NEW COMMIT: Olympic Trials qualifier Emma Karam of Reno, Nevada – who is the top backstroker in her class – has announced her verbal commitment to the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill beginning in the fall of 2022.
She will join Lily Reader, Kyleigh Tankard and Aislin Farris as a member of the Tar Heels’ Class of 2026.
She told Swimming World:
“I am BEYOND excited to announce my verbal commitment to further my athletic and academic pursuits at the University of North Carolina!! I cannot wait to become part of this amazing family and program. A very special thank you to my friends, family, and coaches for supporting me throughout these years. GO TAR HEELS!!!”
Karam, who trains with Reno Aquatic Club, last competed at the Red Rock Invite earlier this month where she achieved four new best times. At the Toyota U.S. Open last month, she finished 12th overall in the 200m back and was the 100 back champion at Carlsbad Sectionals in February.
In Summer 2019, she had a strong showing at Arena Western Zones before going on to place 12th in the 100m back at Junior Nationals.
Her best times include:
- 50 back – 25.53
- 100 back – 52.75
- 200 back – 1:54.93
- 50 free – 23.70
- 100 free – 52.49
- 200 free – 1:51.09
- 500 free – 4:56.07
- 100 fly – 55.62
- 200 IM – 2:02.99
- 400 IM – 4:22.76
Currently a junior at Galena High School, Karam won the 100 back and was the runner-up in the 200 free at the Nevada 3A/4A State Championships as a freshman. She has also earned NISCA and USA Swimming Scholastic All-American honors for her efforts in the pool and in the classroom.
Karam will make an immediate impact when she arrives on campus at the start of the 2022-23 season as her times are already near the NCAA invite times. She’s also just shy of A-final scoring range at the ACC Championships, and both of her backstroke times would rank in the top-8 all-time in Tar Heel history.
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.
