NEW COMMITS: The University of California, Santa Barbara has opened their 2021 recruiting with a pair of in-state verbals from Grace Endaya of Ventura, Calif. and Newport Coast, Calif. native Michelle Tekawy.
Both swimmers will join the Gauchos as members of the class of 2025.
GRACE ENDAYA
Photo Courtesy: Grace Endaya
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I am excited to announce my verbal commitment to pursue my academic and swimming careers at UC Santa Barbara! I chose UCSB because the character on this team is second to none, and all the coaches and athletes are so incredibly welcoming, dedicated, and supportive. Not only is UCSB a beautiful place, but it provides me with every single aspect I look for in a team, as well as the perfect balance of academics and athletics. I have never seen such a hard-working, kind, uplifting environment as I have at UCSB. I am so excited to join such a well-rounded team, and I look forward to seeing how I can contribute to this amazing program. Go Gauchos!”
Primarily a sprint freestyler, Endaya does her club swimming with Buenaventura Swim Club and recently raced to 13th in the 200 free at the San Diego Imperial Classic. She was the 100 free runner-up at East LA Sectionals in December and competed in three events at Mount Hood Futures last summer.
Her best times include:
- 50 free – 23.99
- 100 free – 51.74
- 200 free – 1:50.74
- 500 free – 5:08.08
Also competing for Ventura High School, Endaya is a four-time CIF Southern DIII Section Championship finalist. She finished sixth in both the 50 free and 100 free as a sophomore and took sixth and second, respectively, in those two events during her rookie campaign.
MICHELLE TEKAWY
Photo Courtesy: Michelle Tekawy via CollegeSwimming
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I am beyond excited to announce my verbal commitment to UC Santa Barbara to continue my swim and academic career. After visiting UCSB, I knew UCSB was the right place for me. Not only does UCSB have a well-respected academic program, but also an admirable swim team with amazing coaches that can support me in and out of the pool. A special thanks to my family, coaches, and friends who believed in me and supported me through it all. I can’t wait to be part of the Gaucho family & represent UCSB for my next four years! Go Gauchos!”
A talented breaststroker and IMer, Tekawy owns two Junior National cuts and swims year-round with Aquazot Swim Club. She most recently placed 14th in the 200 IM at Carlsbad Sectionals after finishing seventh in the 200 breast at East LA Sectionals. Last summer, she won the 200m IM at the Junior Olympics before going on to place 13th in both IM events at Mount Hood Futures.
Her best times include:
- 100 breast – 1:03.34
- 200 breast – 2:18.21
- 200 IM – 2:03.88
A current junior at Corona Del Mar High School, Tekawy is a four-time CIF Souther DI Section Championship finalist. The NISCA and USA Swimming Scholastic All-American earned bronze in the 200 IM and took 12th in the 100 breast as a sophomore while taking sixth and fourth, respectively, in those events as a freshman.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.