NEW COMMITS: The University of Vermont has picked up three new verbal commitments for the fall of 2021 from Bella Chiulli (Scarsdale, N.Y.), Samantha Kissi (Bristow, Va.), and Ellie Russin (Raleigh, N.C.).
All three talented swimmers will join Jackie House, Hally Laney, Lauren McCain, Alexis Torykian, and Anna Shoudt in Burlington as members of the Catamounts’ Class of 2025.
BELLA CHIULLI
Photo Courtesy: Bella Chiulli
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I’m so excited to announce my verbal commitment to swim and study at the University of Vermont! Thank you to everyone who helped me get this far! I can’t wait for the next four years! Go Cats!!! ??”
Chiulli trains year-round with Condors Swim Club and finaled in the 100m fly at Metropolitan Seniors in February after taking fourth in that event at the TPIT Christmas Invite in December. In summer 2019, she raced to ninth place in the 50m fly and 16th in the 100m fly at TYR Summer Seniors.
Her best times include:
- 50 fly – 26.76
- 100 fly – 57.34
- 200 fly – 2:11.47
Also competing for Ursuline School, Chiulli competed in the 100 fly at the New York Federation Championships as a sophomore. She also placed second in the 100 fly and eighth in the 100 back at the New York Federation Section 1 League 1 Championships during her junior year.
SAMANTHA KISSI
Photo Courtesy: Samantha Kissi
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I’m so excited to announce my verbal commitment to further my academic and swim career at the University of Vermont! Thank you to all my friends, family, and coaches who have supported me throughout the years! Go Cats!!”
Kissi, who swims year-round with Occoquan Swimming, raced five events at Potomac Valley Seniors in March and recorded a best time at the KMSC Pro Am Classic in December. She had a strong showing at Potomac Valley LCM Seniors in July 2019 and notched five PBs at TYR Summer Seniors.
Her best times include:
- 50 free – 23.89
- 100 free – 54.59
- 100 back – 59.59
- 200 back – 2:09.40
While competing for Patriot High School, Kissi is a five-time Virginia 6D Region Championship finalist. She finished seventh in both the 100 free and 100 back during her junior campaign while earning a pair of top-25 finishes as a sophomore.
ELLIE RUSSIN
Photo Courtesy: Ellie Russin
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I am so thrilled to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and swimming career at the University of Vermont! A huge thanks to my family, friends, and coaches who have helped me get to where I am today! I cannot wait to join my future teammates on such a beautiful campus! Go Cats!”
Russin does her club swimming with Marlins of Raleigh and recorded 100% best times at North Carolina Seniors in February where she finaled in the 200 fly. She also had a great showing at North Carolina LCM Seniors last summer and had four top-16 finishes at Tar Heel States.
Her best times include:
- 100 fly – 1:00.17
- 200 fly – 2:13.25
- 100 breast – 1:10.32
- 200 breast – 2:33.28
Russin is currently a senior at Cardinal Gibbons High School.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.