Alabama Adds Illinois State Champion Paige Kowal to Class of 2032
NEW COMMIT: The University of Alabama has added another verbal commitment for its Class of 2032, this time from Paige Kowal of Geneva, Ill. Kowal is a Junior National qualifier who excels in freestyle and IM.
She will join Claire Burns in Tuscaloosa in Fall 2028.
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I’m so excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at the University of Alabama! I’m so grateful for the support of my family, teammates and bullets coaches who helped me get here. A special thanks to Coach Margo and Coach Rich for giving me this amazing opportunity. ROLL TIDE”
Kowal, who trains year-round with Academy Bullets Swim Club, most recently competed at NCSA Summer Championships where she earned silver in the 200m IM and bronze in the 200m free along with three other top-10 individual finishes. She competed at Juniors West in December before going on to final in five events at NCSA Spring Championships where her highest finish was a runner-up showing in the 200 free.
Her best times include:
- 200 IM – 2:01.91
- 400 IM – 4:17.13
- 100 free – 49.49
- 200 free – 1:46.80
- 500 free – 4:52.27
Currently a junior at Rosary High School, Kowal won the 200 free and took second in the 500 free at the 226 Illinois State Championships, also helping her 4×50 free relay team win the state title. She finished third in the 200 IM and fourth in the 500 free at the state championships as a freshman in 2024, again swimming on the winning 4×50 free relay team. She is a NISCA All-American.
Alabama finished fourth at the 2026 Southeastern Conference Championships and 11th at the 2026 NCAA Championships.
Kowal’s best time in the 200 free would’ve been the second fastest on Bama’s roster last year, and she would’ve scored in the C-final at the conference meet. Her top 400 IM time would’ve ranked third on their lineup and her fastest 200 IM time would’ve been fourth.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
