Santi Alzate, Liam Smith and Tai Pearson will join the Gators for the 2026-27 academic school year.
Florida Men Sign Three Swimmers
Friday, November 14, 2025 | Men's Swimming & Diving
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The nationally ranked Florida swimming & diving program welcome three swimmers, Santi Alzate, Liam Smith and Tai Pearson, to the 2026-27 men's roster.
"We are extremely excited about this incoming recruiting class and can't wait to welcome them to Gainesville," said Florida Head Coach Anthony Nesty. "They are a perfect fit for the Gator family and each bring an impressive level of national and international experience."
The newest Gators bring international experience and have achieved success with either their club or high school teams.
Santi Alzate | Distance Freestyle & IM | Charlotte, North Carolina
"I chose Florida because I knew it was going to be the best place for me to grow and continue my academic and athletic career."
Liam Smith | Butterfly & IM | Kalamazoo, Michigan
"Florida has always been one of my dreams schools and has an amazing swim team and coaches that I am confident can help me reach my goals."
Tai Pearson | Butterfly / Backstroke | Cape Town, South Africa
"I'm eager to begin my academic journey and to take my swimming to the next level. I'm grateful to Coach Nesty and Coach Jack for giving me this opportunity. Looking forward to the next chapter of my life and making the most of every opportunity at the University of Florida."
Stay Connected
Fans can stay up to date with the Florida Gator swimming & diving teams by following @GatorsSwimDv on X and catch up with the latest news and content of the team. Like the team's Facebook page at Florida Gators Swimming & Diving Fans can also keep up with the team by following them on Instagram at @Gatorsswimdv.
"We are extremely excited about this incoming recruiting class and can't wait to welcome them to Gainesville," said Florida Head Coach Anthony Nesty. "They are a perfect fit for the Gator family and each bring an impressive level of national and international experience."
The newest Gators bring international experience and have achieved success with either their club or high school teams.
Santi Alzate | Distance Freestyle & IM | Charlotte, North Carolina
- High School: Charlotte Country Day School
- Club: SwimMAC
- Instagram: @santiago_alzate08
- 2024 Olympic Trials Qualifier
- 2025 US National/World Championship Trials Qualifier
- Multi-State Champion
"I chose Florida because I knew it was going to be the best place for me to grow and continue my academic and athletic career."
Liam Smith | Butterfly & IM | Kalamazoo, Michigan
- High School: Otsego High School
- Club: Greater Kalamazoo Crocs
- Instagram: @liamsmithswim
- Michigan State 100 & 200 butterfly record holder
- Jr. National A-Fi Is your primary office a good place to meetnalist
- Four-time All-American
- State Champion
"Florida has always been one of my dreams schools and has an amazing swim team and coaches that I am confident can help me reach my goals."
Tai Pearson | Butterfly / Backstroke | Cape Town, South Africa
- Club: Lane Leader Stellenbosch
- Instagram: @tai_pearson_
- Represented South Africa at the 2025 World Aquatics Junior Championships
- Three-time champion 2023 South African Short Course Championships (200 IM, 100 fly, 200 fly)
- 200 IM champion at the Western Cape Short Course Championships (SCM)
"I'm eager to begin my academic journey and to take my swimming to the next level. I'm grateful to Coach Nesty and Coach Jack for giving me this opportunity. Looking forward to the next chapter of my life and making the most of every opportunity at the University of Florida."
Stay Connected
Fans can stay up to date with the Florida Gator swimming & diving teams by following @GatorsSwimDv on X and catch up with the latest news and content of the team. Like the team's Facebook page at Florida Gators Swimming & Diving Fans can also keep up with the team by following them on Instagram at @Gatorsswimdv.
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