Haddonfield swimmer Arruda commits to Richmond

Paige Arruda visited many colleges.

Her last trip was her best.

"I just loved the feeling on that campus," Arruda said of her recent visit to the University of Richmond. "I knew it was the right place for me."

Arruda, a senior swimming star at Haddonfield, has committed to attend Richmond and swim for the Spiders.

Arruda, a versatile swimmer who specializes in the 500 and 200 freestyle for Haddonfield, has helped the Bulldogs to three consecutive South Jersey Public B titles as well as the 2009 Public B state title.

Haddonfield is a strong contender for both crowns again this season.

Arruda, who swims for the Jersey Wahoos as well as Wedgewood Swim Club in Haddonfield, said she was attracted by Richmond's size, academic reputation, and improving swim team.

"I go to a small school, and Richmond is a small school," Arruda said. "They have a great liberal arts program, but they are strong in a lot of areas so I could switch to something else.

"The swimming program is getting better and better, and I could see myself improving as a swimmer along with the team."