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Freestyle and breaststroke specialist Riley Smith has announced that he will stay in-state to swim for The College of New Jersey this fall. Smith attended Eastern Regional High School and currently trains with the Jersey Wahoos Swim Club.
“I am very excited to announce my commitment to swim and study at The College of New Jersey. I’d like to give a huge thanks to my family, friends, coaches and teammates for their support. Go Lions! 🦁”
Smith was a two-time finalist at the 2025 NJSIAA Meet of Champions (SCY) in March, placing 3rd in the 100 free (45.45) and 4th in the 100 breast (56.72). His opening 50 split (21.89) in the 100 free remains his personal best in the 50 free. Smith’s prelims times in the 100 free (45.42) and 100 breast (56.42) stand as his lifetime bests.
The year prior, at the same meet, Smith was a junior representing Eastern Regional High School and posted his fastest 200 free time of 1:43.08 during prelims. He also competed in the 100 breast (57.43), advancing to the finals and finishing 8th.
Smith’s fastest distance freestyle times came in December 2023 at the AM PEAQ Christmas Meet (SCY). He won the 1650 free in 16:07.23, splitting 9:45.33 at the 1000, his fastest time to date. He also placed 6th in the 500 free with a time of 4:40.56. In addition to his distance events, Smith finished 4th in the 200 IM (1:54.03), 7th in the 100 breast (58.80), 8th in the 400 IM (4:15.61), and 13th in the 200 free (1:44.67).
Smith has also posted strong times in long course events and was a finalist at the 2025 Futures Championship in Greensboro this past July. He placed 25th in the 50 breast with a time of 29.60. He also competed individually in the 100 free (52.96), 400 free (4:13.74), 100 breast (1:05.93), and 200 IM (2:12.96).
Top Yard Times
- 100 Free – 45.42
- 200 Free – 1:43.08
- 500 Free – 4:40.56
- 1000 Free – 9:45.33
- 1650 Free – 16:07.23
- 100 Breast – 56.42
TCNJ, which has an NCAA Division III swimming and diving program, won the 2025 Men’s New Jersey Athletic Conference Championship. Head coach David Dow, along with diving coach Eric Blevins and assistant coaches Webster Bozzo and Steven Paterno, were named the NJAC Coaching Staff of the Year.
Smith has the potential to be a valuable asset to the program. His 100 free time would have qualified him for the ‘A’ final at the 2025 conference championship and ranked as the second-fastest on the team last season, making him a strong candidate for the 400 free relay. Additionally, his times in the 200 free, 500 free, and 100 breast would have secured spots in the ‘B’ final.
Smith will join Matt Liotti, Owyn Keiderling, Matt Jensen, Will Heinze, Gabriele Beverini, Derin Ozbas, Gavin Patrick, and Gavin Bossio on campus soon. The majority of this recruiting class is from New Jersey, and Smith holds the fastest 100 free time among the group.
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Shame on TCNJ for closing to their doors to the age group swimming community
As a current rising junior at TCNJ and friend of the men’s swim team, I am over the moon that someone from Voorhees Township (my hometown) has been recruited. Great choice Riley, you’re going to do amazing things here!
Awesome addition & congrats Riley!