Harvard Collects 2027 Verbal From Illinois State Champion Yuri Plaksin
NEW COMMIT: Harvard University has received a new verbal commitment* for Fall 2027 from Yuri Plaksin out of Vernon Hills, Illinois. Plaksin is a Junior National qualifier specializing in backstroke and sprint freestyle.
He will join Francesco Ceolin as a member of the Crimson’s Class of 2031.
Simply put, he said the following regarding his commitment:
“GO CRIMSON!!”
Plaksin, who does his club swimming with RISE Aquatic Club, finished seventh in the 200 free, 12th in the 100 back and 19th in the 50 free at Juniors West back in December. Last summer, he finaled in two events at Minneapolis Sectionals before going on to collect six top-3 finishes at Illinois Long Course Seniors.
His best times include:
- 100 back – 48.05
- 200 back – 1:46.06
- 50 free – 20.09
- 100 free – 43.54
- 200 free – 1:36.52
Currently a junior at Vernon Hills High School, Plaksin won the 50 free and 100 free at the 2026 Illinois State Championships after winning both of those events at Libertyville Sectionals the week prior. He took second in the 100 free and third in the 200 free at the state meet during his sophomore season.
Harvard finished third at the 2026 Ivy League Championships.
*IVY LEAGUE DISCLAIMER:* A “verbal commitment” does not guarantee admission. An Ivy League coach cannot guarantee admission but can only commit support in the admissions process.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
