Cape Verde Olympic Qualifier Jayla Pina Verbally Commits to Pitt for 2022

Photo Courtesy: Jayla Pina

NEW COMMIT: The University of Pittsburgh has received a new verbal commitment for the 2022-23 season and beyond from Jayla Pina of Seekonk, Mass.

She will join Yasemine Safargar, Kate Bailey, Angelina Messina and Claire Dafoe as a member of the Panthers’ Class of 2026.

She told Swimming World:

“I am SUPER excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my athletic and academic career at the University Of Pittsburgh! I want to thank my family, friends, and coaches for all the support! Go Panthers??? #h2p”

A talented breaststroker, Pina represents Cape Verde internationally and has qualified for the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games in the 100m breast. She raced six events at the 7th FINA World Junior Championships in 2019 after racing the 50m/100m breast at the 18th FINA World Championships.

Also competing for Gators Swim Club, Pina most recently earned a best time at the NCSA Championships and was a four-time finalist at New England Seniors last short course season. She also had a stellar showing at New England LCM Seniors in July 2019.

In LCM, her best times include:

50m breast – 33.52
100m breast – 1:16.00
200m breast – 2:48.03

In SCY, her best times include:

50 breast – 29.77
100 breast – 1:05.21
200 breast – 2:20.20

Pina will be a valuable asset to the Panthers’ lineup, as she would’ve been their fourth-fastest 200 breaststroker and fifth fastest in the 100 last season. She will add her talents to a training group led by Tatum Detwiler, Kate Fuhrmann, Genevieve Joyce, and Anneliese Hohm.

Under head coach John Hargis, the Panthers are also bringing in a talented Class of 2025 that includes Emily Ally, Beaux Hoffman, Sophie Knepper, Sydney Atkins, Sydney Rodriquez, Tess Mock, Avery McFadden, Jill Berger and Mia Sunseri.

If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.

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