Sloane Whelehan (’27), one of North Carolina’s top young swimmers, is taking her talents to the next level. The Green Hope High School junior and TAC Titans standout, has verbally committed to continue her swimming career at the University of Tennessee, one of the most competitive collegiate program
s. Whelehan will join the Lady Vols swimming program in 2027, bringing both speed and dedication as a driven athlete and proud swimmer.
The GH falcon sat down with the future Vols swimmer to ask about her commitment. Whelehan’s sister, Meredith Whelehan, announced her commitment to Tennessee in 2023, a main factor in Sloane’s decision to also commit. Sloane stated, “My sister goes there, so that kind of brought me into it first and then once I visited, I could see the team culture was really good, and the coaches really understood each one of their swimmers as individuals, not just athletes.” Sloane also expressed her gratitude towards her family, teammates and coaches. “My family in general has been a big influence throughout my swimming journey, we all swim so we kind of know how to push each other.” She also thanked Matt Kredich, director of swimming and diving at Tennessee, and the rest of the Tennessee coaching staff for the opportunity.
Whelehan has built a reputation as a highly versatile athlete, excelling in freestyle, backstroke and individual medley (IM) events. Her range of skills and continuous improvement have put her among the top recruits nationally. At the 2025 North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) Class 4A State Championships, she won the 50-yard freestyle in 22.93 seconds and the 200 free in 1:46:98, both personal bests. At winter competition Juniors East, she placed 6th in the 400 IM with a time of 4:16:31 in prelims. She also achieved lifetime best splits in various events. She executed a 100 backstroke in 54.19 seconds and 100 fly in 54.76.
Whelehan’s times in the 50 free (just under 23 seconds) and the 200 free (1:46-1:47) already would have placed her among the competitive performers on the current Tennessee roster. Sloane’s versatility, being able to swim backstroke and IM with competitive results, will add strategic value to Tennessee.
During Whelehan’s time as a Tennessee Vol, she hopes to contribute to the success of the program and help her team win the NCAA championship. She is currently interested in pursuing a career in kinesiology, the study of human movement and a career focused in preventing and managing injuries.
As a highly accomplished athlete, Whelehan looks forward to a future with the Tennessee Vols swimming program, excelling in her career and furthering her academics. If she continues at her current trajectory, she has the potential to make significant contributions to the Tennessee swimming program.
