Thomas Heilman, Top-Ranked Recruit and World Championship Medalist, Picks Virginia
NEW COMMIT: The University of Virginia has started its Class of 2025 recruiting with a bang, landing a verbal pledge from arguably the top recruit in his class: Thomas Heilman of Crozet, Virginia.
Heilman owns the fastest times in his class in the 50 free, 100 fly, 200 fly and 200 IM. He’s also the 15-16 national age group record holder in the 200 IM.
His older brother, Matthew Heilman, is currently a sophomore for the Cavaliers, so the two brothers will overlap during the 2025-26 season.
Regarding his commitment, he said:
“I’m super excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at the University of Virginia. Thank you to my family, teammates, coaches, as well as the UVA staff. GO HOOS”
Heilman made a splash this summer on the international stage, placing fourth in the 200m fly at the World Championships. His time of 1:53.85 was the fastest ever swum by an American aged 18 or under. He earned gold after swimming on Team USA’s 4x100m medley relay during prelims.
His time of 51.19 in the 100m fly at Phillips 66 Nationals, where he placed second, lowered his own boys’ 15-16 NAG record. He earned gold in the 100m fly and silver in the 200m fly at the Junior Pan Pac Championships in August 2022.
He trains year-round with Piedmont Family YMCA.
His best times include:
- 100 fly: 44.67
- 200 fly: 1:40.86
- 200 IM: 1:41.71
- 50 free: 19.63
- 400 IM: 3:43.63
- 100 free: 42.61
- 200 free: 1:34.10
- 100 back: 47.91
- 100 breast: 54.26
- 200 breast: 1:57.80
Currently a junior at Western Abernale High School, Heilman won the 50 free and 100 fly at the 2023 Virginia Class 4 State Championships during both his freshman and sophomore seasons.
A huge get for the Cavaliers, Heilman’s top 200 fly time is already fast enough to score in the A-final at the NCAA Championships. His best 100 fly and 200 IM times would’ve scored in the B-final.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
