NEW COMMITS: The University of Rhode Island has received their first set of verbal commitments for the 2021-22 season and beyond from in-state standout Hannah Benavides of Hope Valley as well as Casey Fusco of Yorktown, Va.
Both talented swimmers will arrive in South Kingstown as members of the Rams’ class of 2025.
HANNAH BENAVIDES
Photo Courtesy: Hannah Benavides via CollegeSwimming
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I am excited to announce my verbal commitment to the University of Rhode Island to further my academic and athletic career. A big thank you to my family, friends and my coaches for their continuous support. Go Rams! Rhody Rhody Rhody!!”
Benavides swims year-round with Connecticut Aquatic Club and placed fifth in the 200 breast, sixth in the 100 breast, and eighth in the 400 IM at Connecticut Seniors in February. Last summer, she earned two best times at Connecticut LCM Seniors before going on to race three events at Geneva Futures.
Her best times include:
- 50 breast – 30.83
- 100 breast – 1:05.10
- 200 breast – 2:21.10
- 200 IM – 2:09.93
- 400 IM – 4:38.20
Also competing for Chariho Regional School, Benavides placed second in the 100 breast and fourth in the 200 IM at the Rhode Island State Championships during her sophomore campaign. She also finaled in those events at the state meet as a freshman.
CASEY FUSCO
Photo Courtesy: Casey Fusco via CollegeSwimming
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I am excited to announce my verbal commitment to the University of Rhode Island as a student athlete. Absolutely love the coaching staff and team dynamics. Looking forward to spending my next 4 years at URI!! GO RAMS!! ?”
Fusco does her club swimming with South Eastern Virginia Aquatic and achieved six lifetime bests at Virginia Seniors in March where her highest finish was a ninth-place showing in the 200 breast. She finaled in both the 100m breast and 200m IM at Virginia LCM Seniors last summer before going on to race eight events at NCSAs.
Her best times include:
- 100 breast – 1:05.92
- 200 breast – 2:20.10
- 200 IM – 2:09.00
- 50 free – 24.41
- 100 free – 53.70
A current senior at Grafton High School, Fusco is a six-time Virginia Class 4A State Championship finalist. She placed eighth in the 200 IM and 10th in the 100 back as a junior while taking sixth in both the 50 free and 100 free during her sophomore season.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
