Batallones takes swimming career to Drew University

Maria Batallones will take the next step in her swimming career with the Drew University Rangers, joining the NCAA Division III program in the Landmark Conference in Madison, New Jersey, after years representing Tsunami Saipan Swimming Center and the NMI in regional and international competition.

The recent Marianas High School graduate told Marianas Press via Zoom that she will also pursue a biology degree on a pre-physical therapy track while continuing competitive swimming in college.

Batallones said Drew’s swimming coach reached out to her before she enrolled after seeing potential in her performances and encouraged her to join the team. She said she is already on the roster. 

Because NCAA Division III programs do not offer athletic scholarships, Batallones said her opportunity instead came with increased academic scholarship assistance.

Looking back at her years with Tsunami Saipan, the 18-year-old said it was difficult to single out one favorite memory because the swimming club has been such a large part of her life.

“Everything is very special to me. That place that I grew up in really means a lot,” she said. “I've learned a lot as a person and it really helps me to become who I really am today.”

Among her accomplishments, Batallones singled out being named Athlete of the Year in 2024 and her performance at the NSW State Age Championships in Australia as particularly meaningful moments in her high school swimming career.

Batallones also credited longtime Tsunami Saipan head coach Hiroyuki Kimura with teaching her lessons that extend well beyond the swimming pool.

“One thing that I've learned from my coach is probably to never be numb to my environment,” Batallones said.

She said Kimura taught his swimmers to appreciate the people and resources around them even when circumstances are difficult, whether that meant having a pool available, training in the ocean, or being able to rely on teammates, captains, Kimura and Tsunami Saipan manager Yuko Kimura.

“Just don't be numb to your environment and that's one of the biggest lessons that I've learned,” she said.

The transition from tropical Saipan to New Jersey will also require some adjustment, particularly when winter arrives. Batallones joked that she barely owns long-sleeved shirts or long pants and plans to buy warmer clothing after arriving in New Jersey.

In the pool, however, she expects the transition to college swimming to be challenging.

“I expect to have a lot of fun but I know it's not going to be easy and my next goal is to make it to Tahiti 2027 and improve all of my personal best and reset all the records,” she said.

Before Batallones left Saipan, Tsunami Saipan held a farewell gathering for the longtime member of the club.

Batallones described the farewell as a particularly emotional moment because she was surrounded by many of the people who had supported her throughout her swimming career.

“Honestly, it was such a very heartwarming dinner. I got to say all my thank yous to Coach and Ms. Yuko and all the parents and my team,” she said. “I was really grateful that the room was full of the people that supported me the most.”

She added that seeing Kimura and Yuko continuing to support her as she enters the next stage of her life made the evening another memory she will cherish.

Kimura, meanwhile, reflected on having coached Batallones since she was just 4 years old. Her older brother Nelson began swimming first, with their mother bringing a young Maria along to the pool.

Kimura said Batallones became like a daughter to him and his wife, Yuko, and remained with the program through some of its most difficult periods.

“Maria was truly daughter to me and my wife Yuko,” Kimura said.

During Batallones’ years with Tsunami Saipan, Kimura said she persevered through three major typhoons, extensive damage, swimming pool closures, and the global COVID-19 pandemic. Despite those disruptions, she developed into a swimmer capable of setting CNMI national records and winning medals in major international competitions.

“As a coach, I am truly overcome with emotion,” Kimura said.

Kimura added that Batallones continued training in the United States even before beginning college.

“Only seeing this dedication convinces me that my coaching was the right path. Thank you so much Maria,” Kimura said. “I hope you fully enjoy your college life. Let’s meet again next summer!”

Batallones has built an extensive résumé for both Tsunami Saipan and the NMI National Team.

Her Tsunami Saipan appearances have included the Saipan International Meet, Guam Championships and Tokyo Junior Sprint Championships.

Internationally, she represented the NMI at the 2021 World Championships in Budapest; 2022 World Championships in Melbourne; 2023 World Championships in Fukuoka and Pacific Games in Solomon Islands; 2024 World Championships in Doha and Micronesian Games in the Marshall Islands; 2025 World Championships in Singapore, Pacific Mini Games in Palau and age group championships in Sydney; and the 2026 Oceania Championships in Fiji.

Before closing her interview with Marianas Press, Batallones thanked Kimura and Yuko for their years of guidance and encouraged the younger swimmers she leaves behind to pursue their own goals.

“Firstly, I would like to thank Coach and Miss Yuko for allowing me to be the person that I am today. They never once doubted me and that's the reason why I am here,” she said.

Batallones then offered one final message to her Tsunami Saipan teammates.

“Put your heart out there and even if it's not swimming related, just strive for your dream and everyone else will be right beside you,” she said.