Three-time NCAA champion Shaine Casas is planning on turning professional.
Casas, who has spent the last three seasons competing in the NCAA with the Texas A&M Aggies, told SwimSwam on Friday that although nothing is completely set in stone, he has designs on turning pro in the near future, meaning his time competing collegiately is most likely done.
Casas entered the NCAA transfer portal in late August, signalling his desire to move on from Texas A&M after three seasons with the team. At the time, a source indicated Casas was planning on joining the University of Texas, though nothing was confirmed.
On Friday, Casas said that it’s currently being arranged for him to join the training group in Austin, so it appears he’ll join the pro group at Texas with coach Eddie Reese.
The 21-year-old was dominant last season during his junior year in College Station, winning the men’s 100 backstroke, 200 backstroke and 200 individual medley at the 2021 NCAA Championships.
A native of McAllen, TX., Casas also won a pair of individual SEC titles last season in the 200 back and 200 IM. In short course yards, he’s currently the second-fastest swimmer of all-time in the 200 back (1:35.75), third in the 200 IM (1:38.95), fourth in the 100 back (43.87), sixth in the 200 fly (1:38.69) and eighth in the 200 free (1:30.59).
After winning the 2019 U.S. National title in the men’s 100 backstroke (LCM), Casas placed third in the event at the Olympic Trials this past summer, clocking a time of 52.76 to finish less than three-tenths shy of a berth on the U.S. Olympic team. He also placed sixth in the 200 back after entering the meet seeded second and third in the 100 and 200 back, respectively.
Casas will be providing SwimSwam with a statement shortly.
Kid had a hard life but no excuses, he’s still in CS being a real jerk to anyone he encounters. I guess when you get arrested 3 weeks out from Olympic trials for public intoxication you want to blame the coaches for not making the team! Good luck going pro which will never happen.
A lot of you are misspelling a few things, let me help, it’s spelled:
“Best of luck Shaine! Wishing you the best mentally, physically, emotionally and in the pool! Hope you find the best version of you.”
He seemed a bit overwhelmed and stressed towards end of college season 2021. Maybe he will focus on SC Worlds in UAE. Not sure if he would be chosen based on selection criteria, however.
Very smart move for someone that may not be ready or willing to seek an education at this time of his life. ISL, just might be a perfect solution for him. If he’s in shape, he could be a force and earn some decent bucks.
Good Luck Shane
Kinda feel bad for the guy. If A&M really wasn’t the right place for him anymore it might be hard for HIM to know where he should be headed next and what’s really best for him as a person and as a swimmer. Hopefully it ends up working out for him, he’s a fun swimmer to watch.
How many World and Olympic individual medalists came from Texas in the past few years? The most recent one I can remember is Townley Haas who got 200 free silver at 2017 World Championships, and then yes, Joseph Schooling.
I don’t think this is a very good record compared with some other universities, when you almost get the best recruits every year.
I’d say Carson Foster’s world #1 time in an Olympic year is a pretty good advertisement. The only other world #1 time this Olympic year for active U.S. university swimmers was Finke, and Florida hasn’t produced a backstroker in forever. Eddie, however, had Piersol, and a half-dozen other backstrokers who won international medals. Then put in play that Casas probably wants to stay in Texas close to home.
Finke is actually not #1 in the world in either of his event.
World #1 in 800 free is Romanchuk (Olympic heat), and world #1 in 1500 free is Wellbrock (domestic meet). Finke just delivered when it counts, and Carson was the opposite.
Kinda crazy that Casas chose Texas, the school where another kid like him who can’t deal with pressure lost NCAA and Trials 400 IMs, but had the fastest time in the world… odd.
It’s not like Florida is the only other choice.
Talking about backstrokers, Cal definitely has something to say. Murphy apparently has 4 individual backstroke Olympic medals. Mefford finished 4th in 200 back in Tokyo. Pebley was a World 200 back medalist in 2017.
California is too far from Casas’ home I know.
It’s not like Florida is the only other choice.
Talking about backstrokers, Cal definitely has something to say. Murphy apparently has 4 individual backstroke Olympic medals. Mefford finished 4th in 200 back in Tokyo. Pebley was a World 200 back medalist in 2017.
Cal is too far from Casas’ home I know.
All I have to say is🌹
Does anyone understand the circumstances of his life (his dad)? Maybe that would help provide some empathy? Very easy to google. Don’t know the young man at all, but, people, with all the mental health issues in the news, can you not rush to judgement?