Yale Kicks Off 2026 Recruiting With Orinda Aquatics’ Elise Gratton
NEW COMMIT: Yale University has received its first verbal commitment* for Fall 2026 from Junior National qualifier Elise Gratton of Lafayette, California. She’s the first public verbal pledge for the Ivy League.
She told Swimming World:
“I am thrilled to announce my verbal commitment to the admissions process and further my academic and athletic career at Yale University. Thank you to my family, teammates, and coaches for their support along the way. I am very grateful to the Yale swim coaches for this incredible opportunity! Go Bulldogs! #boolaboola”
Gratton trains with Orinda Aquatics under coach Ronnie Heidary. She was the runner-up in the 100m free this past summer at Novato Sectionals where she also took sixth in the 100m breast. She took 10th in the 100m free at Marin Sectionals last March.
Her best times include:
- 50 free – 24.26
- 100 free – 51.13
- 100 breast – 1:04.46
- 200 breast – 2:22.84
- 200 IM – 2:07.52
Currently a junior at Campolindo High School, Gratton placed second in the 100 free and fifth in the 100 breast at the 2024 CIF North Coast Section Championships. She competed at the CIF State Championships both her freshman and sophomore years.
Gratton is also a Scholastic All-American for her efforts in the pool and in the classroom.
*IVY LEAGUE DISCLAIMER:* A “verbal commitment” does not guarantee admission. An Ivy League coach cannot guarantee admission but can only commit support in the admissions process.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
