Grace McKenna '25 Recruiting Profile

Hi, my name is Grace McKenna. I am going into my junior year of high school, and I have been swimming competitively since I was 6 years old. I have been swimming for the YMCA Wyckoff Sharks in Wyckoff, New Jersey. I not only swim because I enjoy the physical challenge and adrenaline rush of the competition, but I truly fell in love with the sport of swimming at a very young age. I consider the pool my second home. Therefore, it is my passion to further pursue my swimming career in college. My high school team has also been a large asset in furthering my swimming career.  I have been on the Varsity Northern Highlands Swim Team since my freshman year of high school. I balance both my club and high school swim team in order to provide myself with as much practice and racing opportunities as possible. I enjoy the camaraderie of both teams and have had an amazing experience of racing in a positive competitive environment for the last ten years. I have enjoyed being an encouraging teammate on the pool deck and feel it is an important part of an extremely competitive sport. I am very excited to see where I will be able to continue my passion for the sport and which college, I will find my next swim home.  I have a strong determination and perseverance to continue pursuing my goals in swimming. Outside of the pool I have also excelled in school, as I have been an Honor Roll student for my freshman and sophomore year. I have also found much enjoyment with volunteering with kids who have disabilities.  I have been teaching children with disabilities about water safety and providing them with swim lessons, as well as assisting children with disabilities during hippo therapy sessions. I believe my perseverance and passion for the sport of swimming has pushed me into being the swimmer and person I am today. I am excited, determined, and passionate about advancing my academic and athletic career.