Tar Heels Gain First 2028 Verbal From Virginia State Champ Maya McCarney
NEW COMMIT: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has scored its first public verbal commitment for the 2028-29 season and beyond from Sterling, Va. native Maya McCarney. McCarney is a U.S. Open qualifier who excels in breaststroke.
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I’m BEYOND excited to announce my verbal commitment to UNC Chapel Hill to further my athletic and academic career! I would like to thank God for blessing me with this opportunity and for guiding me every step of the way. I truly believe everything happens for a reason, and I couldn’t be more grateful for where this journey has led me. Thank you to my parents for everything! You have believed in me and supported my dreams in every way possible. I couldn’t ask for a better team in my corner, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without you! Also, special thanks to Coach Jess and Coach Shannon, along with everyone else at NCAP that has been a part of this journey. You have made me a better swimmer and person in every way. Finally, I would like to thank Coach Mark, Coach Kaersten and the rest of the UNC coaching staff for this amazing opportunity! I’m more than excited to continue my journey as a Tar Heel and be a part of the UNC family! See you in 2028! GO TAR HEELS!!”
McCarney trains year-round with Nations Capital Swim Club and placed sixth in the 100m breast and eighth in the 200m breast at Junior Nationals this past summer. That was after she took 16th in the 200m breast at USA Swimming Nationals.
Last winter, McCarney earned five best times at the NCAP Katie Ledecky Invitational where she earned silver in the 200 breast and bronze in the 100 breast. She then placed third in the 100 breast at NCSA Spring Championships while also winning the B-final of the 200 breast.
Her best times include:
- 50 breast – 28.63
- 100 breast – 1:01.18
- 200 breast – 2:12.86
- 50 fly – 25.05
- 100 fly – 55.44
- 200 IM – 2:02.84
Currently a junior at Potomac Falls High School, McCarney won the 100 breast and 200 IM at the 2026 Virginia Class 5 State Championships. She is a USA Swimming Scholastic All-American.
The Tar Heels finished seventh at the 2026 Atlantic Coast Conference Championships. McCarney would’ve scored in the C-final of the 100 breast at last year’s conference meet.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
