Junior National Qualifier Josephine Piliang Verbals to Tar Heels for 2027
NEW COMMIT: The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill has secured a new verbal commitment for the 2027-28 season and beyond from Josephine Piliang of Euclid, Ohio. Piliang is a backstroker and freestyler who has achieved Junior National cuts.
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I am so thrilled to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill! I am so thankful for this opportunity and for my friends, family, LG, and coaches for supporting me. A special thanks to Coach Mark and Coach Kayla for giving me the chance to become a part of the Tar Heel family! GO HEELS”
Piliang does her club swimming with Blazing Barracudas and most recently competed at NCSA Spring Championships where she placed seventh in the 100 back and earned four new best times. She competed at Juniors East back in December and finaled in four events at Columbus Speedo Sectionals last summer.
Her best times include:
- 50 back – 25.37
- 100 back – 53.64
- 200 back – 1:57.77
- 50 free – 23.92
- 100 free – 51.19
- 200 free – 1:50.47
Currently a junior at Hathaway Brown School, Piliang won the 100 back and the 100 free at the 2026 Ohio Division II State Championships while also helping her 4×50 medley and 4×100 free relays win gold. She also won the 100 back at the state meet during both her freshman and sophomore seasons.
Piliang is a USA Swimming and NISCA Scholastic All-American.
The Tar Heels finished seventh at the 2026 Atlantic Coast Conference Championships. Piliang’s top time in the 100 back would’ve ranked fourth on their roster last season.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
