NEW COMMIT: San Jose, Calif. native and talented breaststroker Skyler Smith has announced her verbal commitment to the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and will suit up for the Tar Heels as a member of the class of 2025.
Smith will join Kylie Yoder, Greer Pattison, Katie Rauch and Elizabeth Sowards as well as twins Olivia and Georgia Nel in the fall of 2021.
Smith, who owns the Olympic Trials cut in the 100m breast, swims year-round with Peak Swimming and most recently earned bronze in the 100 breast and took 17th in the 200 breast at Juniors West in December. This past summer, she raced to 17th in the 100m breast at Junior Nationals.
A current junior at Valley Christian High School, Smith placed fifth in the 100 breast at the CIF State Championships as a sophomore and 11th in the event during her freshman season. The NISCA and USA Swimming Scholastic All-American is also a three-time CIF Central Coast Section Championships finalist.
She told Swimming World:
“I am SO extremely excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my athletic and academic success at the University of North Carolina Chapel-hill! I am blessed to have had all the support from my family, friends, and coaches throughout this process. I chose UNC for the outstanding academics, phenomenal athletics, and the overall school culture. I couldn’t be anymore excited about joining the tar heel family!! #GOTARHEELS!”
Her best times include:
- 100 breast – 1:00.55
- 200 breast – 2:14.29
- 200 IM – 2:08.24
- 50 free – 23.83
Even with 1.5 years of club swimming still to go before arriving in Chapel Hill at the start of the 2021-22 season, Smith will make a huge impact in the breaststroke events. She would’ve scored in the B-final of the 100 breast and the C-final of the 200 breast at the 2019 ACC Championships and will also be valuable on the Tar Heels’ medley relays.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
