Celebrating Our 2026 University-Bound Student Athletes
Shanghai American School proudly celebrates five exceptional seniors who have officially committed to continue their academic and athletic careers at the university level. These Eagles have set records, led with integrity, and represented SAS with distinction, and their next chapters are just beginning.
Malia M. began her journey at SAS as a four-year-old in Pre-K but officially became an Aqua Eagle in Grade 1. Since joining the team, she has not slowed down. Next year, she’ll head to Harvard University as a Division I swimmer, bringing with her a résumé that includes 22 school records across four age groups, seven pool records, six APAC records, and international experience at the World Junior Championships in Romania. Ryan Layt, SAS Puxi Head of Aquatics, shared that “Malia has never taken the easy road, as butterfly is one of the most challenging strokes, requiring extraordinary strength, power, and endurance. Her tenacity is evident as she leads our Aqua Eagles to numerous accolades at swim meets.” Harvard is getting a powerhouse in every sense of the word.
When it comes to balancing elite performance with extraordinary leadership, Michelle M. makes it look effortless. She will attend the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business, where she will continue her swimming career while tackling one of the most demanding academic programs in the world. SAS Pudong Head of Aquatics Alex Miladinovski puts it best: “Michelle embodies what it means to be an Eagle. She competes fiercely, leads thoughtfully, and contributes meaningfully to every community she touches.” During her SAS swimming career, Michelle became the top U18 female swimmer in Singapore for her events, an APAC champion and record holder, a World Junior Championships and Swimming World Cup representative, a USA Swimming Scholastic All American, and captain of the SAS Pudong Swim Team. Wharton will be lucky to have her.
Joining SAS in Grade 5, Gabrielle S. quickly became the kind of athlete every coach hopes for and every teammate relies on. Next year, she will proudly join the Pomona College swim team. Over the years, she set multiple school and pool records, currently holding one pool record and three age group records, won individual APAC championships, and served as the Puxi varsity captain for three consecutive seasons. She also led the girls team to an APAC Championship and Sportsmanship Award, all while navigating injury and adversity with remarkable resilience. Coach Layt shared, “Gabrielle is the definition of a true team leader. Her resilience, consistency, and heart set the standard for our entire program.” Her journey is proof that growth often comes through the hardest moments.
For Sarah S., golf has never just been a sport. It has been a way to lead, serve, and give back. Joining the varsity golf team as a middle schooler and competing through her senior year, while also serving as team captain for three years, Sarah built a legacy that includes leadership roles as SAS Golf Community Co-Host and Co-Chair, a Craig Davis Award recipient, and recognition as an AJGA Leadership Links Presidents’ Award finalist. She now heads to Carnegie Mellon University to continue her academic and athletic career with the Women’s Golf Team. According to Mr. Hossack, “Sarah leads with integrity, gratitude, and humility. She represents SAS with tremendous pride.” Carnegie Mellon is gaining not only a strong competitor, but a remarkable young leader.
And then there is Kaideng Z., whose love of swimming began in Grade 3 when he joined the Aqua Eagles and has only grown stronger ever since. This fall, he will attend Dartmouth College as a Division I swimmer while studying Biology and Biochemistry, joining a school affectionately known as “The Big Green,” a fitting destination for someone famous on campus for his own green wardrobe. Coach Ryan Layt noted, “Kaideng’s versatility and drive are exceptional. He elevates everyone around him and competes with confidence and purpose.” Kaideng leaves SAS as one of the fastest swimmers in school history, holding 16 school records, four pool records, and two APAC championship records, including a standout junior year at APAC in Manila with four gold medals and one silver. Dartmouth is getting a true difference maker.
As these five Eagles prepare for their next chapter, we celebrate far more than medals, records, and championships. We celebrate the early mornings, the long practices, the setbacks overcome, the friendships built, and the character shaped along the way. Congratulations to Malia, Michelle, Gabrielle, Sarah, and Kaideng. Your journeys have inspired us, and your futures are incredibly bright. We can’t wait to follow all of your successes in university and beyond!
