Courtesy: Westmont Athletics
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Head coach Jill Jones-Lin has announced the signing of two more student-athletes to Westmont’s women’s swim team. Gaby Rego of Orinda Aquatics Club in Moraga and Emma Leathers of Paseo Aquatics in Valencia will be members of the team’s 2019-20 inaugural season.
Leathers was a four-time CIF individual qualifier while competing for the Trinity Classical Academy. She posted top short course times of 1:11.99 in the 100 yard back stroke and 1:09.71 in the 100 yard butterfly.
“Emma is full of energy and is excited to continue her swimming career in college,” said Jones-Lin. “Her positivity and determination to improve was evident in our first meeting and I am excited to have her as part of our inaugural team. I believe that Emma will be a great addition to Westmont and the swimming team.”
“Within five minutes of talking to the coach, I had already made up my mind about Westmont,” said Leathers. “I am most looking forward to being a part of something that’s going to outlast me and I’m also excited to grow in my faith.”
Rego swam for Campolindo High School and is a familiar with Coach Jones-Lin.
“Gaby was one of my former swimmers when I coached for Orinda Aquatics and I know that she is going to play a crucial role in establishing the culture and mission of our team,” reported the coach. “Gaby is the type of swimmer that I know I can count on to step in and swim a difficult event if the team needs her to. She is a team player and a leader and I am looking forward to coaching her these next four years.”
Rego recorded best short course times of 2:05.68 in the 200 yard free style, 1:05.46 in the 100 yard back stroke, 2:20.90 in the 200 yard back stroke and 1:11.50 in the 100 yard butterfly.
“Westmont was really appealing to me because it has everything I was looking for,” said Rego. “It has challenging academics, chapel and a tight-knit community which will help me grow in my faith, swimming, and a beautiful campus and location.
“I am beyond grateful to have the opportunity to swim and study at Westmont College,” said Rego. “I love everything about Westmont from the atmosphere and values to the location. Thank you to everyone who has helped me get here. I am excited to see what the next four years have in store.”
Rego and Leathers join Bailey Lemmon of Aptos Cabrillo Swim Club as incoming freshman. The Warriors will compete as members of the Pacific Collegiate Swim Conference next season.