ALISO VIEJO, Calif. --- Jake Michelsen wants to fly planes one day. But before he takes to the skies, Michelsen will point his attention to the pool and will be swimming for the Eagles starting in Fall 2020. 

Michelsen joins Biola Swin & Dive from Aliso Niguel High School, becoming the latest in a long line of south Orange County prep stars to commit to Head Coach Ryan Kauth's program. He qualified for CIF and state postseason competition during his high school career and also was a Futures qualifier for his club team. Michelsen will focus on the freestyle at Biola and intends to swim three sprint events: the 50-free, 100-free and 200-free.

"I chose Biola because of the fantastic campus, amazing people, and the great inclusive environment," Michelsen said. "The swim team is really remarkable as well as [Coach Kauth] and I feel like I will grow exponentially with God and in my swimming career in this new environment."

After his time in the pool and at Biola, Michelsen hopes to join the military and become a fighter pilot in the U.S. Marine Corps, then enter a civilian career flying for commercial airlines. He is currently working towards obtaining his pilot's license and also likes to surf in his free time.

Michelsen plans to major in business administration at Biola. He was an award-winning scholar-athlete in high school and passed multiple AP courses. 

Michelsen said he was sold on Biola's culture and Kauth's swim program through having close friends on the team. The Eagles reached unprecedented heights during the 2019-20 season, topped off by a great team finish and Cornerstone Cup victory over Azusa Pacific in the Pacific Coast Swim and Dive Conference Championships in February.

The future looks even brighter for Kauth and the Eagles, and fans can get their first taste of the future as Michelsen starts his collegiate career in late 2020. More information on the incoming 2020-21 class that will join him at Biola can be found on the Committed Athletes page.