Columbia University Opens Class of 2025 Recruiting with Verbals from Riley Pujadas, Julia Unas
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NEW COMMITS: Columbia University has received a pair of verbal commitments* to kickstart their Class of 2025 recruiting from Devon, Penn. native Riley Pujadas and Julia Unas of Canyon Country, Calif.
RILEY PUJADAS
![Riley Pujadas columbia](https://vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Riley-Pujadas-columbia-700x500.jpg)
Photo Courtesy: Riley Pujadas via CollegeSwimming
Primarily a backstroker, Pujadas swims year-round with the Suburban Seahawks Club and placed 11th in the 100m back and 12th in the 200m back at Middle Atlantic LCM Seniors last summer. Also representing the Dominican Republic internationally, she competed in five events at the 7th FINA World Junior Championships in Budapest.
Her best times include:
- 50 back – 26.95
- 100 back – 55.98
- 200 back – 2:00.56
A rising senior at Episcopal Academy, Pujadas is a six-time Eastern Interscholastic League Championship finalist. She raced to bronze in the 100 back and took 11th in the 200 IM as a junior while placing eighth and 17th, respectively, in those events during her sophomore season.
JULIA UNAS
![julia unas columbia](https://vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/IMG_1554-1-700x500.jpg)
Photo Courtesy: Julia Unas
She told Swimming World:
“I am super excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and swimming career at Columbia University!! Huge thanks to my family, teammates, and coaches for all of their love and support. It is an absolute dream come true and I can’t wait to be lion #classof2025 #roar”
A talented breaststroker, Unas does her club swimming with Canyons Aquatic Club and owns the Junior National standard in the 200 breast. She raced three events at Juniors West in December before going on to final in two races at Carlsbad Sectionals. Last summer, she achieved two best times at Santa Clarita Sectionals.
Her best times include:
- 100 breast – 1:03.40
- 200 breast – 2:18.38
- 200 IM – 2:03.81
Also competing for Valencia High School, Unas raced to 13th in the 200 IM during her junior campaign at the CIF State Championships. The two-time USA Swimming Scholastic All-American is also a two-time CIF Southern D1 Section Championship A-finalist and broke the Foothill League record in the 4×50 medley relay.
*IVY LEAGUE DISCLAIMER:* A “verbal commitment” does not guarantee admission. An Ivy League coach cannot guarantee admission but can only commit support in the admissions process.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.