HUNTINGTON BEACH, California, October 11. SWIMMING World five-star prospect Tom Shields changed his college destination over the weekend.
After previously being a solid verbal to the University of Southern California and head coach Dave Salo, Shields has decided to venture a farther north to compete for the University of California over the next four years.
Shields is a versatile performer with top times in the 200-meter free (1:51.72), 400-meter free (3:58.66), 100-meter fly (55.54) and 200-meter fly (2:02.74). He also already would clear the NCAA Division I B cut in the 200-yard free (1:36.52) and 100-yard fly (47.57).
"Although I committed to USC as a 16-year-old high school junior, today I know that the University of California is the place for me," Shields told Swimming World. "I believe Coach [Dave] Durden and Coach [Greg] Meehan have the ability to take the team to extraordinary places. I am very impatiently awaiting the opportunity to work with their program. I appreciate Coach [Dave] Salo and USC for their interest in me. I wish all the best to USC in the future."
Shields is the first known verbal for the University of California's men's class this year.