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Croatia’s Matteo Deswarte, who competed at the European Junior Championships, has announced his verbal commitment to swim for Drexel University beginning in the fall of 2027.
“I’m beyond excited to announce my verbal commitment to Drexel University. I want to thank my family that has always supported me, Coach Nathan and Coach Erik for giving me this opportunity and my Coach Goran Kezman for his guidance throughout my journey. I’m thrilled to continue my athletic and academic journey while competing at the Division I level. GO DRAGONS!!!!!!”
Deswarte will come to Philadelphia from Zagreb, Croatia, where he currently trains with Plivacki Klub Dubrava (Dubrava Swimming Club) and primarily specializes in sprint free and breast, as well as some IM.
At the 2026 MM Ilirija (LCM) competition in April, Deswarte turned in a series of strong performances. He took 3rd in the 50 breast (28.88), 6th in the 100 breast (1:04.97) and 7th in the 100 free (52.93) after setting a personal best time of 52.52 during prelims.
The following week, Deswarte clocked two more lifetime best performances at the Swim Wars (LCM). He placed 4th in the 100 breast (1:04.45 – PB) and 50 breast (29.11). He also placed 5th in the 50 free (23.93) after posting a lifetime best time of 23.50 in the preliminary heats.
Deswarte competed at the 2026 European Aquatics Junior Championships (LCM) in July, where he finished 25th in the 50 breast (28.70) and 31st in the 100 breast (1:03.59 – PB). He turned in another series of top swims a few weeks later at the Croatian Senior and Age Group Championships; he contested the 50 free (22.97), 100 free (51.47), 50 breast (28.13) and 50 fly (25.13), logging lifetime best times in each event.
Best Times LCM (SCY Conversion):
- 50 breast – 28.13 (24.44)
- 100 breast – 1:03.59 (55.48)
- 50 free – 22.97 (19.97)
- 100 free – 51.47 (44.92)
Drexel is a Division I Mid-Major program in the Coastal Athletic Association; the men’s team took 3rd at last season’s conference championships before sending two athletes, senior Sebastian Smith and junior Theodoros Andreopoulos, to compete at the NCAA Division I Men’s Championship. Based on the results from the 2026 CAA Championships and his projected SCY times, Deswarte would have landed in the ‘A’ final in the 50 free and the ‘B’ final in the 100 free and 100 breast, putting him in a position to be a strong contributor right from the start.
On the team itself, Deswarte would have ranked 1st in the 50 breast, 3rd in the 50 free, 4th in the 100 breast and 6th in the 100 free last season. Deswarte will be joining a strong international program, as there are 12 international men on Drexel’s roster this season, including two swimmers from Croatia.
Currently set to join Deswarte in Philadelphia in the fall are Michael Bunzendahl and Wyatt Boland, who should both make for strong training partners over the next four years.
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