VYPE: When and how did you first get into playing your sport?

Gracyn: I started swimming when I was five years old. At my first swim meet I got scared and started to cry. Coach Valarie came to me and said, “You can either get in the pool or cry about it and leave”, so ever since then I have stayed in the pool. 

VYPE: What has been your favorite memory of playing?

Gracyn: My favorite memory was last year at state. I won second in the 50 free next to Allie Lewis. I was seated third and out touched my competitor for second. 

VYPE: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you?

Gracyn: I would say my former teammate Piper McNeil pushed me the most, both in the pool and weight training. My current teammate Ashley McDonald pushes me mentally. She always challenges me and keeps me going. 

What is your favorite part of being on a team?

My teammates are like my family and motivate me to be a better person and athlete. 

VYPE: Who inspires you?

Gracyn: My swim coach, Valarie Colburn, has always inspired me. Valarie has coached me since I was five and every year she continues to treat her athletes like her own kids. She pushes us past comfort both mentally and physically. Especially with our circumstances this year, she has only continued to push us. Reminding us “champions aren’t born they are made and the tough days are going to make us stronger”.

VYPE: Who is your favorite teacher from any grade?

Gracyn: One of my favorite teachers was my eighth grade math teacher, Lori Farris. She taught me to always have a passion for what you do and to always have pride in your work/accomplishments.

VYPE: Are you involved in any other activities?

Gracyn: I am the NHS vice president at Shawnee as well as a member of FCCLA. Outside of school I volunteer to alter serve and help with breakfast ministry. I also compete in USA swimming. I started USA swimming at 7 years old and have continued ever since.

VYPE: You can pick any place for a summer vacation, where do you go and who do you take with you?

Gracyn: I would like to go back to Florida to go parasailing. I would take my mom with me, she’s always supportive and encouraging me to try new things.

VYPE: Here is your chance to give a shoutout or say thank you to anyone you wish.

Gracyn: I want to say thank you to my parents; I could never have done any of this without them and their unconditional love and support. Thank you to all the coaches I have ever had, especially Valarie, she has taught me so much throughout the years and has never given up on me. Lastly I would like to thank my best friend Ashley. Ashley has been nothing less than a best friend, always encouraging and telling the truth especially when I don’t want to hear it.