Zeynep Balto, who is originally from Istanbul, Turkey, but who resides currently in Niskayuna, New York, has chosen to swim for the Towson Tigers beginning with the 2015-16 season.
“I chose Towson University because when I went for an official visit, I was impressed by the way the team performed both in and out of the pool. The coaching staff was awesome and the university fits my academic needs.”
Balto has been in the United States for the past two years attending Niskayuna High School. She also swims for the Albany Starfish Swim Club. Both teams are coached by Steve Hall.
Prior to her arrival in New York, Balto was a member of the Turkish national team. Her top swims at that time (2013) were:
1500 LCM free: 17:47.63
800 LCM free: 9:15.83
400 LCM free: 4:29.79
200 LCM free: 2:10:57
Since then, she has competed mainly in short course yards, and her best times are:
1650y free: 17:36.16
1000y free: 10:35.00
500y free: 5:03.76
200y free: 1:54.79
100y free: 54.73
50y free: 25.78
200y back: 2:03.32
100y back: 58.87
Balto also went 9:10.00 in the 800 (LCM) recently.
Balto’s new teammates will include:
- Ali Holm
- Amanda Rosa
- Bria Otwell
- Cami Andreini
- Emilee Torres
- Emily Rezac
- Grace Hansen
- Haley Sutton
- Kara Powell
- Natalie Obando
- Natasha Reidenbach
- Ryan Ulrich
- Sydney Leahr
- Victoria Zozzaro