Will Barker, Ethan Womble Will Stay In State; Both Send Verbals to UNC Wilmington

Photo Courtesy: UNC Wilmington Athletics

NEW COMMITS: UNC Wilmington has picked up a pair of in-state verbal commitments for the 2021-22 season and beyond from Stella, N.C. Will Barker and Ethan Womble of Greensboro, N.C.

Under newly-appointed head coach Bobby Guntoro, both talented swimmers will join the Seahawks’ class of 2025.

WILL BARKER

Photo Courtesy: Will Barker

Regarding his commitment, he said:

“Beyond stoked to announce I’ll be swimming D1 for University of North Carolina at Wilmington! Thanks to everyone who has helped me get to this point. It’s a great day to be a seahawk!!”

Primarily a backstroker, Barker swims year-round with Beaufort Bluefins Swimming and competed at Juniors East in 2018. He placed 19th in the 100m back at Greensboro Sectionals last summer and grabbed silver in both the 100 back and 50 free at the Titans Big Southern Classic in January.

His best times include:

50 back – 23.05
100 back – 49.03
200 back – 1:49.19
50 free – 20.92
100 free – 45.56

Also competing for Croatan High School, Barker is a six-time North Carolina 1A/2A State Championship finalist. He won the 100 back and was the runner-up in the 100 free as a junior while taking third and first, respectively, in those events during his sophomore season.

ETHAN WOMBLE

Photo Courtesy: Ethan Womble

Regarding his commitment, he said:

“It’s been a long journey, but I would like to finally announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at UNCW! I am thankful for my coaches, family, and teammates for helping me get where I am today, none of this would be possible without them. I look forward to representing UNCW as a student athlete. Go Seahawks!! ?”

A strong sprint freestyler, Womble does his club swimming with Greensboro YMCA and most recently earned three best times at North Carolina Seniors. Last summer, he raced five events at North Carolina LCM Seniors before going on to achieve 100% best times at YMCA LCM Nationals.

His best times include:

50 free – 21.22
100 free – 46.18
200 free – 1:41.34
200 IM – 1:56.94

A current senior at Page High School, Womble has competed at the North Carolina 4A State Championships the last three years. He placed third in the 100 free and fourth in the 200 free during his junior season while finishing 19th and 21st, respectively, in those events as a sophomore.

If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.

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