NEW COMMITS: George Mason University has added two new verbal commitments to their growing class of 2025 from Apex, N.C. native Hope Jaynes and Anka Whelan of Stafford, Va.
Both talented swimmers will join Sophie Haise and Ali Tyler on campus in the fall of 2021.
HOPE JAYNES
Photo Courtesy: Hope Jaynes
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I chose George Mason because it was my top school. I am very interested in the forensic science program at Mason, so it quickly became my number one choice. Some of my former teammates swim at Mason, and they told me some about the team. I loved everything I had heard and all the interactions I had with the coaches. I am beyond excited to continue my academic and swimming career at George Mason. Go patriots!”
Jaynes does her club swimming with Marlins of Raleigh and earned two best times at Cary Sectionals in March after racing seven events at North Carolina Seniors in December. Last summer, she finished 19th in the 1500m free at North Carolina LCM Seniors.
Her best times include:
- 200 free – 1:56.80
- 500 free – 5:12.08
- 1000 free – 10:35.09
- 1650 free – 17:37.59
Also competing for Apex High School, Jaynes is a four-time North Carolina 4A Eastern Regional Championship finalist. She placed 12th in the 200 free and 13th in the 500 free as junior after taking 13th and 11th, respectively, in those events during her sophomore season.
ANKA WHELAN
Photo Courtesy: Anka Whelan
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I am so excited to announce my verbal commitment to George Mason University!! I can’t wait to continue my academic and athletic careers as a Patriot ??”
Whelan, who swims year-round with Nation’s Capital Swim Club, finished 14th in both the 1000 free and 400 IM at Potomac Valley Seniors in December. She recorded three best times at Potomac Valley LCM Seniors last summer before going on to race four events at NCSAs.
Her best times include:
- 200 free – 1:52.77
- 500 free – 5:00.19
- 1000 free – 10:31.37
- 200 IM – 2:07.86
- 200 back – 2:05.93
A current senior at Mountain View High School, Whelan is a six-time Virginia Class 5 State Championship finalist. She placed 13th in both the 200 free and 500 free as a junior while taking 13th and 12th, respectively, in those events during her sophomore campaign.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
So proud of you Anka!! You’re gonna do amazing things at Mason! <3