NEW COMMIT: NC State University has received a verbal commitment for the 2022-23 season and beyond from Junior National qualifier Katherine Helms of Fairfax Station, Va.
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“With great excitement, I announce that I have found my Pack and have verbally committed to NC State University! I am honored to join this esteemed swim program and pursue my academic goals in science and engineering. To my family, coaches, mentors, and friends: thank you for your support in this journey. Go Pack! ??”
A talented sprint freestyler, Helms trains year-round with Mason Makos Swim Team and last competed at Potomac Valley Seniors in March where she posted five top-8 finishes and five new best times. She was also crowned the 500 free champion at the Potomac Valley Junior Olympics in March 2019.
In summer 2019, she had a strong showing at Potomac Valley LCM Seniors before going on to win the 100m free, take second in the 200m free, and place third in the 50m free at TYR Summer Seniors.
Her best times include:
- 50 free – 23.05
- 100 free – 50.46
- 200 free – 1:48.84
- 500 free – 4:55.69
Currently a junior at South County High School, Helms is already a four-time Virginia 6A State Championship finalist. She earned silver in the 100 free and bronze in the 200 free during her sophomore season while taking sixth and seventh, respectively, in those events as a freshman.
Even with just under two years to go before arriving in Raleigh in the fall of 2022, Helms will add valuable depth both individually and on relays to a program that knows how to produce top sprinters. At the 2020 ACC Championships, the Wolfpack finished second overall in the team standings behind Virginia.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
