Harvard Secures 2028 Verbal Commitment From Junior National Qualifier Joy Cheng
NEW COMMIT: Harvard University has scored a new verbal commitment* for Fall 2028 from Joy Cheng of Chicago, Ill. Cheng is a Junior National qualifier who excels in distance freestyle and IM.
She will join Bella Smith in Cambridge as a member of the Crimson’s Class of 2032.
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I’m very excited to announce my commitment to the admissions process at Harvard University! I want to thank my family, friends, teammates, and high school coaches Gerald, Max, and Lance, for supporting me along the way! I would also like to thank the CWAC coaches, especially Coach Dave, Justin, Jamie, and Ethan, for helping me get this far! Lastly, a huge thank you to Coach Amanda and Coach Niko for giving me this amazing opportunity! I’m so grateful and can’t wait to be a part of the team! GO CRIMSON!!!❤️🤍”
Cheng, who trains with Chicago Wolfpack Aquatic Club, earned bronze in the 1500m free this past summer at NCSA Summer Championships where she also finished sixth in the 800m free, 10th in the 200m IM, 17th in the 400m IM and 18th in the 400m free. Last winter, she earned four best times at Juniors West before going on to capture gold in the 500 free, 1000 free, 100 breast and 200 IM at Illinois Short Course Seniors.
Her best times include:
- 500 free – 4:53.15
- 1000 free – 10:01.00
- 1650 free – 16:56.04
- 200 IM – 2:02.17
- 400 IM – 4:24.49
Currently a junior at Whitney Young High School, Cheng placed fourth in the 200 IM and fifth in the 500 free at the 2026 Illinois State Championships.
Harvard placed third at the 2026 Ivy League Championships.
Cheng would’ve scored in the B-final of the 200 IM and 500 free, as well as the C-final of the 400 IM, plus placed in the top-18 of the mile at last year’s conference meet.
*IVY LEAGUE DISCLAIMER:* A “verbal commitment” does not guarantee admission. An Ivy League coach cannot guarantee admission but can only commit support in the admissions process.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
