Virginia Lands 2024 Verbal From World Championship Bronze Medalist Leah Hayes

Virginia Lands 2024 Verbal From World Championship Bronze Medalist Leah Hayes

NEW COMMIT: The University of Virginia has landed a big verbal commitment for the Class of 2024 from one of the most sought-after recruits: U.S. National Teamer Leah Hayes of Sugar Grove, Illinois.

She will join Anna Moesch and Katie Christopherson in Charlottesville as a member of the Hoos’ Class of 2028.

Regarding her commitment, she said:

“It is with great joy I announce my verbal commitment to the University of Virginia where I will continue my academic and athletic career!! I can’t wait for all that’s to come with joining the team! I want to say a special thank you to Coach Nancy & my family for helping me reach this point, and to Coach Todd for this wonderful opportunity!! GO HOOS!”

Hayes earned bronze this past summer in the 200m IM at the FINA World Championships in Budapest. Her time of 2:08.91 stood as the World Junior Record until it was broken later that summer.

She placed second in the 200m IM as well as fourth in the 400m IM at Phillips 66 Nationals. At Juniors West back in December, she earned gold in both the 100 free and 200 IM. She raced to 10th in the 200m IM at Olympic Trials in 2021.

She does her club swimming with Fox Valley District Riptide and her 200 IM time is the fastest in her class.

Her best times include:

200 IM – 1:54.09
400 IM – 4:11.60
50 free – 22.86
100 free – 48.34
200 free – 1:44.13

Currently a junior at Kaneland High School, Hayes won the 100 free and 200 IM at the 2022 Illinois State Championships.

Hayes is obviously a huge pickup for the Cavaliers, who are the two-time defending national champions. Her best time in the 200 IM would’ve placed sixth at the 2022 NCAA Championships and she would’ve scored in the B-final of the 200 free, too.

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

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