NEW COMMIT: Olympic Trials qualifier Grace Hanson of Hutchinson, Minn. has pledged her verbal commitment to the University of Missouri beginning in the fall of 2022.
She is the Tigers’ first public verbal commitment for the Class of 2026.
She told Swimming World:
“I am excited to announce my verbal commitment to Mizzou where I will be continuing my swimming and academic career! It has been great to get to know the coaches and team over the past few months. A special thanks to my parents, sister, family, coaches, teammates, and friends for their endless support. I can’t wait to be part of the Mizzou family! Once a tiger, always a tiger.”
A talented sprinter, Hanson does her club swimming with Waves Aquatic Club for coach Tricia Lilleberg and owns the Olympic Trials cut in the 50m free. She last competed at Minnesota Seniors in March where she collected gold in the 50 free and bronze in the 100 free after racing to 14th in the 50 free at Juniors West in December.
In summer 2019, she placed seventh in the 50m free at Minneapolis Sectionals before going on to take second in the 50m free, third in the 100m fly, and fifth in the 100m free at Minnesota LCM Seniors.
Photo Courtesy: Carrie Hanson
Her best times include:
- 50 free – 22.79
- 100 free – 49.83
- 50 fly – 25.35
- 100 fly – 55.47
Currently a junior at Hutchinson High School, Grace Hanson is already a four-time individual Minnesota Class A State Championship finalist. She won the 50/100 free combo as a sophomore while finishing first and second, respectively, in those events during her freshman season.
Hanson will add valuable depth both individually and on relays when she arrives on campus at the start of the 2022-23 season. She’ll be joining a program that produced current Tiger senior Sarah Thompson, who finished fifth in the 50 free at the 2020 SEC Championships, as well as junior Haley Hynes.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
