NEW COMMITS: Rice University has received two new verbal commitments for the 2021-22 season and beyond from Bangalore, India native Saloni Dalal and Arielle Hayon of Agoura Hills, Calif.
Both talented swimmers will join Morgan Bartley, Sydney Morgan and Megan Schultze in Houston as a member of the Owls’ class of 2025.
Under head coach Seth Huston, the Owls finished second overall in the team standings at the 2020 Conference USA Championships.
SALONI DALAL
Photo Courtesy: Saloni Dalal
She told Swimming World:
“I’m super thrilled to announce my verbal commitment to Rice University! Rice’s academic rigor and excellent swimming program led by coach Seth make it the perfect fit for me! Thank you to my parents, coaches, teachers, and friends who have always supported me! Also, I want to thank Rick Paine from ACC for guiding me throughout the process! I can’t wait to be an owl!!”
Primarily a breaststroker, Dalal most recently placed 16th in the 200 breast at the NCAP Invitational in December while representing Nation’s Capital Swim Club.
Her best times include:
- 50 breast – 32.29
- 100 breast – 1:07.42
- 200 breast – 2:23.58
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50m breast – 34.56
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100m breast – 1:14.87
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200m breast – 2:41.88
While competing for India internationally, Dalal finaled in three events at the Glenmark Junior National Championships in 2018. She also recorded three best times at the Glenmark Senior National Championships two years ago.
She was awarded the best swimmer award at the India Senior National Championships in 2018. At that meet, she also won three gold medals and broke two national records in the 100m and 200m breaststroke.
ARIELLE HAYON
Photo Courtesy: Arielle Hayon Instagram (@ariellehayon)
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I am beyond excited and proud to announce my verbal commitment to further both my academic and athletic careers at Rice University. I am so grateful for my family, friends, and coaches who have supported me along the way and guided me in making this decision. I can’t wait to be a part of such an amazing team, with great coaching staff, in such a wonderful city. GO OWLS!! ????”
Hayon swims year-round with CCAT Swimming and most recently flew to eighth place in the 100 fly at Carlsbad Sectionals after taking seventh in that event at East LA Sectionals in December. Last summer, she earned three best times at Carlsbad Sectionals before going on to race at Mount Hood Futures.
Her best times include:
- 50 fly – 25.43
- 100 fly – 54.61
- 200 fly – 2:10.95
- 50 free – 23.78
- 100 free – 52.30
Currently a senior at Westlake High School, Hayon competed on her team’s 4×100 free relay at the CIF State Championships as a sophomore. She also finished fifth in both the 50 free and 100 fly at the CIF Southern DII Section Championships in 2019.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
