Grace Dougherty '24 Recruiting Profile

We are moving- again! I believe that a person’s reactions to challenges in life offer significant insight into her overall potential and future successes. In the midst of the Corona Virus, I moved to a new city, started high school, and joined a new swim club right on the cusp of my fifteenth birthday. My freshman year was extremely demanding physically, mentally and emotionally. It took my body nearly 7 months to adjust to the greater physical demands and increased practice schedule at Carmel Swim Club. Making new friends and facing new academic rigors presented another set of challenges during a very unique time.  However, because of my determination, mental toughness and courage, at end of end of my freshman year I was recognized as a Carmel High School Scholar Athlete, given the Outstanding Teammate award in the High Performance group and achieved my first Winter Junior National time.  Reflecting back on it now, it was the most difficult and yet most rewarding year of my life so far. 

 I have moved several times and have lived in various places which has made me an empathetic person who is very adaptable to change. I know what it is like to feel uncertain, scared and overwhelmed. I am an open minded, gregarious person who is looking to be a leader at an academically challenging school that will allow me to do what I love most, SWIM.  I believe my adaptability to my current environment has fostered a strong work ethic and heightened my awareness for creating a welcoming and inclusive environment that prioritizes hard work, personal accountability and fun. I believe my achievements thus far are great indicators of the definitive impact I would have on a college swim team.