Swimmers at a training session, embodying resilience and dedication.
Chloe Quarles, a senior swimmer at Coronado High School, has changed her commitment from Cal Poly to UNLV following the abrupt termination of Cal Poly’s swim program due to financial issues. Quarles chose UNLV to secure her collegiate swimming career amidst uncertainty. The grassroots movement to save Cal Poly swim has raised over $7 million, but the challenge remains significant. As she transitions, Quarles highlights resilience and adaptation for student-athletes facing unexpected changes in their paths.
Coronado, California – Chloe Quarles, a senior swimmer at Coronado High School, has officially changed her commitment from California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) after the abrupt discontinuation of Cal Poly’s swim program in March. This decision follows overwhelming uncertainty regarding her future as a student-athlete.
Cal Poly announced the termination of its men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs on March 7, citing financial challenges exacerbated by recent NCAA regulations. A letter from the university indicated that the program had become financially unsustainable due to an annual loss of approximately $450,000 linked to the House vs. NCAA settlement, which impacts funding related to student-athlete Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights.
The sudden decision left Quarles and other committed athletes facing difficult choices. They had to consider whether to attend Cal Poly solely as students or seek new opportunities elsewhere during their crucial senior year of high school. In response to the announcement, a grassroots movement titled “Save Cal Poly Swim & Dive” emerged, aimed at raising funds to potentially reinstate the swimming program. Initially, Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong stated that the group would need to raise $25 million, but this figure was later reduced to $20 million, with a deadline set for June 5.
As of the latest updates, the funding effort had raised over $7 million; however, with her future in swimming uncertain, Quarles opted to secure her athletic career by committing to UNLV. She expressed enthusiasm about joining the UNLV swim team, complimenting both the athletic program and the location of the university, viewing it as a safer option for her aspirations.
In her senior year, Quarles has continued to excel in her sport, having placed in the top three for both the 100-yard butterfly and 200-yard Individual Medley at the CIF San Diego Section Division II tournament, qualifying her for the state-level competition. This achievement highlights her dedication and performance despite the turmoil surrounding her college decision.
Quarles reminisced about her lifelong ambition to swim at the collegiate level, stressing the importance of fulfilling her dreams for her younger self. Despite the cut program at Cal Poly, the university has committed to honoring existing agreements with athletes who had previously signed to compete. This decision provides a measure of assurance for those adversely affected by the cuts.
The sentiments among swimmers at Cal Poly have turned largely to feelings of betrayal and loss. Fellow senior swimmer Kale Lozano expressed his disappointment over the sudden program elimination, reflecting a wider sense of unease among teammates who have trained together for years. As the swim community grapples with the impact of these changes, Quarles’s transition to UNLV marks a significant step in her athletic journey, paving the way for her future in swimming.
As the grassroots effort continues to garner support, Quarles serves as an example for other athletes navigating similar predicaments, emphasizing the importance of resilience and adaptation in the face of unexpected challenges.
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