Illinois Swimmer Paige Kowal Commits to Alabama

Paige Kowal, a three-time Illinois state champion from Geneva, has verbally committed to the University of Alabama. She will join the Crimson Tide squad for the 2028-29 academic year.

The announcement lands as a definitive step for the freestyler. Kowal, a junior at Rosary High School, swims for Academy Bullets Swim Club. Her commitment signals a strong future for Alabama’s sprint group.

A Breakout Season in Chicago

Kowal’s rise accelerated during the 2026 NCSA Spring Championships. She reached finals in five events, including the 100 free and 200 free. Personal bests of 49.49 and 1:46.80 marked her speed.

Summer brought even more records. At the NCSA Summer Championships, she set lifetime bests in seven events. Her 50 free time of 26.48 in long course meters showed her raw power.

State Titles and Relay Speed

Last fall, she dominated the Illinois High School State Championships. Kowal won the 200 free with a time of 1:47.68. She also anchored the winning 200 free relay with a 22.64 split.

Her consistency extends to the individual medley. A year earlier, she placed third in the 200 IM. Her prelims time of 2:01.91 remains a personal best for that event.

Joining a Deep Sprint Depth

Alabama’s pool is already fast. The squad features multiple swimmers under 22 seconds in the 50 free. Kowal enters a group with proven SEC championship experience.

SwimSwam named her to the “Best of the Rest” list for the class of 2028. Her blend of sprint speed and distance endurance fits the Crimson Tide model.