Junior Pan Pacs 100 Back Champion Lane Francis Verbals to Virginia for 2028
NEW COMMIT: The University of Virginia has continued to build an impressive Class of 2032, having recently received a verbal commitment from in-state standout Lane Francis of Richmond, Va. Francis excels in freestyle and backstroke, and is a member of the U.S. National Junior Team.
She will join Alex Siegel, Karina Plaza, Allison Kelly and Shelby Hutchinson in Charlottesville in Fall 2028.
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I’m so excited and honored to share my verbal commitment to continue my athletic and academic career at the University of Virginia! Endless thanks to my incredible family, teammates, coaches, and teachers who push me everyday to become the best version of myself. I would like to give special thanks to Coach Mike Julian and Coach Adam Moss for the extra guidance and encouragement. I would also like to thank Coach Todd and the entire UVA coaching staff for this amazing opportunity. GO HOOS!!”
Francis most recently competed at Junior Pan Pac Championships where she won the 100m back and placed second in the 200m back, also taking 11th in the 50m back and 13th in the 50m free.
She finaled in the 50m back, 100m back, 200m back and 50m free at USA Swimming Nationals, highlighted by an 18th-place finish in the 100m back. She earned gold in the 200m back and silver in the 100m back at Junior Nationals where she also placed fourth in the 50m back.
Francis raced to sixth place in the 200 back at Juniors East in December before winning that event plus the 50 back at Virginia Seniors in March. She trains year-round with NOVA of Virginia Aquatics.
Her best times include:
- 50 free – 22.57
- 100 free – 49.86
- 200 free – 1:50.06
- 50 back – 24.82
- 100 back – 52.37
- 200 back – 1:54.71
- 100 fly – 54.47
- 200 IM – 2:01.89
Currently a junior at Freeman High School, Francis won the 50 free and the 100 back at the 2026 Virginia Class 5 State Championships, also helping her 4×50 free relay win. She was the 100 back state champion in 2024 as a freshman, too.
Franc’s top times in the 50 free, 100 back and 200 back are already within scoring range at the conference level.
The Cavaliers won their seventh straight Atlantic Coast Conference title and their sixth consecutive NCAA Championship crown in 2026.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
