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Rawlings Leachman, a backstroker and IMer from Virginia, has verbally committed to swim at Duke University next fall.
“I’m excited to announce my verbal commitment to Duke University,” the current high school senior told SwimSwam. “Huge thank you to my family, friends, and coaches who have helped me along the way. Go Blue Devils ”
Leachman swims for Nova of Virginia Aquatics and attends the Woodberry Forest School, where he had an excellent senior meet at the Virginia independent schools (VISAA) state championship this spring. He grabbed the 100 back title in a new personal best of 48.62. Leachman added to this a runner-up finish in the 200 IM, finishing in another best time of 1:48.82.
Following up his states meet, he attended the 2025 Virginia Short Course Senior Champs with Nova, racking up four A-final races: a 3rd place 200 back (1:47.05), 4th place 100 back (48.94), a 5th place 50 free (20.81), and a 6th place 200 free (1:39.37).
This summer, Leachman attended Virginia’s Long Course Senior Championships. There, he fired off three more top eight swims, notching a runner-up 50 back finish (26.74) as well as a 5th place 200 backstroke (2:07.90) and a 6th place 200 IM (2:10.91).
Leachman’s Best SCY Times
- 200 back: 1:47.05
- 200 free: 1:39.37
- 100 back: 48.62
- 200 IM: 1:48.82
Relative to Duke’s needs, Leachman’s strongest event is his 200 backstroke, in which he would’ve ranked 2nd last season behind now-junior Jacob Hills. It seems like a safe bet that he’ll compete in this event. In Leachman’s own recruiting class, he’ll find a training partner in Ethan Bathala with a 1:4476 best.
In the 200 free, 200 IM, and 100 back, Leachman would rank 5th this season, giving him a little flexibility in event selection. Because the ACC Championships follows a four-day schedule that separates the traditionally-same-day 200 free and 100 back, Leachman will have an opportunity to swim both if he wants to.
Additionally, Leachman will likely vie for a spot on Duke’s 800 free relay team. From sophomore year to junior year, he dropped three seconds in the 200 freestyle, so he could become a staple player if that improvement curve continues. The male Blue Devils, who placed 12th at 2025 ACCs, have four men on board for their class of 2030 so far including Leachman and Bathala. The star name in the class is Turkish World Juniors finalist Yavuz Omer Aga.
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