{"id":653697,"date":"2026-09-18T10:28:33","date_gmt":"2026-09-18T17:28:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/?p=653697"},"modified":"2026-09-18T10:28:33","modified_gmt":"2026-09-18T17:28:33","slug":"nc-state-earns-first-2028-verbal-from-junior-national-finalist-veronica-metz","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/nc-state-earns-first-2028-verbal-from-junior-national-finalist-veronica-metz\/","title":{"rendered":"NC State Earns First 2028 Verbal From Junior National Finalist Veronica Metz"},"content":{"rendered":"

NC State Earns First 2028 Verbal From Junior National Finalist Veronica Metz<\/strong><\/p>\n

NEW COMMIT:\u00a0<\/strong>North Carolina State University has picked up its first verbal commitment for Fall 2028 from\u00a0Veronica Metz\u00a0<\/strong>of West Palm Beach, Fla. Metz is a Junior National qualifier who specializes in freestyle.<\/p>\n

Regarding her commitment, she said:<\/p>\n

“I am so incredibly blessed to announce my verbal commitment to continue my athletic and academic career at NC STATE!!!\ud83d\udc3a\u2666\ufe0f Swimming has changed my life in so many ways. I am so beyond grateful that I do this sport. This sport has given me lifelong friends, best friends, and a family. Swimming makes me, me. Without it, I wouldn\u2019t be who I am. First, I would like to thank my mom and dad. I would not be where I am today without them! Thank you for all of the sacrifices you\u2019ve made for me. Your support and commitment mean the world to me. Thank you so much for all of the guidance throughout my recruiting process. Second, I would like to thank my brother, Dillon. I would not be a swimmer if it wasn\u2019t for you. I am so blessed to have grown up in this sport with you by my side. Thank you so much for being my best friend and supporting me wherever, whenever. Third, I would like to thank my coach, Coach Santy. Coach Santy, you are the biggest blessing I\u2019ve ever had in this sport. You changed my whole outlook on swimming. Thank you so much for believing in me even when I didn\u2019t believe in myself. Thank you so much to all of my Dragon teammates for your endless support. I would also like to thank all of my family and friends for all of their support throughout my journey. Big thanks to SwimStrong for impacting my swimming career so much, in the water, but more importantly, out of the water. I would also like to thank the Wahoos of Wellington and the coaches for helping me fall in love with the sport. And finally, thank you Coach Braden and the entire NC State coaching staff for this incredible opportunity. I\u2019m looking forward to joining this amazing team of athletes! GO PACK!!!”<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Metz, who does her club swimming with Jupiter Dragons Swim Team, most recently competed at Junior Nationals in August where she placed fifth in the 400m free, eighth in the 800m free, ninth in the 200m free, 15th in the 1500m free and 18th in the 100m free. She had six top-10 finishes at Ocala Speedo Sectionals in June, highlighted by gold in the 100m free and silver in the 800m free.<\/p>\n

Metz raced to 24th in the 500 free at Juniors East in December before going on to win the mile at Florida Short Course Seniors in March.<\/p>\n

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