial commitments made by members of the high school Class of 2019.

A few recruits might make an immediate impact on the national stage, while others are set to contribute to their team's success at the conference level. The swimmers will enter their training groups with a mix of experience and a fresh perspective, ready to reach the next level.

Congrats to the high school Class of 2019and the new college Class of 2023!

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UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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Cora Dupre: I am incredibly excited to announce that I have verbally committed to swim for the University of Texas!! I can't wait to be part of such an amazing team! Hook 'em

CS Ranking as of verbal: #27 Nat, #1 OH

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Cora: "I'm excited to announce my commitment to swim for Indiana University! Go Hoosiers"

3x OHSAA CHAMP CORA DUPRE CHANGES VERBAL FROM TEXAS TO INDIANA



CS ranking as of verbal: #39 Nat, #1 OH

bearz012 said:

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(right)
Sarah DiMeco (#22 Nat, #1 WA) - Issaquah Swim Team
- 55/1:57 flyer, solid distance free

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UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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Chloe & Sarah

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2019 Baby Bear Sarah DiMeco (#39 Nat, #1 WA) killed it at the 2018 Washington Girls 4A State Swimming & Diving Championships in Federal Way yesterday.

Helped Skyline HS to a new state record on the 200 Medley Relay, then promptly put down a massive lifetime best in the 200 Free, straight after that history-making relay!



200 MR - 24.41 fly split (fastest in the field) -> state record
200 Free - 1:46.98 new PR (old PB = 1:48.35 @ Dec 2017) ... 3+ sec ahead of the 2nd place finisher
500 Free - 4:48.08 (PB = 4:44.26 @ Dec 2017) ... 7+ sec faster than the runner-up here
400 FR - 50.93 split to anchor Skyline HS to #2



Four State Records Fall as Newport Wins Washington Girls 4A Championships

UrsusArctosCalifornicus said:

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2019 Baby Bear Sarah DiMeco (#39 Nat, #1 WA) killed it at the 2018 Washington Girls 4A State Swimming & Diving Championships in Federal Way yesterday.

Helped Skyline HS to a new state record on the 200 Medley Relay, then promptly put down a massive lifetime best in the 200 Free, straight after that history-making relay!



200 MR - 24.41 fly split (fastest in the field) -> state record
200 Free - 1:46.98 new PR (old PB = 1:48.35 @ Dec 2017) ... 3+ sec ahead of the 2nd place finisher
500 Free - 4:48.08 (PB = 4:44.26 @ Dec 2017) ... 7+ sec faster than the runner-up here
400 FR - 50.93 split to anchor Skyline HS to #2

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Wow, congrats to Sarah! A two second drop in the 200 free is promising, we need more 800 FR swimmers!

bearz012 said:

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Wow, congrats to Sarah! A two second drop in the 200 free is promising, we need more 800 FR swimmers!

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That significant drop in Sarah's 200 Free time certainly caught my eye for certain! Also have the feeling that there was no need for her to go all out on that 500 Free, since SD's closest challenger was 7 seconds behind...

What's potentially exciting is that most of DiMeco's short course PBs seemed to have been accomplished at Winter Jr Nattys and at the Washington State Senior Short Course Championships in December, or at the Speedo Championships in March (club competitions as opposed to HS States) - so dare we look forward to even faster times soon?

SwimSwam said:

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TOP 20 NCAA SWIMMING RECRUITS IN THE GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2019

7. Alexandra Crisera - Beach Cities Swimming - Mira Costa High School - Manhattan Beach, CA **Verbally committed to Stanford**

Best Times: 100 free - 48.87, 50 free - 22.43, 200 free - 1:47.09, 100 back - 53.50, 200 back - 1:54.44, 200 IM - 2:00.91

Crisera doesn't yet have an NCAA scoring time, but she's got big talent in a wide range of events. Her 50 through 200 free make her a key relay pickup; in fact, her 50 and 100 free rival some of the best in the class. Crisera has also improved her 200 back a lot over her junior year, and her event to watch might be the 200 IM, where she improved from 2:04.0 to 2:00.9 over the year 2017.


20. Ayla Spitz - Irvine Novaquatics - Newport Harbor High School - Newport Beach, CA **Verbally committed to Cal**

Best Times: 200 IM - 1:58.68, 100 back - 53.46, 200 back - 1:57.27, 200 free - 1:46.41, 100 free - 49.29

Spitz finds herself on this list after a breakout winter of 2017. She had plateaued in her 200 IM since 2015, but blasted from a 2:03 to a 1:58 in December. In that same month, she cut from a 2:01 to a 1:57 in the 200 back, and she's also nearly dropped two seconds off her 200 free over the last year. Spitz, too, still has her high school championship season to come this spring.

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SwimSwam said:

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NAG FALLS, SEVERAL HUGE PERFORMANCES POSTED AT KEVIN PERRY INVITE

Stanford verbal commit Alexandra Crisera of Beach Cities was 22.47/49.96 to take 2nd/3rd in the 50/100 free as well as 54.32 to place 3rd in the 100 back and 1:56.59 to win the 200 back. She was also 2:00.73 to place 3rd in the 200 IM.

Cal verbal commit Ayla Spitz of Irvine Novaquatics took 2nd in the 100 free/200 free in 49.89/1:46.80, 2nd in the 100 back/200 back in 54.23/1:56.62, and 2nd in the 200 IM (1:59.33).

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Thought it might be interesting to compare a few stats for SwimSwam's 7th ranked (sapling Alexandra Crisera) v. their 20th ranked recruit (Baby Bear Ayla Spitz).

The duo share some common areas of strengths & specialisation. Both hail from Southern California. Crisera is the highest ranked recruit from the freshie class of 2019 to have committed to LSJU at this point in time.

Note: I have updated their personal bests wherever applicable, since the SwimSwam rankings were published back on 27 April, 2018.

• 50 free

Alex C | 22.43 (Dec 2017)
Ayla S. | 23.19 (Dec 2017) => 23.00 (May 2018)

• 100 free

Alex C | 48.87 (May 2017)
Ayla S. | 49.29 (Dec 2017) => 48.88 (May 2018)

• 200 free

Alex C | 1:47.09 (Nov 2017)
Ayla S. | 1:46.41 (Mar 2018) => 1:45.44 (May 2018)

• 200 IM

Alex C | 2:00.91 (Dec 2017) => 2:00.41 (Nov 2018)
Ayla S. | 1:58.68 (Dec 2017)

• 100 back

Alex C | 53.50 (Jan 2018) -> 52.87 (May 2018)
Ayla S. | 53.46 (Dec 2017)

• 200 back

Alex C | 1:54.44 (Jan 2018)
Ayla S. | 1:57.27 (Nov 2017) => 1:56.62 (Nov 2018)

At a glance, future furdette Alexandra is more of a pure sprinter than Baby Bear Ayla, and also currently ahead on backstroke esp at the longer distance.

However, Ayla pulls even with Alexandra in the 100 Free, and her advantage just keeps increasing with distance (notable progression in the 200 Free!), to the 500 Free. Our Golden Bear-to-be's also faster in the individual medley, which showcases her versatility that becomes very evident when it comes to the pair's off-events & weaker strokes:

• 100 fly

Alex C | 55.55 (Nov 2018)
Ayla S. | 54.73 (Dec 2017)

• 100 breast

Alex C | 1:09.71 (Feb 2017)
Ayla S. | 1:04.36 (Dec 2016)

• 400 IM

Alex C | 4:23.33 (Feb 2017)
Ayla S. | 4:15.38 (Jan 2018)

• 500 free

Alex C | 4:56.93 (Nov 2016)
Ayla S. | 4:45.91 (May 2018)

Well, in a nutshell, my personal opinion (biased or not lol) is that in light of Ayla's rapid progression curve as of late (particularly when it comes to her freestyle drops), SwimSwam should promote Spitz to their Top 10, if they were to re-evaluate their Top 20 list at this point in time...