{"id":570416,"date":"2023-10-05T03:26:37","date_gmt":"2023-10-05T10:26:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/?p=570416"},"modified":"2023-10-05T03:26:37","modified_gmt":"2023-10-05T10:26:37","slug":"distance-ace-lexie-ward-pledges-2025-verbal-to-north-carolina","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/distance-ace-lexie-ward-pledges-2025-verbal-to-north-carolina\/","title":{"rendered":"Distance Ace Lexie Ward Pledges 2025 Verbal To North Carolina\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

Distance Ace<\/strong> Lexie Ward Pledges 2025 Verbal To North Carolina\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

NEW COMMIT:\u00a0<\/strong>The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has started its Class of 2025 recruiting with a verbal commitment from U.S. Open qualifier\u00a0Lexie Ward\u00a0<\/strong>of Carmel, Indiana.<\/p>\n

She told\u00a0Swimming World:<\/em><\/p>\n

“I am very excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill! I am so grateful for God, my family, teammates, and coaches for all of their support along the way! GO HEELS!”<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Ward, who trains year-round with Carmel Swim Club, last competed at Junior Nationals where she finished 10th in the 800m free, 14th in the 400m free and 17th in the 1500m free. Back in December, she raced to fifth place in the mile at Juniors East.<\/p>\n

Her best times include:<\/p>\n