By: Matt Rothman
TS Aquatics swim team has announced the college commitments of two more of its athletes, Tawannah McLemore and Matthew Tan.
This marks the seventh consecutive year in which the team has produced at least one college-bound swimmer. Coach Andre Bailey expresses his excitement and motivation for younger swimmers to see their peers succeed in such a significant way.
“I am a very proud coach but extremely proud of all the senior swimmers,” Bailey said. “It’s always great to see my swimmers not only go to college but swim in college. This is a great thing for the community and a sign of the quality of the swim program.”
McLemore, a senior from J.P. Taravella, is heading to Florida International University.
“Committing for me felt really natural and put me at ease knowing my future is in good hands, but it was a bittersweet process knowing I will be moving onto a different chapter in my life.”
McLemore began swimming for TS Aquatics when she was 12 and said she has improved due to the support of the coaching staff and the training. McLemore also says her teammates have always pushed her to create an atmosphere perfect for success.
Competing for J.P. Taravella,. McClemore has shined this year, winning the 50 and 100-yard freestyle at the BCAA and District Championship. Last year, she swam in the State Championship, highlighted by a fourth-place finish in the 50-yard freestyle, and advanced this year in the 50-yard freestyle and 100-yard breaststroke.
While she hopes to get back there this year later this month, she hopes to improve her techniques in the water and daily habits like her sleeping schedule.
Tan is committed to Ottawa University in Arizona and says his decision was not only for their swim team but also for their academics.
“Seeing that their swim team is like a family in and out of the water and also seeing them strive for academic greatness helped his decision to go to Ottawa,” Tan said.
Tan has been swimming with TS Aquatics for seven years and competes at St Thomas Aquinas High School. He placed fourth in both the 100-yard backstroke and 200-yard freestyle and hopes to improve his technique and mindset before going to college.
Matthew Tan and Tawannah McLemore {TS Aquatics}
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