Turkish Distance Specialist Efe Isler Verbals to George Washington for 2026

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Efe Isler of Istanbul, Turkey, has committed to furthering his academic and athletic career at George Washington University.

I am beyond excited to announce my commitment to continue both my athletic and academic career at George Washington University. Without the support of the incredible people around me, this opportunity would never have been a reality. I would like to express my deepest thanks to my head coach,Gjon Shyti, whose guidance and trust in me, have shaped the athlete that I am today. And another huge thank is to Coach Chico for offering me this amazing opportunity—I feel honored and blessed to be joining to GWU. I can’t wait to take the next step and give my all, both in the classroom and in the pool. Lastly I want to thank to my family for always standing by me, believing in my dreams, and encouraging me every step of the way. Excited for what’s ahead… Raise High!

Isler had a very productive outing at the 6th International Edirne Cup and Turkiye Youth-Junior and Open Age Long Course Team Selection meet in March (LCM), setting five new lifetime best performances. He set these new bests in the 50 free (27.50), 100 Free (57.05), 200 free (1:57.12), 400 free (3:56.08), and the 800 Free (8:00.57).

His 1500 free (LCM) best came at the Turkiye Youth, Junior and Open Age Long Course National Team Selection in December, where he touched in 15:17.95.

Isler also raced at the European Aquatics Junior Open Water Championships in 2024, where he swam his fastest 7.5km of his career, finishing in 1:27:34.00.

Best Times Converted to SCY:

The George Washington men took home the win at last season’s Atlantic 10 Swimming and Diving Championships. Isler’s converted times would have won the 1650 free, finished 3rd in the 500 free, and 29th in the 200 free.

Isler’s converted 1650 was also just inside the cutline for last season’s NCAAs (15:04.30), though it is important to note that he has yet to race in a 25-yard pool. But even if Isler gets close to those projected times, he will already make a massive impact within the A10 Conference.

This pickup for George Washington further reinforces their dominance within the A10, and with another year to develop for Isler, he may be even better by the time he steps on campus next fall.

George Washington does have a pair of Turkish women on their roster this season: sophomore Merve Tuncel of Ankara and freshman Talya Erdogan of Antalya.

Isler is currently the lone commitment to George Washington at the time of publication.

If you have a commitment to report, please send an email with a photo (landscape, or horizontal, looks best) and a quote to [email protected].

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