Junior National Runner-Up Raya Mellott Chooses Virginia For 2025
NEW COMMIT: The University of Virginia has received yet another big verbal commitment for the 2025-26 season and beyond, this time from Olympic Trials qualifier Raya Mellott of Danville, California.
She will join Sophia Umstead, Sylvia Roy and Madi Mintenko in Charlottesville as a member of the Cavaliers’ Class of 2029.
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I’m so excited to announce my verbal commitment to swim and study at the University of Virginia! I’m grateful for the support of my family, coaches, teammates, and friends. Thank you to UVA swim & dive for this opportunity! GO HOOS!”
Mellott does her club swimming with Crow Canyon Sharks and most recently placed second in the 100 breast and third in the 200 breast at Juniors West. She also earned silver in the 100m breast at Junior Nationals this past summer after taking 20th in both breaststroke events at Phillips 66 Nationals.
She owns the fastest 100 breast time in her class.
Her best times include:
- 100 breast – 59.53 (best in class)
- 200 breast – 2:09.53
- 200 IM – 2:00.63
- 400 IM – 4:19.59
Currently a junior at San Ramon Valley High School, Mellott competed for her school as a freshman and finished seventh in the 100 breast at the 2022 CIF State Championships.
The Cavaliers are the two-time defending national champions.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
