NEW COMMIT: One of the top remaining recruits in the Class of 2025, Ziyad Saleem of Milwaukee, Wis., has pledged his commitment to the University of California, Berkeley. He had originally committed to Iowa before the program was cut.
He will join Cal’s freshman class in the fall of 2021 alongside Evan Petty, Robin Hanson, Jack Alexy, Kai Crews, Trent Frandson, Gabriel Jett, Michael McGillivray and Jacob Soderlund.
Regarding his commitment, he said:
“I am excited to announce my commitment to continue my academic and swimming career at the University of California, Berkeley. Thank you to my family, friends and coaches for all the support. Go Bears!”
A talented backstroker, Saleem does his club swimming with Schroeder YMCA Swim Team and finished eighth in both backstroke events at the Toyota U.S. Open in November. He also won 200 back and was the runner-up in the 100 back at the Wisconsin 13&O Championships last winter.
In Summer 2019, he finaled in the 100m/200m back at Minneapolis Sectionals before going on to post two top-4 finishes at the Wisconsin LCM Championships. Saleem also competed at Junior Nationals.
His best times include:
- 50 back – 22.85
- 100 back – 46.98
- 200 back – 1:42.93
- 100 free – 45.53
- 200 free – 1:41.61
- 100 fly – 50.42
Also competing for Rufus King International High School, Saleem is a four-time individual Wisconsin DI State Championship finalist. He won the 100 back and placed 10th in the 50 free as a junior while taking eighth in the former event during his sophomore season.
He has also earned USA Swimming Scholastic All-American honors for his efforts in the pool and in the classroom.
Under head coach Dave Durden, Cal earned their third-straight Pac-12 Championship title in 2020 and were crowned National Champions after a convincing team win at NCAAs in 2019.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.