Canadian Breaststroker Kesa Taivassalo Selects South Carolina
Toronto, Canada – June 10, 2024
The University of South Carolina has secured a new verbal commitment for the 2024-25 season and beyond from Canadian breaststroker Kesa Taivassalo of Markham, Ontario. She will join Maddie Reynolds and Tori Abruzzo in Columbia as a member of the Gamecocks’ Class of 2029. Her older brother, Brayden Taivassalo, is a rising sophomore at Texas and won gold in the 200 breast at the 2024 Big 12 Championships.
Taivassalo Excited for the Future
Regarding her commitment, she said: “I am super proud and excited to announce my verbal commitment to further both my athletic and academic career at the University of South Carolina! The moment I stepped on campus for my official, the team made me feel so welcome and the coaches were nothing but helpful. Coach Jeff’s vision for the future of the program is something I want to be part of and can’t wait to see what the future holds. This is only the beginning!”
Impressive Achievements
Taivassalo trains year-round with Markham Aquatic Club and won the 200m breast at the Winter Ontario Championships before going on to take seventh in that event at the Speedo Canadian Open. In 2023, she placed second in the 200m breast at the Speedo Canadian Championships. Her time of 2:35.17 was the second-fastest among girls aged 15-16 in Canada that year.
In LCM, her best times include:
- 100 breast – 1:12.62
- 200 breast – 2:33.16
- 200 IM – 2:30.92
In SCY, those times convert to:
- 100m breast – 1:03.62
- 200m breast – 2:14.37
- 200 IM – 2:13.08
Taivassalo currently attends Bill Crothers Secondary School.
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Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
