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Freestyle and butterfly specialist Gavin Abelende has committed to swim at Loyola University in Maryland for his collegiate career. Abelende hails from Maryland, where he swims for Seahawk Aquatics and competes for La Plata High School. He will join the Greyhounds in the fall of 2025.
I am extremely excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic journey at Loyola University of Maryland! I cannot thank my parents, coaches, teammates, and friends enough for the unconditional support and love they have shown me. I also want to thank Coach Jay and Coach Brian for this incredible opportunity! Go Hounds!!!
Abelende qualified and competed at the Winter Junior Championships in Greensboro last December. His highest finish came in the 100 free, where he clocked a best time of 45.08, placing 32nd. He also competed in the 50 free, 200 free, and 100 fly, with his only other personal best coming in the 100 fly (49.55).
Top SCY Times:
- 50 Freestyle: 20.79
- 100 Freestyle: 45.08
- 200 Freestyle: 1:39.67
- 100 Butterfly: 49.55
The 17-year-old will be a strong addition to Loyola’s freestyle group. His strongest event on the team’s depth rankings will likely be the 200 freestyle. His 1:39.67 would’ve been seventh on the team during the 2024-25 season. His aforementioned 45.08 in the 100-yard distance would situate him at 9th.
Similarly, his 100 and 200 freestyles would place him the highest at the conference level. He would have made the ‘B’ final at the Patriot Championships in the 200 free, as his best would have placed him 15th this past season. His 100 freestyle lifetime best was fastest enough to make the ‘C’ final in 2025.
The Loyola Greyhound men placed 3rd out of 10 teams at the 2025 Patriot League Championships. The team is led by head coach Brian Loeffler, who is in his 33rd season with the program.
Abelende was part of a large signing class for the Loyola men. He joined Jack Hathaway, George Ligozio, Colin Davis, Patrick Ciorna, Thomas Cechini, Chase Garcia, Ben Schlotterer, Ethan Horutz, and Derek Feldman in committing to the Greyhounds’ class of 2029.
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