Sao Paulo, Brazil native Raphael Paiva has announced his intention to transfer to Texas Christian University for his final two years of NCAA eligibility, beginning in the fall of 2021.
Paiva will transfer from NCAA Division II’s Carson Newman, whom he joined mid-season in the 2019-20 school year. His first meet for the Eagles was a tri-meet with Savannah College of Art and Design and Emmanuel College in February 2020. He took second in the 100 free (45.85) and third in the 200 free (1:40.97) in his debut. At the 2020 BMC Championships he placed 7th in the 50 free (20.36), 6th in the 100 free (45.15), 9th in the 200 free (1:38.69), and 7th in the 100 breast (55.94). He also contributed splits of 19.97, 44.31, and 1:38.06.
This season at conference, he won the 200 free (1:35.71), tied for 3rd in the 50 free, (19.96 in prelims), placed 3rd in the 100 free (43.62) and the 100 breast (55.07), and anchored the free relays in 19.23/42.39/1:38.41. He then went on to swim at NCAA Division II Championships and placed third in the 200 free (1:36.11) and 4th in the 100 free (43.27).
Best SCY times:
- 50 free – 19.90
- 100 free – 43.27
- 200 free – 1:35.71
- 100 breast – 55.07
- 200 IM – 1:53.55
Paiva will join the TCU roster at the same time as incoming freshmen Jake Litchfield, Luke DiMiceli, and Phillip Endom.