NEW COMMITS: Fairfield University has picked up a pair of verbal commitments for the 2021-22 season and beyond from Milton, Ga. native Sydney Scalise and Bella Tejeda of Cheshire, Conn.
Both talented swimmers will join Erini Pappas as a member of the Stags’ class of 2025.
SYDNEY SCALISE
Photo Courtesy: Sydney Scalise via CollegeSwimming
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I am so excited to join Fairfield swimming in 2021! I love everything about Fairfield: the team, the coach, the strong academics, the highly ranked business school, the location, and the beautiful campus. If I could build the perfect university it would be Fairfield and I can’t wait to contribute to more championship titles down the road! GO STAGS!”
A strong freestyler, Scalise does her club swimming with SwimAtlanta and most recently earned a best time at the Southern Premier Invitational in March. Last summer, she won the 800m free at Southern Zone Age Groups where she also collected bronze in the 200m free.
Her best times include:
- 50 free – 24.98
- 100 free – 53.08
- 200 free – 1:54.48
- 500 free – 5:03.42
- 100 fly – 59.36
Also competing for Milton High School, Scalise is a four-time Georgia 6A State Championship finalist. She finished 18th in the 100 free as a junior while taking 14th in the 200 free and 15th in the 100 fly during her sophomore season.
BELLA TEJEDA
Photo Courtesy: Rosanne Tejeda
She told Swimming World:
“I am so excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and swimming career at Fairfield University! Thank you to my parents, friends and coaches who have helped me along the way! GO STAGS!”
A versatile swimmer, Tejeda swims year-round with Cheshire Y Sea Dog Swim Club and raced to 14th place in the 200 fly at Connecticut Seniors in February. She finished fifth in the 200m fly at Connecticut LCM Seniors last long course season before going on to final in that event at YMCA LCM Nationals.
Her best times include:
- 200 fly – 2:08.59
- 200 IM – 2:11.48
- 400 IM – 4:36.11
- 200 breast – 2:26.64
A rising senior at Cheshire High School, Tejeda has competed at the Connecticut Open the last three seasons. She finished 13th in the 200 IM during her junior season while taking sixth in that event at the Class Finals.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.