NEW COMMIT: Chapel Hill, N.C. native Lindy Bilden has opted to remain close to home for her college career after announcing her verbal commitment to the University of North Carolina for the fall of 2022.
She will join Michelle Morgan, Ede Kosik, Ellie Taliaferro, Emma Karam, Lily Reader, Kyleigh Tankard and Aislin Farris as a member of the Tar Heels’ Class of 2026.
Regarding her commitment, he said:
“I’m so excited to announce my verbal commitment to swim and study at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill!! Thanks to all friends, family, coaches and teammates who helped along the way! Go Heels!!
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Bilden, who trains year-round with North Carolina Aquatic Club, recently earned six best times at the NC 18&U Winter Championships last month after finaling in three events at Cary Sectionals last March. In Summer 2019, she was the runner-up in the 100m fly at North Carolina LCM Seniors.
Her best times include:
- 50 free – 23.65
- 100 free – 52.48
- 200 free – 1:52.08
- 50 back – 27.58
- 100 back – 56.83
- 200 back – 2:06.28
- 100 fly – 55.05
- 200 fly – 2:02.83
Currently a junior at Carrboro High School, Bilden is already a three-time individual North Carolina 1A/2A State Championship finalist. She collected gold in the 50 free and bronze in the 100 fly as a sophomore while taking sixth in the latter during her freshman season.
In 2020, she split 23.91 and 52.42, respectively, on the winning 4×50 free and 4×100 free relays to help her team clinch their second-straight state title.
Under head coach Mark Gangloff, UNC improved from seventh in 2019 at the conference meet to fourth last season.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.