{"id":504341,"date":"2026-10-22T15:24:09","date_gmt":"2026-10-22T15:24:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/504341\/"},"modified":"2026-10-22T15:24:09","modified_gmt":"2026-10-22T15:24:09","slug":"california-high-school-state-qualifier-zelli-coats-verbals-to-saint-marys-college-of-californias-class-of-2031","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/504341\/","title":{"rendered":"California High School State Qualifier Zelli Coats Verbals To Saint Mary’s College Of California’s Class Of 2031"},"content":{"rendered":"

Fitter and Faster Swim Camps<\/a> is the proud sponsor of SwimSwam\u2019s College Recruiting Channel and all commitment news. For many, swimming in college is a lifelong dream that is pursued with dedication and determination. Fitter and Faster is proud to honor these athletes and those who supported them on their journey.<\/p>\n

California high school state qualifier Zelli Coats has announced her verbal commitment to swim and study at Saint Mary\u2019s College of California, becoming the first publicized commit in the Gaels\u2019 class of 2031. She publicized the news on SwimCloud, writing:<\/p>\n

I\u2019m excited to continue my academic and athletic career at Saint Mary\u2019s College of California. I\u2019m grateful to Coach Ellie, Paige, and Carter for giving me this opportunity and making me feel so welcomed by the team and staff. I\u2019m looking forward to being part of the Gael family and continuing to grow as both a student and a swimmer. I also want to thank Coach Mike, all the coaches who have believed in me throughout my time with Santa Maria Swim Club, and my family and friends for their constant support along the way. Go Gaels!<\/p>\n

A senior at Ernest Righetti High School in Santa Maria, Coats has been a member of her school\u2019s varsity swimming team since her freshman year. She also trains year-round with Santa Maria Swim Club, where she primarily specializes in distance freestyle.<\/p>\n

The 2025-26 season saw Coats drop more than 26 seconds in the 1650 free, more than three seconds in the 500 free and just over two seconds in the 200 free. She swam her current career best of 17:10.62 in the 1650 free at the SI CAST Presidents\u2019 Day Senior Meet in February, then won the 200 free (1:53.72) and 500 free (5:02.45) at the Central Coast Athletic Association (CCAA) Mountain League Championships in April.. She wrapped up the high school season at the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) State Championships, where she placed 35th in the 500 free (5:10.25), after finishing a career-best 33rd in the event in 2025.<\/p>\n

Top SCY Times:<\/p>\n

200 Freestyle: 1:53.72
\n500 Freestyle: 5:02.45
\n1650 Freestyle: 17:10.62<\/p>\n

A new Division I program, Saint Mary\u2019s women\u2019s team joined the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation at the start of the season.\u00a0Coats\u2019 current lifetime best in the 1650 free would have placed 10th in timed finals at the 2026 MPSF Championships, while her 500 free PB would have made the \u2018B\u2019 final and her 200 free time the \u2018C\u2019 final.<\/p>\n

If you have a commitment to report, please send an email with a photo (landscape, or horizontal, looks best) and a quote to [email\u00a0protected]<\/a>.<\/p>\n

About the Fitter and Faster Swim Tour\u00a0<\/p>\n

Fitter & Faster Swim Camps feature the most innovative teaching platforms for competitive swimmers of all levels. Camps are produced year-round throughout the USA and Canada. All camps are led by elite swimmers and coaches. Visit\u00a0fitterandfaster.com<\/a>\u00a0to find or request a swim camp near you.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

FFT SOCIAL<\/p>\n

Instagram \u2013\u00a0@fitterandfasterswimtour<\/a>
Facebook \u2013 @fitterandfastertour<\/a>
Twitter \u2013 @fitterandfaster<\/a><\/p>\n

FFT is a SwimSwam partner.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t