Richmond Rapid athlete Brandon de Costa has committed to swim for McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. De Costa will attend the university on scholarship, based on athletic and academic performances.

For de Costa, the choice had much to do with feelings of support and community. He was drawn to McMaster, in part, due to its small size. He believes this gives the university the ability to care for its students on an individual and personal basis. De Costa said this feeling was even stronger on the swim team, where it felt like a family. While looking for universities to attend, de Costa says that the “community feel” was important to him, especially after a positive high school experience at St. George’s.

“As soon as I visited McMaster, I felt the community strength immediately, so to be a part of the community is something I am most excited about,” said the swimmer.

While at university, de Costa is looking to improve himself on a broad spectrum. In the pool, he’s looking to build adaptability, technical proficiency, and overall fitness. In a more global sense, he sees going to university as an opportunity increase his life experience in both size and scope, and not only as an athlete.

His main goal? “Really, just have a great experience in university.”

De Costa starts at McMaster this fall. He hopes to major in psychology.