Kansas Gets First 2028 Verbal From YMCA National Runner-Up Hania Jernigan
NEW COMMIT: The University of Kansas has kickstarted its Class of 2032 recruiting with a verbal commitment from Belle Mead, New Jersey native Hania Jernigan. Jernigan will arrive in Lawrence in Fall 2028.
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I’m so incredibly excited and grateful to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at the University of Kansas! First and foremost, I want to thank God for blessing me with this opportunity and guiding me throughout this journey. Thank you to all of the coaches, swimmers, and parents at HACY, this team has truly given me so much more than swimming and I will forever be grateful for all of them. A special thank you to Coach Sue for always believing in me and for her unwavering support and guidance. A huge thank you to my family and friends especially my mom and grandpa for being my biggest supporters. Lastly a special thank you to Coach Clark and Coach Mary for giving me this opportunity! I’m so excited for this next chapter and everything that’s ahead. GO JAYHAWKS”
Jernigan, who trains year-round with Hamilton Area YMCA, most recently competed at YMCA Long Course Nationals where she placed second in the 100m free and sixth in the 50m free. She had six top-12 finishes at New Jersey 13&O Championships in March before going on to final in three events at YMCA Short Course Nationals, highlighted by a 13th-place finish in the 100 free.
Her best times include:
- 50 free – 23.62
- 100 free – 51.20
- 200 free – 1:51.91
- 50 breast – 29.21
- 100 breast – 1:03.50
- 200 IM – 2:05.48
Currently a junior at the Pennington School, Jernigan finished ninth in the 100 fly and 12th in the 100 breast at the 2026 Eastern Interscholastic Swimming Championship. She finished second in the 100 breast and ninth in the 200 IM at that meet as a freshman in 2025.
Kansas placed fifth at the 2026 Big 12 Conference Championships. Jernigan’s best time in the 100 free would’ve ranked fourth on the Jayhawks’ roster last year.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
