NEW COMMIT: Arizona State University has added a new addition to their Class of 2025 from in-state standout and U.S. Ope qualifier Essias Smith of Mesa, Az.
He will join Leon Marchand, Christian Osterndorf, Jeremy Graunke, Ethan Hansen and Emilio “Lio” Perez in Tempe at the start of the 2021-22 season.
Regarding his commitment, he said:
“I am excited to announce my verbal commitment to further my academic and athletic career at Arizona State University. I’d like to thank my family, friends and coaches for supporting me throughout this long journey. Also I’d like to thank Coach Bowman and Coach Behm for this special opportunity to swim at ASU! Go Devils?!!!”
A talented freestyler and butterflyer, Smith swims year-round with Mesa Aquatics Club and most recently flew to fifth place in the 100m fly at Plantation Sectionals in March. He raced the 100/200 fly at Juniors West in December – notching a best time in the latter – and scored silver in those events at Arizona Seniors in February.
Last summer, he had a strong showing at Mount Hood Sectionals where he achieved six new lifetime bests and had swam to bronze medals in both the 100m and 200m fly.
His best times include:
- 100 fly – 48.67
- 200 fly – 1:49.51
- 100 free – 46.72
- 200 free – 1:41.23
Also competing for Desert Ridge High School, Smith is a four-time Arizona State Championship finalist. He won the 100 fly and placed fourth in the 200 free as a junior at the DI meet while taking first and sixth, respectively, in those events during his sophomore season at the DII meet.
In 2019, he also earned gold in the 100 fly at the Arizona Meet of Champions where he finished seventh in the 200 free as well.
Smith will be joining an Arizona State team that is redshirting this season after coming off an unofficial seventh place finish at the 2020 NCAAs before the meet was cancelled to slow down the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
