Isabella (Bella) Smits of Andover, Minnesota has verbally committed to swim at the University of North Dakota starting in the 2017-18 season.
“I am thrilled to announce my commitment to swim and study at the University of North Dakota. I chose UND because of the close knit team, academics, and the cozy feel of the campus. The coaches there are amazing and are so invested in their swimmers. Head Coach Chris will be my Sprint coach and I feel like he will push me to be the best athlete, student and swimmer that I can be. Go Hawks!”
Smits swims under Marcia Ford for Andover High School. She became the first-ever state swimming champion in Andover’s history when she won the 100 free title at the 2015 Minnesota Girls AA Swim and Dive Championships. She was also runner-up in the 50 free, and made All-American times in both events. Smits has twice been named to the USA Swimming Scholastic All America Team and is a member of the National Honor Society.
Smits is in her 7th year swimming club year-round with the FASTjets out of Blaine, Minnesota. Coached by head coach is Cale-Schmidt Jackson, Smits has been a state champion seven times and is a Speedo Sectionals and Junior National qualifier in multiple events. Her top events include:
- 50 Free – 23.20
- 100 Free – 50.40
- 50 Back – 26.07
- 100 Back – 55.61
- 200 Back – 2:02.64
- 100 Fly – 55.88
Smits is a big get for the Hawks, who finished sixth of eight teams at the 2016 WAC Championships. She would have scored in the A finals of the 50/100 free and 100/200 back, and been just on the A/B-final bubble in the 100 fly. She will also add firepower to North Dakota’s relays from the first time she suits up.
Smits will join Lauren Stigler in the University of North Dakota class of 2021.
If you have a commitment to report, please send an email to [email protected]
Awww