Connecticut
Merrimack Gains Connecticut Class L State Finalist Julia Tejeda For 2025
Fitter and Faster Swim Camps is the proud sponsor of SwimSwam’s 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.
Versatile swimmer Julia Tejeda has decided to continue her swimming career at Division 1 Merrimack College in Massachusetts, starting in the fall of 2025. Currently a senior at Cheshire High School in Connecticut, Tejeda trains with the Cheshire YMCA Sea Dog Swim Club.
“I am excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career next fall at Merrimack College! Thank you to all my friends, family, and coaches for all the support you have given me over the last 4 years! Go Warriors!”
Tejeda achieved several lifetime bests at the 2024 Connecticut Senior Champs (SCY) in March. She placed 6th in the 1650 free (17:51.98), and her 1000 split (10:46.50) remains her fastest 1000 free time. She placed 10th in the 200 back (2:08.04), 13th in both the 200 IM (2:11.99) and 400 IM (4:40.42), and set a best time in the 100 back (1:00.34) during the 400 medley relay. Tejeda also achieved a personal best in the 200 fly (2:13.50 in prelims), and finished 19th in finals (2:15.55).
Tejeda was a finalist at the 2024 CIAC Class L Championship (SCY) in November, placing 9th in the 200 free (1:58.14) and 6th in the 500 free (5:16.98). Her 200 free time was a personal best. In Connecticut, schools are categorized based on enrollment, with Class L representing the second-largest group, behind Class LL.
Fast forward a week, and Tejeda competed at the CIAC State Open Championship (SCY), where she achieved a personal best in the 200 free (1:58.13), placing 20th, and a season best in the 500 free (5:15.52), placing 12th. The previous year at the meet, Tejeda set her lifetime best in the 500 free with a time of 5:13.64, finishing 11th.
Top SCY Times
- 500 Free – 5:13.64
- 1000 Free – 10:46.50
- 1650 – 17:51.98
- 200 back – 2:08.04
- 200 IM – 2:11.99
- 400 IM – 4:40.42
Merrimack placed 8th out of nine teams at the 2024 Northeast Conference Championships for women, matching their performance from the previous season. Tejeda could make a significant impact upon her arrival, as her fastest times in the 200 back, 200 IM, and 400 IM would have been the best for Merrimack last season. Her 200 back time would have qualified her for the ‘C’ final at last year’s NEC Championship,s as would her 200 IM, while her 400 IM time would have earned a spot in the ‘B’ final.
Additionally, Tejeda would have been the second-fastest on the team last season in the 500 free, 1000 free, 1650 free, and 200 fly. The top distance swimmer last season was junior Neva Sa, who held times of 5:05.25 in the 500, 10:41.41 in the 1000, and 17:42.32 in the mile.
Tejeda’s older sister, Alexa, also swam for Merrimack from 2018 to 2022. Now, Tejeda will follow in her footsteps and join Abby Condon and Liz Vursta as part of the 2025 recruiting class. Vursta holds strong times in the 500 free (5:14.21) and 200 back (2:09.50) as well.
If you have a commitment to report, please send an email with a photo (landscape, or horizontal, looks best) and a quote to [email protected].
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Connecticut
5 Connecticut towns to receive $2M each for infrastructure upgrades
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Five Connecticut towns will collectively receive $10 million in grants for infrastructure upgrades, according to a Monday announcement by Gov. Ned Lamont.
The Connecticut Department of Housing (DOH) is awarding $10.7 million to Coventry, Guilford, Ledyard, Mansfield and Thomaston to modernize and rehabilitate housing for low- and moderate-income residents, the announcement said.
The funds are being released through the DOH’s Community Development Block Grant’s small cities program, with funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. To be eligible, a municipality must have fewer than 50,000 residents.
Cost Breakdown
Coventry: $2 million
Town of Coventry plans to use funds to upgrade, with a focus on making Orchard Hill Estates compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Guilford: $2 million
The Town of Guilford plans to use funds to design and build future affordable housing projects, consisting of up to 16 rental units and 8 homes.
Ledyard: $2 million
The Town of Canton requested funding for the first phase of affordable housing for people in Ledyard and the surrounding area. Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut is in the pre-development phase of the Colby Drive and plans to create 38 units.
Mansfield: $2.2 million
Funding will be used for upgrades to Wright’s Village, including roof replacements and sidewalk repairs.
Thomaston: $2.5 million
Funds will be used to make Green Manor ADA-compliant, including the installation of a new emergency call aid system.
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Connecticut
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Connecticut
Florida High School State Bronze Medalist Dajah German Verbals To Connecticut For Fall 2027
Fitter and Faster Swim Camps is the proud sponsor of SwimSwam’s 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.
Florida high school state bronze medalist Dajah German has announced her verbal commitment to swim and study at the University of Connecticut beginning in the fall of 2027. She publicized the news on SwimCloud, writing:
I am so excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at the University of Connecticut! I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who has supported me throughout this journey, my family, coaches, teammates, and friends who have pushed me to be my best throughout the years. And a very special thank you to Coach Chris and Coach Nicole for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. I’m so excited for what’s ahead. GO HUSKIES!
A rising senior at Fort Lauderdale High School in Florida, German trains year-round with Swim Fort Lauderdale and primarily specializes in the sprint and middle-distance freestyle events.
German has improved each year of her high school career, most recently dropping from 23.78, 51.39, and 1:50.56 in the 50/100/200 free to 23.54, 51.35, and 1:49.69 during the 2025-26 short course season.
German’s top meet of the season was the Florida Senior Championships in March, where she recorded her current PBs in both the 50 and 200 free. She finished second in the 500 free (4:55.94) and 1650 free (17:02.78), third in both the 50 free and 200 free, and fifth in the 100 free (51.43). She set her current 100 free PB at a smaller holiday meet in December. In the 500 free, she clocked a season-best 4:55.21 at the Speedo Cup in January, with her lifetime best of 4:53.19 coming at the 2025 Florida Senior Championships.
German has qualified for the FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) State Championships for the past three years, with her top performance coming at the 2025 iteration in November. She placed third in the 50 free (23.96), fifth in the 500 free (5:01.12), and helped Fort Lauderdale to fourth place in both the 200 free relay (24.64 leadoff) and 400 free relay (53.08 anchor).
Top SCY Times:
- 50 Freestyle: 23.54
- 100 Freestyle: 51.35
- 200 Freestyle: 1:49.69
- 500 Freestyle: 4:53.19
A Division I Mid-Major program, Connecticut competes in the Big East, with the women’s team placing second out of seven teams at this past season’s conference championships. German’s current lifetime bests would have placed third in the 200 free, fourth in the 500 free, eighth in the 50 free, and ninth in the 100 free, setting her up as an immediate contributor with two full seasons of training still ahead before her first conference meet.
German joins Anna Mumford, Lyla Devlin, Lena Brown, and Louisa Holda in committing to the Huskies’ class of 2031 so far.
If you have a commitment to report, please send an email with a photo (landscape, or horizontal, looks best) and a quote to [email protected].
About the Fitter and Faster Swim Tour
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 fitterandfaster.com to find or request a swim camp near you.

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