USC Gains 2026 Verbal From Colorado State Champ Ella Gaca Thiele
NEW COMMIT: The University of Southern California has secured a new verbal commitment for its Class of 2026 recruiting cohort from U.S. Open qualifier Ella Gaca Thiele of Fort Collins, Colorado.
She will join Hailey Weiler as a member of the Trojans’ Class of 2030.
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I’m extremely excited to announce my verbal commitment to further my academic and swimming career at the University of Southern California! I am grateful for God, my family, friends, and coaches who have supported me along the way. Also, a special thanks to Coach Megan and Coach Lea for giving me this opportunity! FIGHT ON!”
A sprint freestyler, Thiele does her club swimming with Fort Collins Area Swim Team. She had a busy summer, first at Austin Sectionals where she had three top-10 finishes before going on to Western Zone Seniors, ending that meet with gold in the 100m fly and 400m IM as well as bronze in the 100m breast.
Her best times include:
- 50 free – 22.98
- 100 free – 50.02
- 200 free – 1:50.87
- 100 fly – 55.87
Currently a junior at Fossil Ridge High School, Thiele swept the 50 free and 100 free at the 2024 Colorado 5A State Championships. She took fifth and third, respectively, in those events as a freshman.
The 2024-25 season marks the first year USC is competing in the Big Ten Conference.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
