NEW COMMIT: Newport Beach, Calif. native Ayla Spitz has announced her verbal commitment to the University of California – Berkeley beginning in the fall of 2019. She will join Danielle Carter, Emma Davidson, Anna Kalandadze, Isabel Ivey and Rachel Klinker as members of the class of 2023.
Spitz does her club swimming with Irvine Novaquatics and is a seven-time U.S. Open qualifier. She concluded her long course season at Junior Nationals where she finished fourth in both the 100m free (56.43) and 200m free (2:01.76) after recording a best time in the 100m back (1:02.53) at Nationals a week prior. At Speedo Juniors East in December, she was a four-time finalist and notched five lifetime bests. Spitz was also the 100 back (53.54) champion at the Carlsbad Speedo Sectionals.
Representing Newport Harbor High School, she won the 500 free (4:45.91) and was the runner-up in the 200 free (1:45.56) at the CIF Southern DI Section Championships as a junior. During her sophomore year, she placed second in the 100 free (49.77) and fourth in the 100 back (55.39). She has also earned NISCA and USA Swimming Scholastic All-American honors.
She told Swimming World:
“I’m so excited to announce my commitment to swim and study at the University of California, Berkeley. Upon meeting the coaches and the team, I knew that this was the school for me! I am beyond grateful for this opportunity and I cannot wait to spend the next four years at Cal. GO BEARS!!!”
- 100 back – 53.46
- 200 back – 1:57.27
- 200 IM – 1:58.68
- 400 IM – 4:15.38
- 500 free – 4:45.91
- 50 free – 23.00
- 100 free – 48.88
- 200 free – 1:45.44
- 100 fly – 54.73
Spitz’s versatility will be valuable for the Golden Bears in a number of events when she arrives on campus for the 2019-20 season. Her best 100 back time would’ve scored in the A-final of the 2018 Pac-12 Championships, while her 200 back, 200 IM and 400 IM would’ve placed in the B-final. Under head coach Teri McKeever, Cal finished second at last season’s conference meet and at NCAAs.
There’s only 1 question readers would want answered after reading that headline… and you didn’t answer it! Spitz?
Mark has 36- and 27-year old sons, so maybe but it would be cutting it close.
Thanks Kenn! That said, an article like this should answer the most obvious question that will enter people’s minds, even if the answer is no.
It apparently did not enter THEIR minds.
Congratulations Ayla, and no, not related to Mark Spitz.
Congratulations Ayla. No, not related to Mark Spitz
Go Bears!
Go Bears!
Congratulations Ayla. Cal is lucky to have you.
Congrats, Kayla!.so glad to hear the news!
Chloe Clark, Ashlyn Fiorilli and Sarah Dimeco have also verbally committed to Cal… GO BEARS!