South Carolina Starts 2028 Recruiting With Verbal From Freestyler Ella Hafner
NEW COMMIT: The University of South Carolina has received its first public verbal commitment for Fall 2028 from Gabrielle “Ella” Hafner of Farmington Hills, Mich. Hafner is a Summer Nationals qualifier who excels in distance freestyle.
She was selected to participate in USA Swimming’s 2025 National Select Camp.
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I am so excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at the University of South Carolina! Thank you to my parents for being there for me, supporting me through everything, and for not just being great coaches, but also the best parents who always push me to strive to be my best. Thank you to all of the coaches who have pushed me to be my best and believed in me; especially my dad, my mom, Mikey, and Nick. Lastly, a huge thank you to Coach Jeff, Coach Tylor, Coach Robert, and Coach Shrum for this incredible opportunity. GO GAMECOCKS! ❤️🤙🖤”
Hafner, who does her club swimming with Pointe Aquatics, raced the 1500m free at Summer Nationals before going on to place 21st in the 800m free and 24th in the 400m free at Junior Nationals. Also this past summer, she was the 800m free runner-up at Columbus Speedo Sectionals.
Last winter, Hafner finished fourth in the mile, fifth in the 500 free and eighth in the 1000 free at NCSA Spring Championships. She also earned bronze in the 400m free and won the 200m free B-final at Indianapolis Speedo Sectionals.
Her best times include:
- 200 free – 1:47.53
- 500 free – 4:48.86
- 1000 free – 9:51.16
- 1650 free – 16:25.52
Currently a junior at Mercy Catholic, Hafner earned silver medals in the 200 free and 500 free at the 2024 and 2025 Michigan Division II State Championships. She swam on the winning 4×100 free relay both seasons, as well as on the winning 4×50 free relay in 2024.
The Gamecocks finished sixth at the 2026 Southeastern Conference Championships. Hafner’s top time in the mile would’ve placed 15th at the conference meet.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
