NEW COMMIT: The Tar Heels have picked up a verbal commitment from Carmel, Ind. native Andrew Rafalko, who will make his way to Chapel Hill as a member of the class of 2023.
Rafalko does his club swimming with Carmel Swim Club and is a Winter Nationals qualifier in the 100 breast. He competed in three events at Junior Nationals this past August, notching a personal best in the 200m IM (2:11.82). He recorded two lifetime bests in the 400 IM (4:05.26) and 200 breast (2:03.54) at the 2017 Speedo Juniors – East.
He also competes for Carmel High School and is a six-time IHSAA State Championship finalist. During his junior season, Rafalko finished tenth in the 100 breast (57.40) and 11th in the 200 IM (1:52.16). The USA Swimming Scholastic All-American took sixth (57.20) and 11th (1:53.53) in the same events as a sophomore.
He told Swimming World:
“I am so excited to announce that I have verbally committed to swim and study at The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Thank you to my family, friends, and coaches for helping make this possible. I can’t wait to be a Tar Heel next Fall! Go Heels!!”
His best times include:
- 100 breast – 56.77
- 200 breast – 2:03.54
- 200 IM – 1:52.16
- 400 IM – 4:05.26
Rafalko will add depth to UNC’s breaststroke group when he arrives on campus for the 2019-20 season. He will have two seasons to train with Valdas Abaliksta and one with Andrew Heise, a pair of the Tar Heels’ top returning breaststrokers.
#DeSelmed….