Grace Countie is synonymous with swimming success. On a high school level, Countie placed third at NCHSAA 4A States in the 50 Freestyle her freshman year after winning the Cap-8 and Regional meets; since then, Countie has not lost a 50 Freestyle to a high school competitor. Countie won the 50 Freestyle at Cap-8, Regionals, and States her sophomore and junior year, respectively, in addition to setting state records.
Countie has enjoyed similar success with club swimming. She qualified for Olympic Trials in August of 2015 at just 15 years old–and was one of only 82 women to qualify in the nation. At national meets, Countie has enjoyed tremendous national success in the 50 Freestyle, placing first at the 2015 Futures meet, placing third at the 2016 Winter Junior Nationals, and placing first at the 2017 National Club Swimming Association Spring Championship.
As a junior in high school, Countie was heavily recruited by large Division 1 schools. According to Collegeswimming.com, she has the 35th female recruit in the nation for the class of 2018; for North Carolina, she was ranked third. Countie was scouted by North Carolina State University, the University of Florida, and the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill, and the University of Georgia, among others.
On May 7, Countie verbally committed to the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill.
“I’ve grown up a UNC fan as both my parents went there and they’ve taken me to football games and basketball games. Also the campus is beautiful,” said Countie. On her unofficial visit to UNC, Countie met the team and coaches and loved them both.
“I just liked it. I felt like I could fit in there,” said Countie.
Countie’s former teammate, Collier Cobb, just finished his freshman year swimming for UNC and looks forward to swimming with Countie next year.
“Grace is a lot of fun to be around. I’m excited to keep practicing and improving with her,” said Cobb.
A current teammate of Countie, Madison Homovich, verbally committed the day before Countie to the University of Georgia.
