North Carolina Tar Heels Land 2022 In-State Verbal from Distance Ace Patrick Sleater

Photo Courtesy: Patrick Sleater

NEW COMMIT: Junior National qualifier Patrick Sleater of Asheville, N.C. has decided to stay in-state for his college career after verbally committing to the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill beginning in the fall of 2022.

He will join Tanner Jones of Logan Township, N.J. as a member of the Tar Heels’ Class of 2026.

He told Swimming World:

“I’m beyond excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and swimming career at the University of North Carolina! Thank you to my friends, family, and coaches for supporting me and helping me get here. Go Heels!!”

A talented freestyler who gets faster as the distance gets longer, Sleater most recently competed at the 18&U Winter Championships where he earned five best times and grabbed silver in the mile and bronze in the 500 free. He also recorded five top-8 finishes at North Carolina Seniors back in February.

In Summer 2019, Sleater earned 100% best times at Greensboro Futures. He now trains year-round with Blues Aquatics Asheville.

His best times include:

200 free – 1:40.85
500 free – 4:29.83
1000 free – 9:24.69
1650 free – 15:24.92

Currently a junior at The Asheville School, Sleater is already a four-time individual NCISAA DII State Championship finalist. He won the 200 free and the 500 free as a sophomore while taking second in the latter and fourth in the 100 fly during his freshman season.

Sleater will add valuable distance freestyle depth when he arrives on campus and will find a good training partner in fellow commit Jones. Sleater would’ve been UNC’s fastest miler last season and would’ve placed 21st in that event at the 2020 ACC Championships.

If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.

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