{"id":656157,"date":"2026-10-27T04:08:12","date_gmt":"2026-10-27T11:08:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/?p=656157"},"modified":"2026-10-27T04:08:12","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T11:08:12","slug":"ymca-national-champion-meghan-ayres-lends-2028-verbal-to-unc-tar-heels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/ymca-national-champion-meghan-ayres-lends-2028-verbal-to-unc-tar-heels\/","title":{"rendered":"YMCA National Champion Meghan Ayres Lends 2028 Verbal to UNC Tar Heels"},"content":{"rendered":"

YMCA National Champion Meghan Ayres Lends 2028 Verbal to UNC Tar Heels<\/strong><\/p>\n

NEW COMMIT:\u00a0<\/strong>The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has landed a big verbal commitment for Fall 2028 from Crozet, Va. native Meghan<\/strong> Ayres<\/strong>. Ayres is a Junior National qualifier who excels in distance freestyle, IM and breaststroke.<\/p>\n

She will join\u00a0June Delmar<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Annie Shall<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>in Chapel Hill as a member of the Tar Heels’ Class of 2032.<\/p>\n

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

“I am beyond blessed to announce my verbal commitment to UNC Chapel Hill to further my athletic and academic career! First and foremost I would like to thank God for this opportunity, without Him none of this would be possible. \u201cBe who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.\u201d This quote I have lived by everyday reminds me to trust in Him, be true to myself, and to give all the glory to the Lord! Thank you to my family who have supported me throughout this amazing journey! I am grateful to have y\u2019all by my side cheering for me, lifting me up, and helping me be a better and stronger person everyday! Next, I would like to thank Coach Conor and the rest of the coaching staff at Cavalier Aquatics for always pushing me to be my best and believing in me throughout this journey! Finally I would like to thank Coach Mark, Coach Kaersten, and the rest of the coaching staff at UNC for this incredible opportunity to be a part of the Tar Heel family! I cannot wait to be representing the Carolina blue in 2028! GO HEELS!!!!!!!\ud83e\ude75\ud83d\udc0f\ud83e\ude75”<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Ayres, who trains year-round with Cavalier Aquatics\/Piedmont Family YMCA, placed third in the 800m free at Greensboro Futures this past summer after recording three top-8 finishes at Virginia Long Course Seniors. Last winter, she finished eighth in the 1650 free at Juniors East before going on to win the 500 free and 1000 free at Virginia Short Course Seniors.<\/p>\n

At YMCA Short Course Nationals, Ayres won the 400 IM and took second in the 500 free, 1000 free and mile.<\/p>\n

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