Grace Hoffmann - (Author)

By Grace Hoffmann, Swimming World College Intern I believe that life as told by a female swimmer varies a lot from the male swimmer's story. From having to explain to school friends why your hair is always thrown up in a ponytail, to those broad "swimmer shoulders" that everyone comments on, it is v...

By Grace Hoffmann It didn't take long for me to realize that my parents were just as, or maybe even more, involved in my swimming career than I was. I am grateful for all the times they woke up early to take me to morning practice, and the many hours they spent at swim meets waiting for me to swim a...

Where Would I Be Without Swimming? By Grace Hoffmann I have been swimming for 15 years and can honestly say that I have never met a swimmer who has said that they have always loved the sport. If you're out there and love swimming 100 percent of the time, then kudos to you! That's truly something spe...

Leave A Legacy: 3 Qualities of An Influential Leader During practice, she swims hard. She's focused, but still has fun. She watches her teammates with no judgment. When it comes time for “off the block racing,” she is the first out of the pool cheering her teammates on. She doesn't just cheer to che...

By Grace Hoffmann, Swimming World College Intern Freezing outdoor pool water. Lanes packed full. Six-and-under kiddos roaming the pool deck. High hope of thunder and lightning. As the summer is quickly approaching for college kids, decisions about the whereabouts of their training from May to August...

by Grace Hoffmann, Swimming World College Intern  "I do it because I love you and you love swimming!" were the words out of my mother's mouth every time I asked why she had to be at the pool on meet day before me. The people at the pool before the swimmers-- they rock! You don't realize it as a litt...

By Grace Hoffmann, Swimming World College Intern Athens, Georgia- Both FGCU women and UMBC men defended their Coastal Collegiate title yesterday evening. Day 4 of the championship meet contained two new individual meet records in the men's 100 freestyle and the women's 200 breaststroke. Women's Fina...

By Grace Hoffmann, Swimming World College Intern  In Athens, Georgia at the Gabrielsen Natatorium the FGCU Women are continuing to stay in the lead. The UMBC Men are also now in the lead while entering the last day of the 2016 Coastal Collegiate Championship on February 20. Four meet records fell la...

By Grace Hoffmann, Swimming World College Intern  Headed into Day 3 prelims of the Coastal Collegiate Swimming and Diving Championships the FGCU women and Incarnate Word men are in the lead. Last night's performance started with the 500 yard freestyle. Senior from Florida Gulf Coast, Lani Cabrera wo...

By Grace Hoffmann, Swimming World College Intern The CCSA Swimming and Diving Championships began on February 17. at the Gabrielsen Natatorium. On the Women's Side Florida Gulf Coast University took first place in the 200 yard Medley Relay and the 800 yard Freestyle Relay. FGCU's lineup of Elise Haa...

By Grace Hoffmann, Swimming World College Intern The Coastal Collegiate Sports Association (CCSA) will hold their 2015-2016 Swimming and Diving Championship meet at the University of Georgia February 17-20.  The meet will be held at the Gabrielsen Natatorium. The 11 teams in attendance on the Women'...

By Grace Hoffmann, Swimming World College Intern After winter training, a swimmer's mind can start to become consumed with thoughts surrounding their end of season meet. Whether it be an age group state, high school state, or the conference meet, the championship meet for the season can bring feelin...

By Grace Hoffmann, Swimming World College Intern As I called to interview a particular University of Arizona alum and 1996 NCAA champion, I expected to hear about swimming and his glory days. To my surprise, the only talk of swimming I had with Dr. Martin Pepper, was how swimming was “just a small p...

By Grace Hoffmann, Swimming World College Intern The prognosis of Christmas training is that it’s hard. Well, yes! However, winter training can be a blast too! Swimmers should flourish during the winter season because: 1. You can eat whatever you want... Calories?  More like cookies. Doubles and str...

By Grace Hoffmann, Swimming World College Intern Today, November 18, marks the last day for the Early Signing Period for college athletics. With the quick stroke of a pen, athletes all over the country signed their name and gave their word to the college team of their choice. All those months of rec...

By Grace Hoffmann, Swimming World College Intern When asked who my favorite swimmer was when I was little, with no hesitation, I would answer Natalie Coughlin. She’s strong. She’s powerful. She’s fast. She has been one of America’s leading female swimmers for years now. She qualified for every event...

By Grace Hoffmann, Swimming World College Intern As recruiting season picks up, the nation's top divers and swimmers choose their dream school to continue their athletic career. Some of these athletes continue their careers with a familiar face by their side, a teammate from the the club or a fellow...

By Grace Hoffmann, Swimming World College Intern A few months into the swim season and Coach’s expectations of you are already through the roof. You’re being pushed more than you have ever thought possible. The pressure is building and you haven’t even had a meet yet. Thoughts of championship season...

By Grace Hoffmann, Swimming World College Intern It had only been two weeks into college swimming and I missed the practices. I missed the yelling. I even missed the devious smile at 5 a.m. I missed my go-to therapist. I missed my motivator. “Dear Club Coach, Hey, it’s me Grace. Maybe you could come...