Shaine Casas to Turn Pro and Train at Texas with Eddie Reese
Weeks after we learned that Shaine Casas will be leaving his training base at Texas A&M and relocating to the University of Texas, Swimming World has learned more information on Casas’ future plans. The 21-year-old from McAllen, Texas, will not be using any of his remaining college eligibility with the Longhorns, and instead, he will be turning professional while training with Texas men’s coach Eddie Reese.
Sources told Swimming World that the move has been in development for several weeks.
Reese spoke highly of Casas and his potential. He told Swimming World, “I really believe he’s one of the best swimmers in the world in a couple things, and I’m looking forward to the time when he shows it.”
At last season’s NCAAs, Casas missed Ryan Murphy’s American record in the 200 back by just two hundredths with his 1:35.75, and he ranks second all-time in that event. In short course yards, Casas also ranks third all-time in the 200 IM (1:38.95), fourth in the 100 back (43.87) and sixth in the 200 fly (1:38.69). In long course, Casas won U.S. National titles in the 100 and 200 back in 2019, and he was expected to contend for spots on the Olympic team this year.
At the Olympic Trials, Casas ended up finishing third in the 100 back, 0.28 behind runner-up Hunter Armstrong and sixth in the 200 back. He was just off his lifetime best in the 100 back but almost two seconds off in the 200 back. Casas will surely have his sights set much higher in coming years as he leaves college swimming behind to focus on his professional career at Texas.