Hononegah swimmer Gracie Colvin signs with Arkansas

After helping Hononegah finish 23^rd at the IHSA Girls State Swimming Championships last weekend, Gracie Colvin had an exciting next step in her athletic and academic career. On Tuesday night she signed her letter of intent with the University of Arkansas for a swimming scholarship.

The journey to get her to the signing started a long time ago. Gracie started her journey in Beloit and has taken her to places she could never have believed. She dreamed big and worked through all the challenges of the last few years. During the years when COVID slowed and stopped her from her normal training schedule, she took it upon herself to find training locations and put in the time to become an elite swimmer almost every day.

As Coach Brian McGuire said, “I can only think of one or two practices and training sessions missed over her career - Those were only because her parents or I felt she needed to rest.” Coach McGuire mentioned that last month, Gracie Colvin was named to the 2021 USA Swimming Scholastic All-American team, one of only 595 girls nationwide to gain such an honor. He thanked her for being a leader of the upcoming swimmers and showing them how to compete and go for what you want.

The National Signing Day event took place in the Hononegah High School Metal Gym. Gracie was joined in the gym by her parents, friends and the athletic administration of Hononegah High School. The overwhelming theme felt and heard in the gym was this is just the beginning for Gracie Colvin. Gracie expects to swim the sprint events and maybe a relay or two for Arkansas.

Follow Gracie’s journey at Arkansas on Instagram

Check out our interview with Gracie on signing day!