NEW COMMIT: Bennington, Nebraska native Isabella “Bella” Pantano has announced her verbal commitment to the University of South Carolina as a member of the class of 2024.
The Gamecocks have been on top of their recruiting game for next fall, snagging four in-state recruits in Aubrey Chandler, Emma Sullivan, Gabi Reed and Riley Parker who will join Pantano in 2020, in addition to Olivia McPherson, Megan Armstrong, Meredith Berglund and Kaitlyn Porter.
Primarily a backstroker, Pantano does her club swimming with Greater Omaha Aquatics and owns the U.S. Open cut in the 100 back with the Summer Juniors standard in the 200 back. She won both backstroke events at Columbia Speedo Sectionals in March after placing 21st in the 100 back at Juniors West in December. Last summer, she recorded four best times at Jenks Speedo Sectionals before going on to race to 17th in the 100m back at Rochester Futures.
Also competing for Omaha Marian High School, Pantano is a six-time Nebraska State Championship finalist. She earned gold in the 100 back and was the 100 fly runner-up as a junior after placing first and fourth, respectively, in those events during her sophomore season.
She told Swimming World:
“So excited to be continuing my academic and athletic career at the University of South Carolina! If it wasn’t for my endlessly supportive coaches, teammates, family, and friends this would not have been possible. Spurs up!”
Her best times include:
- 50 back – 25.84
- 100 back – 54.62
- 200 back – 1:58.52
- 200 IM – 2:07.33
Pantano will add valuable backstroke depth to the Gamecocks’ lineup when she arrives on campus at the start of the 2020-21 season. Although she’s just shy of scoring range at the SEC Championships, she has continuously made improvements each season.
Her coach, Tom Beck, said:
“Bella brings a lot of passion and joy to her swimming performances. South Carolina is getting a very talented girl who already possesses a great ability to race tough at the biggest meets. Way to go Bella!”
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
