A Rising Star Chooses NC State: Emily Wolf Joins the Pack as Their Second Elite 2027 Recruit
Dreaming of swimming at the collegiate level? For athletes like Emily Wolf, that dream is now a reality—and her journey is just beginning. Sponsored by Fitter and Faster Swim Camps, the proud supporter of SwimSwam’s College Recruiting Channel, we celebrate the hard work and dedication of swimmers like Emily as they take this monumental step in their careers.
Emily Wolf, a standout junior at Fishers High School in Indiana, has officially announced her verbal commitment to join North Carolina State University’s swimming and academic programs in the class of 2031. Her enthusiasm is contagious: "I’m thrilled and deeply grateful to announce my commitment to NC State!" she shared. "A huge shoutout to my coaches, teammates, and family for their unwavering support—and to the incredible NC State staff for this opportunity. GO PACK! 🐺🐺🐺"
Here’s where it gets interesting: Wolf isn’t just any recruit. As a butterfly specialist with blistering speed in the 100 and 200 fly, she’s ranked #7 on SwimSwam’s Way Too Early list of top female recruits for the class of 2027. Even more impressive? NC State has now secured two top-10 recruits for 2027–28, with Carly Afanasewicz (#9) already on board.
Wolf’s dominance in the pool is undeniable. At last year’s Indiana High School State Championships, she claimed gold in the 500 free (4:46.47) and silver in the 100 fly (53.61)—just weeks after setting lifetime bests in both events (4:43.89 and 52.66, respectively). But her momentum didn’t stop there. Earlier in the season, she smashed personal records in the 500 free (4:47.61) and 200 fly (1:57.43) at Winter Juniors East, proving she’s a force in both mid-distance and sprint events.
And this is the part most people miss: Wolf’s versatility. While butterfly is her signature, she’s also a threat in freestyle and backstroke. Her long-course season in 2025 was packed with breakthroughs, including a 2:12.31 in the 200 fly at Summer Junior Nationals and a 4:18.06 in the 400 free at U.S. Nationals. At Summer Juniors, she snagged top-6 finishes in the 200 free and 200 fly, showcasing her range.
Here’s the kicker: Wolf’s current times would already score points for NC State at the ACC Championships. She’d likely land in the ‘B’ finals for the 500 free and 200 fly, with a ‘C’ final appearance in the 100 fly. That’s rare for a high school junior—raising the question: How much faster can she go?
Best SCY Times:
- 200 fly: 1:57.43
- 100 fly: 52.66
- 500 free: 4:43.89
- 200 free: 1:49.00
- 100 free: 51.24
- 100 back: 54.91
- 1650 free: 16:45.78
Controversy Hook: Some might argue that rankings this early are premature—after all, swimmers develop at different rates. But Wolf’s consistency and upward trajectory suggest she’s just getting started. Do you think early rankings add pressure, or do they motivate athletes to aim higher? Share your thoughts below!
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About the Author:
Anne Lepesant, a former Princeton athlete and mother of four collegiate swimmers, brings a unique perspective to swimming journalism. With a background in finance and a passion for the sport, she highlights the stories behind the stats. Read more here.
