Columbus Native Kiera Powers Gives Ohio State First 2028 Verbal Commitment
NEW COMMIT: The Ohio State University has cracked into Class of 2032 recruiting with its first public verbal commitment for Fall 2028 from local standout Kiera Powers of Columbus, Ohio. Powers, who is one of the top IMers in her class, is a Junior National qualifier.
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I couldn’t be more excited to announce my verbal commitment to further my academic and athletic career at The Ohio State University! Firstly, a huge thank you to my teammates and friends for their unwavering support! I want to recognize all my coaches, especially Coach John T Sands, for helping guide me in this process and encouraging me to persevere through all challenges. A special thank you to my amazing mom and dad, and my siblings, Liam, Max, Nieve, and Oran. Finally, a huge thank you to Bill and the rest of The OSU coaching staff for giving me this opportunity. Sometimes, you can look all over just to realize the answer has always been home. GO BUCKS!!”
Powers trains year-round with Upper Arlington Swim Club and most recently competed at Junior Nationals where she placed eighth in the 200m IM. That was after she finished fourth in the 200m IM, seventh in the 400m IM, eighth in the 400m free and ninth in the 200m free at Columbus Speedo Sectionals in July.
Her best times include:
- 200 IM – 1:59.79
- 400 IM – 4:18.59
- 50 free – 23.75
- 100 free – 51.34
- 200 free – 1:47.86
- 500 free – 4:55.52
Currently a junior at Upper Arlington High School, Powers won the 200 IM and the 500 free at the 2026 Ohio State Championships, also swimming on the winning 4×50 free and 4×100 free relays as her team won the state title. She placed seventh in the 200 free and eighth in the 500 free at the state meet as a freshman in 2025. She is a USA Swimming Scholastic and NISCA All-American.
Powers’ top time in the 200 IM is already fast enough to have scored in the C-final at the 2026 Big Ten Championships. Ohio State finished third at the 2026 Big Ten Championships and 12th at the 2026 NCAA Championships.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
