Kean to swim for Macalester College

Tsunami Saipan Swimming Center’s Kean Pajarillaga will continue his education at Macalester College, a private liberal arts college in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

The 17-year-old Grace Christian Academy graduate will also be part of the college’s swimming team. Macalester College competes in the NCAA Division III Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and are known as the Scots.

“I chose to attend Macalester College and it is not a full ride scholarship. However, they gave around 90% grants and scholarships. I chose this college because I was given a lot of aid and I feel like the school is a great fit for me. Also, I would be able to continue swimming in this college. I would be swimming in a bigger pool, while also competing against different schools in multiple competitions, and sometimes in different states. I plan to major in Chemistry. Other schools I considered before choosing this college was Denison University, Hamilton College, and a few others,” Pajarillaga told Saipan Tribune.

Tsunami Saipan head coach Hiroyuki Kimura congratulated Pajarillaga for deciding to continue competitive swimming after high school.

“As his coach for many years, I couldn’t be happier that Kean has decided his college. As was the case with Juhn Tenorio last year, I truly respect and proud of my swimmers got accepted from college in spite of putting all into swimming and continuing to work hard until the end without stopping practice. Kean is working as Tsunami Saipan’s vice-captain, set a CNMI age group record, and has participated in international meet as a representative of his country, I believe it’s really admirable,” he said.

Kimura said he has high hopes that his ward will be able to reach his full potential in swimming at Macalester College.

“Kean will be a member of the swim team in college and will continue to be a competitive swimmer in the U.S. college swimming scene. I heard from friends in the states that Kean’s coach in college is an excellent swimming coach. I also heard that the team is a very nice team. His target in college swimming is get on the roster. I think his next goal is to participate in the state championships and so on, after that, Kean’s ultimate goal is to compete in the U.S. National Collegiate Championship! I’m already excited for Kean’s future!” he said.

Macalester College swimming and diving head coach Kyllian Griffin is extremely excited to add Pajarillaga to the men’s team roster.

“He joins six other men’s team recruits, and eight other women’s team recruits in the incoming class (Macalester College Class of 2028). His specialty in the backstroke events will be extremely helpful for our team, and we’re excited about his ability to sprint freestyle, too. Our team is extremely proud of our geographic diversity: as of right now, we have 57 swimmers and divers from 25 different states (and U.S, territories). We’re thrilled to add Saipan and the Northern Mariana Islands to our list!” he said.