{"id":646221,"date":"2026-06-30T13:36:37","date_gmt":"2026-06-30T20:36:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/?p=646221"},"modified":"2026-06-30T13:36:37","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T20:36:37","slug":"alabama-state-champion-drew-hilsmier-chooses-northwestern-for-2027","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/alabama-state-champion-drew-hilsmier-chooses-northwestern-for-2027\/","title":{"rendered":"Alabama State Champion Drew Hilsmier Chooses Northwestern For 2027"},"content":{"rendered":"

Alabama State Champion Drew Hilsmier Chooses Northwestern For 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n

NEW COMMIT:\u00a0<\/strong>Northwestern University has received a new verbal commitment for Fall 2027 from Drew Hilsmier<\/strong> of Birmingham, Ala. Hilsmier is a Junior National qualifier who excels in sprint freestyle, butterfly and backstroke.<\/p>\n

He will join Kealan Tupper<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>in Evanston, Ill., as a member of the Wildcats’ Class of 2031.<\/p>\n

Regarding his commitment, he said:<\/p>\n

“I am beyond honored to announce my verbal commitment to Northwestern University! Thank you to Coach Rachel, Coach Jacob, Coach Mario and the entire Northwestern coaching staff for their support throughout this process and for opportunity to join them. Thank you to my family and Coach Bryan for their continuous support along the way. Go \u2018Cats!”<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Hilsmier, who does his club swimming with Wake Aquatics, produced six top-10 finishes at the Southeastern Championship Meet in February before going on to be a seven-time finalist at the ISCA International Senior Cup in March. He also competed at Juniors East back in December.<\/p>\n

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