Here’s a story that’s bound to make waves in the swimming world: North Carolina State University just secured their first Top 20 verbal commitment for the 2027-28 season, and it’s none other than Thomas McMillan, a rising star with a résumé that’s turning heads. But here’s where it gets even more exciting—McMillan isn’t just any recruit; he’s the fastest in his cohort in the 100-yard butterfly and ranks 5th in the 100-yard backstroke, earning him the #6 spot on SwimSwam’s Way Too Early list of top boys’ swimmers in the high school class of 2027. This is the kind of talent that has NC State fans buzzing with anticipation.
Fitter and Faster Swim Camps (https://fitterandfaster.com/), the proud sponsor of SwimSwam’s College Recruiting Channel, knows just how monumental this moment is. For many swimmers, competing at the collegiate level is a dream fueled by years of hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering support from coaches, family, and friends. Fitter and Faster is honored to celebrate these athletes and the journey that brought them here.
Thomas McMillan, a standout from the St. Charles Swim Team in St. Charles, Illinois, took to social media to share his big news: ‘After careful consideration, I am excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at North Carolina State University. I am incredibly grateful to my friends, family, and coaches at SCST/SCN for their unwavering support. A huge thank you to Coach Braden and the entire staff for this amazing opportunity. GO PACK!! ♦️♦️♦️’ It’s a decision that not only solidifies his future but also cements his place among the next generation of swimming elites.
But this is the part most people miss—McMillan’s achievements aren’t just impressive; they’re record-breaking. Last summer, before turning 15, he shattered the National Age Group record for 13-14 boys in the 100-meter backstroke with a time of 56.36, slicing nearly 3 full seconds off his seed time of 59.30. And that’s not all—over the short-course season, he dropped jaw-dropping times across multiple events: 2.5 seconds in the 100 fly, 4.6 seconds in the 200 fly, 1.5 seconds in the 100 back, 0.6 seconds in the 50 free, and 4.0 seconds in the 100 free. Talk about a swimmer on the rise!
At the 2025 IHSA Boys State Championship, McMillan wasn’t just competing—he was dominating. He helped St. Charles North High School secure a 12th-place finish in the team standings by winning the 100 fly with a personal best of 46.52 and placing 2nd in the 100 back with another PB of 47.74. He also anchored the 200 medley relay and 400 free relay, setting a lifetime best in the 50 back (22.15) along the way. If that’s not enough, at the Rochester Sectionals, he further lowered his 100 back time to 47.45 and clocked personal bests in the 50 free (20.92), 200 free (1:40.64), and 200 fly (1:45.58), all while winning the 100 back and 100/200 fly.
But here’s where it gets controversial—McMillan’s addition to NC State’s roster isn’t just a win for the team; it’s a statement about the program’s ability to attract and develop top-tier talent. Over the past decade, NC State has become a powerhouse for fly/back specialists, boasting names like Ryan Held, Coleman Stewart, Justin Ress, Aiden Hayes, Kacper Stokowski, Nyls Korstanje, Noah Hensley, and Andreas Vazaios. McMillan fits this mold perfectly, and his arrival signals that the Wolfpack’s legacy is far from over. Joining him in the class of 2031 are ‘BOTR’ breaststroker Seth Morgan and #7 diver Landyn Snook, making this recruiting class one to watch.
McMillan’s best SCY times speak for themselves:
- 100 fly – 46.52
- 200 fly – 1:45.58
- 100 back – 47.45
- 200 back – 1:47.49
- 50 free – 20.92
His long-course season has been equally impressive. At U.S. Nationals, he swam lifetime bests in the 50 back (26.41), 50 fly (24.85), and 100 fly (53.95). Representing Team USA at the World Aquatics Junior Championships, he competed in the 100 fly, finishing 19th in prelims with a time just shy of his personal best at 54.08. This is a swimmer who’s not just ready for the collegiate stage—he’s poised to dominate it.
Now, here’s a question to spark some debate: With McMillan’s arrival, is NC State on track to become the undisputed leader in developing fly/back specialists? Or is there another program out there that could challenge their dominance? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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About Anne Lepesant: Anne Lepesant is the mother of four daughters, all of whom swam in college. A Princeton graduate and former all-Ivy tennis player, she also holds an MBA from INSEAD. With a background in the financial industry in both France and the U.S., Anne now brings her passion for swimming to her work at SwimSwam. To learn more about Anne, visit her bio page (https://swimswam.com/bio/anne-lepesant/).
