Columbia Lions Add Hannah Hailu, Steph Lee to Class of 2025

hannah hailu steph lee columbia
Photo Courtesy: Hannah Hailu / Steph Lee

Hannah Hailu, Steph Lee give their verbals to the commitment process at Columbia.

NEW COMMITS: Columbia University has scored two new verbal commitments* for the 2021-22 season and beyond from Omaha, Neb. native Hannah Hailu and Steph Lee of Surrey, British Columbia.

All three talented swimmers will join Riley Pujadas and Julia Unas in New York City as a member of the Lions’ class of 2025.

HANNAH HAILU

Hannah Hailu columbia

Photo Courtesy: Hannah Hailu via CollegeSwimming

Regarding her commitment, she said:

“I am absolutely thrilled to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Columbia University! I am forever grateful to my family, coaches, friends, and teammates for their constant love and support! I can’t wait to be a lion!”

A talented backstroker, Hailu does her club swimming with Greater Omaha Aquatics and is a Junior National qualifier. She earned three best times at Juniors West in December and placed 15th in the 200m back at Des Moines Futures last summer.

Her best times include:

  • 50 back – 26.67
  • 100 back – 56.25
  • 200 back – 2:00.08
  • 200 IM – 2:07.86

Also competing for Millard North High School, Hailu is a six-time Nebraska State Championship finalist. She finished third in both the 100 back and 100 fly as a junior while taking fifth and third, respectively, in those events during her sophomore season.

STEPH LEE

steph lee columbia

Photo Courtesy: Steph Lee via CollegeSwimming

Regarding her commitment, she said:

“I am beyond excited to announce my verbal commitment to swim and study at Columbia University!! I’m so thankful for my family, friends, coaches, teachers, and many more for helping me to get here. GO LIONS!!!”

A sprint freestyler, Lee trains year-round with Surrey Knights Swim Club and most recently earned the silver medal in the 50m free at the BC Winter Provincial Championships. She also finaled in two events at the Speedo Western Championships in April 2019.

Her best times include (LCM/SCY conversions):

  • 50m free – 26.93/23.72
  • 100m free – 59.34/52.45
  • 100m back – 1:08.17/59.17

Last summer, she sprinted to 10th place in the 50m free at the Canadian Junior Championships after taking sixth in that event as well as eighth in the 100m free at the BC Summer Provincial Championships.

*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.

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